As reunions take place, the nature of them changes things for everyone involved
You guys, this is almost over! Well for part one, that is. I'm excited and anxious for the next part to come out :)
This one is from the more whimsical part of my imagination, with the magic, lighting and whatnot for this chapter and the next one.
Bonnie and the gang head to California in hopes of ensuring a pardon for what is likely to come from the leaders of all supernatural affairs, while Toni learns some shocking news regarding her fate with Archie.
Song for this chapter:
Don't Look Back- by Télépopmusik
Faerie party playlist:
Only Girl In the World -by Rihanna
Dangerous- by Kardinal ft Akon
My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark- by Fall Out Boy
We Are Young- Fun ft Janelle Monae
Flight to Las Vegas
Bonnie and Kol's POV
The flight attendant handed Kol two water bottles and when placed in his hands, he caught her eyes. "That will be all. We require no further interruptions for the remainder of the flight. But feel free to hound Damon and his lady companion," he placed the bottles on the table and the woman nodded before she exited the cabin with Kol following to lock the door behind her. He turned around and leaned against the door, grinning at his love, only she was not amused.
"And what if I need something, Kol?" Bonnie asked as she lounged in her seat.
"I'll tend to your every need," he replied with a leer.
"Right now I just want the peanuts,"
"I'm sorry, what?"
Bonnie rolled her eyes. "You know I said peanuts!"
He laughed and reached into the pocket of his jeans to pull out a plastic pouch of peanuts and strolled over to Bonnie. When she reached for it, he held onto it as their fingers touched. She wore no makeup and had her hair pinned back in a way that was evidently rushed but effective and the exhaustion on her face was apparent, still she looked beautiful as ever with her toned-down look in her oversized cardigan. It reminded Kol of when she was younger and still innocent considering all the world saving she took upon herself and he desired her so. He took her hand, rubbing her fingers tenderly.
Bonnie raised her brows, attempting a stern look. "Oh, don't start," she snatched the bag out of his hand.
"I only want to hold you. Though I ache for you in mad ways, this is comparable to the torment of not feeling you at all,"
Bonnie winced and sighed. Desire felt like an intrusion at the moment. It was torment that the feel of her body wanting Kol clashed disgustingly with memories of the last time she gave into her desire for her love, only it wasn't Kol but Kai. "Please, Kol. It's difficult for me," she extended her arms, offering her person to Kol. He pulled her up and into his lap as he took the seat next to her. She curled up on the seat of his lap. "You know when you say stuff like that, it makes me wanna kiss you and just forget the world,"
"I wouldn't oppose that,"
"We're not going to subject you to the PSTD that'll bring about,"
"I could have just killed him, you know. You'd still be here," Kol sighed and put one hand in her hair, the other one interlocked with Bonnie's fingers, knowing he couldn't afford them to wander. If that were to happen Bonnie would do her frazzled nerves bit and require some space from him. Only that would only trigger another quarrel about how he was not going to leave her be. He just got back from getting Toni and then a mindfucked journey that he still had to tell Bonnie about. No, he'd spent enough time without his love since their reunion and would be damned if he let anything else get in the way. He just needed her near.
"And deprive you of your beloved witch? That is not even funny, Kol. I can protect us better this way anyway. I can't wait until we get back. Toni with her powers, she could finally take him out and then I won't feel this way anymore,"
The fact that Kol was even summoned back to Mystic Falls was evidence enough that whatever protection spells she had for anyone would be in vain until the siphon issue was contained. He opted not to point it out at that moment since he had his girl in his arms, an argument would only spoil the mood.
He swallowed down his pride and suppressed the desire he knew she wasn't oblivious too. The magic that tormented them sweetly three years ago was locked away, still the atmosphere was telling. He thought of dirty and sticky children, it was one thing that could tame his arousal without adding to his bloodlust since children were innocent, they were just sticky and sometimes distastefully scented. There was only one exceptional kid he knew and that was Hope. "We are here together now. Would you really let one instance of his madness ruin all that we have? I've never blamed you for being deceived, have I, darling?"
"I know, I just… everytime I think we'll finally be happy, there's always something making me question it," she leaned against his chest. "Can't this be enough for now?"
"I'm willing to do anything for you but there are things I want as well,"
"You can have me, anytime, I just need to get past this emotional turmoil first,"
"Though it's one of my favorite things to do with you, acting on our lustful urges is not what I mean," he tilted her chin so she looked up at him, his eyes dark with intent. "I'm going to marry you one day, I've already got the dream wedding planned, I have since I met you. And when that day comes, there'll be no going back. You can no longer change your mind when things inevitably go astray because that sort of derailment is bound to happen, Bonnie. There will be times when the situation may appear bleak and unfavorable for us when navigating through the storm that is our relationship," he squeezed her hand, sighing. "You and I are tested and challenged from all angles and it can be literal hell, but I will always choose being in hell with you over being without you. You must choose the same, you can no longer decide it's not working out in your favor and leaving is the solution. It's not your favor anymore, it's ours. You can't leave me again, hexes and witch curses be damned," she opened her mouth to protest but Kol shushed her with a finger. "I'll give you all the time you need love, just know that when that day comes I will be keeping you forever and I won't let you go,"
Bonnie pulled away to speak. "That is unfair pressure because what if it takes me until I'm fifty? You know I'm not going to want to be fifty years old and marry someone who doesn't even look a day over nineteen or twenty… or actually maybe I will," she smirked then her face hardened. "But still,"
"Then I'm going to have a lovely graying bride. Take your time love. I've got nothing but it,"
"And if I don't? Are we calling it quits then?"
"If you don't marry me?"
"Yeah, what if I'm never ready to get married?"
Kol peered at her hard, certain she was just trying to piss him off due to her own insecurities, only he wasn't going to let that deter him. "In that case I will seduce you so hard, you'll have no choice but to give in and agree to it while in the throes of passion. I'll hold you to any promise you're impulsive enough to make,"
Bonnie scoffed and turned away. "I'm serious, what if I decide soulmates or not I don't want to marry a vampire because I'm just going to grow old and die?! I'm a witch, Kol I can't… can't turn,"
On the other hand, when she pushed him, blatantly testing the bounds of his patience while he gave his best attempt at comfort, it tended to feel like throttling some sense into her would be the better way to assuage her asinine fears that they shouldn't be together. It was the romantic in him that desired the privilege to one day call Bonnie Bennett his wife, a grand gesture to amend the fact that her first marriage- one that hardly counted at that- was to anyone but Kol. It was complete and utter bullshit that now had his love on with her absurd notions, literally questioning their fated destiny!
Lord, he blamed the siphon for this attitude that only came about after he fucked up intimacy for them. Especially since… NO. In no way was that possible, in no world he could even imagine someone as vile as Malachai Parker would be fit for someone as pure-hearted as Bonnie.
There was only so much he could do to contain his frustration and her despairing heart was becoming unbearable, given the circumstances. His hands slipped from her hair and her hand to grip his cropped strands. "Oh, most definitely Bonnie, in fact it's a game I like to play. You see you, the literal girl of my dreams comes into my life after a thousand years and we fall madly in love. Only for you to leave me, soul crushed and broken hearted for the better part of three years. Then, I finally get you back, only to find out about your supernatural nuptials, due to an obsessive siphon's trickery, which means I can no longer touch you. So, really I could agree that the best course of action would be for us to part again because it didn't do enough damage on my mental the first time!"
Bonnie frowned and leaned back. "I'm literally letting you hold me now. Don't be rude,"
"Rude, little witch? I consider it rude declaring your eternal love for me until it dwindles out of some inconvenience. It's not how life or relationships work out, is it?"
"My love hasn't dwindled, I'm just feeling lost, I don't know what to do, Kol!"
"Trust me," he sighed and pulled her closer. "Tensions are incredibly heightened right now,"
Her petulance was still intact. "Maybe we should talk about this later,"
"You have my sincerest apologies, love. I fail to comprehend why you allow anything to drive a wedge between you and I. I simply mean that for now you can dawdle as much as you like but you can never truly hide from us. And on our fateful day of matrimony, I will no longer let you hide from me," She stiffened and sat up straight. "Don't be that way. I'm not asking you for your hand at the moment. I'm demonstrating as much patience as I have, Bonnie and it's all I can do," Kol said when she was still pouting. "We will proceed at your pace as we have always done," He pulled her closer once more and sniffed her hair, inhaling deeply. "You smell positively alluring,"
Bonnie wasn't agreeing to anything she hadn't fully thought out yet, and if there was a wedding in store for them, there were things that would need to be addressed beforehand. "We'll discuss it later," she finally said. His hands snaked around her waist protectively and locked her in place. "Do you think this will work? That the faeries will understand?" She asked.
"They aren't known among us ancient ones as very understanding, but they will defend their own. No charge should come against Toni for defending herself and her companions, especially if she wields the power to. It's just a precaution to ensure the Summit isn't breathing down our necks. Free will is still a human right," he winked at her. "Sleep now, my love. You're exhausted,"
Moans and sighs ensued as she relaxed into his very wholesome embrace. For the first time in days, Bonnie fell asleep in his arms as he recanted tales of his first encounters with faerie kind.
While she slept, Kol looked down at his sleeping beauty and entered her mind when an idea sparked from his.
She was a rosy cheeked, full bellied, curly headed with a big ballerina bun, preschool aged Bonnie. She watched Abby drive off in tears and wondered why her mother was crying. Then she noticed a fellow toddler who jumped on the pavement in a light stomp. Bonnie smiled and jumped too, when her heart recognized it was Kol. They took turns smiling and impressing one another with how high they could jump. A toddler Rebekah toddled over and she grinned the happiest grin as she started jumping too. They all giggled during their jumping session. Then Kol took her hand and started running towards the back of her home.
The backyard became the woods and this time, Bonnie and Kol were around ten years of age. Her face suddenly dropped and she went to sit against a tree with her knees pressed to her chest and her head in her hands. Kol kneeled next to her.
"What is it?" He asked.
"She didn't send a package this year,"
"Abby didn't send anything?"
She shook her head, slowly and so sadly.
Kol frowned and sat against the tree. He thought for a moment until an idea came to him. "Bonnie! Close your eyes and hold out your hand," he said, turning towards her.
She tried to hide a grin as she closed her eyes and held out her hand. When she opened her eyes, there was a Walkman CD complete with headphones. She gasped. "For me?"
Kol nodded, matching her vibrant smile. "Skip to the eleventh track," he suggested.
Bonnie complied and the intro to Destiny's Child Dangerously in Love began to play. "Awww, Kol!" She gently placed the Walkman on the ground and tenderly wrapped her arms around Kol, holding him close. "You're the best," she whispered into his ear.
When she pulled back, Kol was nineteen again, dressed in a black tuxedo, looking as handsome as the night she met him. Bonnie looked around and realized she was seventeen again at the Mikaelson ball. Abby was standing nearby with Klaus in a golden flowing ballgown. She was beaming at her daughter.
Bonnie finally realized what was going on as she turned back to Kol. "You did all this for me?"
He didn't say anything, just extended his arm out and spun her. Upon pulling her towards him with her back to his chest, he embraced her with his hands crossed over hers under her bosom. The cool of his breath on her ears gave her chills as he spoke softly. "Don't you know by now lover, I would do anything for you?"
Kol listened as Bonnie hummed in his arms as she slept. She slept more soundly than she had in days. His angel, his whole heart. It was hard to forgive himself for letting the chain of events that led to them separating take place. If he would have just kept her near, the misadventures with the prison world could have gone completely different. Contemplating that brought him to the realization that in doing anything to protect the ones you love was in no way immune to a hefty price. The regret Bonnie expressed in inadvertently letting the unhinged anti-witch out of his damnation was all too telling of her heart. She would give up her own freedom just to keep the monster that he was locked away. In that moment he knew that if he was the one trapped there instead of Damon, there wasn't any way he'd leave her there with Kai, he wouldn't let it happen. Kol would give up his own life for her and send her back, tethering himself to an eternity with the siphon. Anything as long as his angel got to shine and thrive in her life. The immense love he had for her meant that he would take on her suffering so she could be free of it.
But he had her back now. There was no need to part, ever again, still he understood there was a trauma she was trying to reconcile. Bonnie saved his life in more than one way and he vowed he'd always show her just how deep his gratitude and appreciation for her ran, even if it meant he had to hold back physically. She was worth all the suffering.
She was awakened when a knock on the cabin startled her. "I've got you, love," Kol whispered, mentally instructing Toni to unlock the door with her magic, since Bonnie was still cozy in his arms. Come in little sprite.
Toni entered with the ever resolute look decorating her features. "We're here,"
~~~
Flashback to waking Elijah
Toni's POV
What else was this freak going to get away with Toni wondered. Siphoning and kidnapping poor Davina, who hopefully wasn't dead, should have been anticipated, though the witch insisted she had it under control. The fact that they were gone and no word had been heard from them could mean she was dead or being used for leverage when Kai decided show himself in another bid for Bonnie. Enough was enough and Toni wanted to use magic on him already. Only she needed a member of a prestigious supernatural committee on her side. Fortunately or unfortunately, she wasn't sure which, that was another Mikaelson, an Original Vampire.
"Your instincts to protect yourself will automatically manifest. Elijah won't appear like it, but he is a Mikaelson, he will be hungry. Nik and I spent a fair amount of time torturing him for his interference with our ladies," Kol said, carefully as he led her and Klaus to the bedroom in the Mikaelson mansion that held Elijah's coffin. "And then he lost his head,"
"And when all this siphon mess is behind us, Elijah and I will spend our fair share of tormenting you," Klaus gave his little brother an evil, promising smirk. "Can't wait for our turn,"
The trio paused in front of the cherry wood casket, which Kol opened up to reveal a grayed body.
Toni couldn't decide if the Blossom family or the Mikaelson's were more dysfunctional but one thing was clear about the hearts of both Cheryl and Kol. Scheme as they might, when they were in love, their heart was true and they'd stop at nothing for the one who held their heart. Damn, how she missed her Cherry Bombshell! The girl who'd recruited a whole gang for her, as a grand gesture when Toni wanted community. Before she got carried away with memories that would only ever live in her heart, she thought of Kol and Bonnie's relationship. Bonnie had informed her of their first date and how he'd planned an elaborate night out with a helicopter ride over New York and with a live band inside a five-star restaurant that would be closed to the public that night. She'd talked him out of it, to his dismay, wanting a simple small-town experience, she said. At the time she was still getting to know him and didn't want his grand gestures distracting from the connection they were building. By now it was apparent that was just how he showed his love.
She wondered when he was going to tell Bonnie his latest and greatest fear brought on by what could only be regarded as a vivid nightmare. Many worlds in which somehow, his association with Bonnie would only cause her harm was burned into the back of his mind. Even in the present moment, there was lingering fear that deep down everything he was fighting for was in vain if their soulmate situation didn't work out? He'd been expecting her for a thousand years. Could he really let her go if she was meant for more than the peak of their relationship?
That was a question Toni quickly realized she need not ponder. Of course he wouldn't, he'd rather suffer a fate worse than death than lose his love again. No wonder he was willing to kill Kai so she could turn.
Kol ignored Klaus and poured a blood bag into his brother's lips. As soon as he did that, there was an undeniable change in frequency of the atmosphere all around her. With her powers expanding with the help of Kol, Toni's bright light manifested in a glow all around her as she saw Elijah hiss at her with his beast's form, only to be singed by her light.
"What is she doing here?" He asked, affronted.
"Control yourself Elijah, you've only been daggered for three years," Kol said with a chuckle.
"And a lot has happened since then," Klaus added. Then he and Kol, each using their enhanced speed, rushed over and placed a hand on his head, unloading their memories of the past three years unto him.
Elijah groaned and stumbled out of the coffin, though his brothers kept their hands in place.
"Toni, darling. He needs to view your memories as well," he held out a hand to her. Toni was glad Kol knew there was no way she'd go near the starving vampire. Elijah would get her memories through her contact with Kol.
"Just open my mind to it?" She asked as she reached for his hand.
"Try to focus on the chaos your life has been since you encountered this fool," Klaus suggested.
"Since your friend went missing. And everything since then that's led to our crossing paths," Kol corrected.
Toni closed her eyes and focused on her life for the past three years. From Archie's disappearance, the murder of Mrs. Grundy, the wild goose chase she and Cheryl went on to find him, the rumbles with rival gangs, the seances and witch covens she'd encountered. And meeting Kai Parker. The more memories unloaded unto Elijah, the more pain he was in.
She felt bad until Bonnie and Abby walked in, each wearing expressions as if the air in the Mikaelson mansion was a rancid stench. Toni took a few steps back.
Kol and Klaus released their hold on Elijah then. He stumbled to his feet. "Miss Bennett," he rasped.
"So now that you're up to date on current events, Bonnie has something she'd like to give you. A long overdue gift if you will," Kol rubbed the small of Bonnie's back. "And then she has a special request,"
Bonnie took a step forward as Abby took her place at Klaus's side. The young witch stiffened her fingers at her sides and glared at Elijah, who doubled over in pain once again.
"That's for compelling Damon to kill my mom!" She balled her hands into fists and strengthened her spell, causing the Original more agony. "And that is for trying to end the last of the Bennett witch line to preserve your own selfish lives,"
"Abby may be a vampire now but her lineage will continue through Bonnie," Klaus said as he wrapped an arm around Abby's waist.
Toni merely observed instead of bringing attention to the fact that the Bennett line would certainly not continue if Bonnie was to spend the rest of her life with Kol. She figured it was the potential of the situation.
"So any moves you make against my mother or me, you'll be making against your own brothers," Bonnie narrowed her eyes. "Can you find a way to justify that in the name of always and forever?"
Elijah only glared at her as his chest heaved from the pain of her spell.
"I didn't think so. And Toni is a friend. A very special one. You will not show her the disrespect and disregard you've shown us Bennett witches," she finally released him from her spell. "Now we have to go to California to ensure Toni isn't reprimanded for the siphon issue. If they refuse to grant her clemency, we'll need an official pardon from you. After everything you've done, it's the least you can do Elijah,"
Bonnie was a boss bitch and no one was going to tell her shit! The fire and determination she had was her strength of character. Just like Toni, she wasn't the sort of person who took pride in coming to others for help. Instead, she was demanding assistance from the Original like the respect she was well overdue.
Klaus spoke up then. "So I guess the only question left now is…"
"Do we have an understanding, Elijah Mikaelson?" Toni asked. The entire atmosphere was all too telling that it would be a mistake to make an enemy out of any of the women present.
"You want me to call an emergency summit,"
"It might come to that. The fae prefer not to concern themselves with our menial issues, though as you've observed, this situation has escalated,"
Elijah nodded slowly. "Forgive me, Miss Bennett. Abigail. Given the circumstances and our history, a formal apology is warranted. You have my sincerest regrets on the way I conducted myself when attempting to handle my mother's diabolical agenda," Bonnie's expression didn't waver, but she did notably interlock her fingers with Kol.
"Accepted,"
"From this point forward, you have my full support if the need for an emergency summit should arise, you understand there has to be a dire circumstance to warrant this? And in the event it reaches The Summit, there is no guarantee the outcome will be favorable for any faction of The Summit,"
"We understand perfectly, Elijah. Trust me, brother, it's warranted," Kol said.
Elijah looked over his little brother. Whatever he was thinking was locked behind a red door, which Toni considered another red flag about this family.
"What's warranted, brother, can be subject to interpretation, can't it?" He finally said.
Las Vegas
2013
Toni, Kol, & Bonnie's POV
When Toni's feet touched the ground she breathed in deeply. The air in Nevada smelled earthy and felt fresher than she expected the desert to be. The atmosphere pulsed with the energy of the sun and to her surprise it was something she'd never before experienced, yet the sensation was strangely familiar.
Damon stepped next to her and there was a tingling sensation vibrating from him.
"It's stronger than I thought," Damon's chest was heaving and the veins flickered on his face.
Kol appeared out of nowhere, in front of Damon's face. "You had better control it,"
Damon only glared at him and took a deep breath. "I've got this, Peter Pan," he snapped.
Toni stifled a smirk when she heard Damon use his thoughts of their night together to content himself. She inhaled deeply and realized something did definitely smell wonderful and it was so strong.
Kol passed a quick glare over her and she squared her shoulders before her gaze lazily drifted away. He was equally annoyed and concerned with her attitude when it came to Damon, the worry that something may transpire between them could throw her off her game if her emotional focus wasn't on the mission at hand. But Damon was the only one compelled, he began to contemplate if he should compel Toni too. As he did, those thoughts were pushed to the back of his mind when his beloved came to the door of the plane in her burgundy cut out dress and began descending like the queen she was.
There was magic vibrating everywhere, more powerful than Bonnie had ever felt, though something about it was oddly familiar. It was a beautiful and alluring feeling, seeming as though there were twenty Toni's standing all around her, seducing her with her fae essence.
For some incomprehensible reason, the lure of the faerie essence wasn't entrancing Kol the way it clearly did the others. It was almost as if he'd had an abundance of the energy far too recently and he was over it. A fact which definitely made it easier to keep his bloodlust in check as four floating orbs approached. He took his love's hand as she stepped off the staircase and gestured to them.
Bonnie stood next to Toni, with Kol on Bonnie's other side and Damon at the other side of Toni. She watched in fascination as Kol pointed towards the balls of light in red, green, lavender, and maroon that were headed that way. This was nothing like the phantasm cloud that attacked her and her companions when she completed the expression triangle. This one was warm and inviting, which was odd to Bonnie, seeing as how the faeries normally kept to themselves and typically aligned themselves with wolves, yet they were welcoming a witch and two vampires with Toni.
The glowing spheres halted a few paces away before the bright beams expanded with a blinding flash of light. Bonnie had to cover her eyes by burying her face in Kol's chest. When she looked back, Damon was gawking at four beautiful women in their respective colors. Three of them were the sister's Toni had told her about, and there was another woman in burgundy.
The woman in burgundy smiled at Toni. "Antoinette Topaz. We've been expecting you. I am Luna,"
"I'm Autumn,"
"I'm Dawn,"
"I'm Summer,"
They introduced themselves, beginning with the woman in burgundy, cherry red, lavender, and emerald green.
"Thanks, it's just Toni. And well, here I am. I'm ready to do this, and get this halfling part over with," Toni stepped forward with as much confidence as her nerves could muster. She noticed not one of the faeries had their thoughts opened and she closed her own, cutting out the worries of her traveling companions. "But I do have questions,"
"Naturally," Luna nodded. "All in good time,"
"We're actually short on time," Kol said with a glare fixed on Autumn. Lord her perpetual chipper demeanor vexed him, though he was careful to guard his thoughts since these fae couldn't be trusted. All he brought Bonnie here was to make a compelling case without having hell rained down on them as a consequence. His ulterior motives would be safeguarded. "So if we could kindly move things along, we've got a blossoming ceremony to commence,"
"I see vampire patience is as potent as ever," Luna said with a sigh. Then she lifted her hands, along with her fellow faes. A warm feeling spread throughout Kol and he guessed Damon as well, noticing his subtle reaction. "Precautions must be kept in place to protect our people, you understand. It is the only way to proceed. Bonnie Bennett, hi. You understand, don't you? Especially knowing these two,"
The red faerie smirked at Kol and Bonnie wondered why the hell she was looking at her man as if she knew him. She knew they were familiar with Toni, but both she and Kol insisted they wouldn't venture near any vampires, especially being far out of their own territory. "Uh, yeah. Safety first,"
"What the hell?!" Damon snapped as he pressed his hands to his teeth, feeling for fangs. Bonnie looked up at Kol, who was doing the same thing.
"You must surrender your fangs if you are to enter the faerie territory," the crimson faerie reiterated.
"Come on, guys it'll be fine," Toni said. She had an inexplicable trust that came on suddenly, though Kol had warned her about the dealings of some fae, especially when it came to the light ritual. It was more than that, a burgeoning compulsion to push forward, as if she was traveling towards her calling. "Where to?"
"Oh we must, quickly, to California! Everyone join hands," Autumn squealed. Her excitement seemed to double each time Toni encountered her. She grabbed Toni's hand, while each fae grabbed a hand from Bonnie, Kol, and Damon before they each disappeared into a rising, blinding light.
~~~
Toni's POV
As her faerie sisters teleported the group to California, Toni could feel the ancient and mystical magic of the fae shrouding Bonnie as the light consumed her and grappled with the power of the Gemini Coven. The magic from the Gemini leader was unwilling to let her submit to the power he ordained for her. For both of them. The Gemini Coven were among the strongest in the world since their power lay in the hearts of all the past coven leaders. Trained in magic since infancy, their power only grew. It was a natural defense mechanism to fight off a foreign and evasive magic, as Kai's power only aimed to guard her and protect the magic he'd bestowed unto her. Try as it might, there was no true shield against fae magic and its power surpassed that of witches by tenfold. It was a futile struggle at best.
Toni figured she needn't worry since she knew the intimate blood exchange with Kol helped to keep Bonnie's struggle to a minimum. The nuptial magic was already considered adulterated, with how Kai and all his woven spells kept their intimacy from annulling the coerced marriage.
Though it was evident a surge in her magic's aggravation came with the faerie's method of transportation. His magic was still trying to protect her. All or nothing, just like the unhinged siphon. It dimmed as the light while Toni opened her eyes. The air in California smelled even more enchanting, it was a mix of rose water and ocean breeze scent drifting through the air.
The magic of the Gemini had been subdued.
San Diego, California
Archie's POV
The lake lit up with the orange faerie's luminescence as she dived in again, swimming a full lap before she poked her head out from the water and beckoned Archie. He simply smiled and shook his head, politely declining. In the past three days, she'd kept him extremely busy with various hunting and community service activities. He figured coming down to lounge on the lakeshore was for some rest and relaxation. He preferred to lay back in his beach chair.
"If it is rest and relaxation you want, then it is rest and relaxation I will give you," Ginger said with a smile as she emerged from the lake. Then she looked past the redhead and used her magic to change her wet state and outfit into her signature orange cutout, flowing dress. She was now fully dry and her hair in soft barrel curls as she held a hand out towards Archie. "It's time,"
Once he was on his feet he took her hand, turned around, and saw a horde of the fae descending on the lake. The air took on a sweeter, more inviting scent. Ginger led him to the crowd, who formed a wide circle around them. She released his hand softly and lifted an easy hand to shield his eyes, donning a wide smile as a bright white light radiated in front of him. He closed his eyes and the strength and heat from the light almost became unbearable until suddenly the heat was dissipating.
"Jesus, I don't know if I'll ever get used to that," a sardonic voice remarked. "But we sure ain't in Kansas anymore. How you guys doing? Are you good witches, or naughty witches?"
"Damon, stop talking," another voice, clearly annoyed, said. A very familiar annoyed voice.
Archie opened his eyes and gasped when he saw- "Toni?" She was standing with a bronzed skin girl and two pale men, both of whom were giving him an assessing gaze. Each person was hand in hand with three members of the fae cabinet.
"Archie! You're alive?!" She dropped Autumn's hand and ran to him and threw her arms around him. "We've all been through hell wondering what happened to you,"
"I'd just like to clarify that we don't know you and we're just wondering what you have to do with some ominous prophecy about ending all vampires," Damon, who wouldn't stop talking, said.
At the mention of vampires, every faerie in sight conjured a ball of light in their respective color and raised it nearly to eye level.
"What? Might as well cut to the chase,"
Toni slowly released Archie and stepped back, eyeing her companions, two of which clutched each other's hands. "Whoa," she said, looking around.
"Luna," the petite brunette said carefully. "We come in peace,"
"At ease, friends," a loud voice from the middle of the crowd gently commanded. A path was cleared for Diana, leader of the faerie clan as she stepped forward. All dressed in white, she had an immaculate glow about her. "They're only showing off. We haven't had a vampire incident in almost a millennia. This is more like a practice drill," she smiled warmly at Toni and her company. "Toni Topaz and Bonnie Bennett. We knew you were coming and we knew you'd be in the company of vampires,"
"Then put the light balls away," the tallest vampire said. "We can't even use our fangs,"
"Kol,"
"Bonnie,"
The couple exchanged looks while Diana threw her head back and laughed. "You're right, enough with the intimidation factor. Kindred," the woman in white extended her arms above her head. "Light up the sky!"
Archie gasped in awe, as did Toni and Bonnie, as each light wielding fae thrust their light beams up, sending lightning towards the clouds in the sky. Thunder clapped as the flurry of light beams exploded into fireworks before the clouds, effectively lighting up the sky with an array of luminescent hues. Suddenly the idea of another party quite tempted him.
The welcome party on the lake shore was still in full swing after two hours. Archie didn't understand why Toni was so tense when the party was so great. Food, music, dancing, faerie lightshows and magic in the air. What was not to like? She was finally home and everyone was in carefree spirits. Her friends seemed to be enjoying themselves, only being put off by her poor attitude. He figured he'd take her aside and pick her brain.
"Toni, can I see you for a moment?" He pulled her to the side as Kol side eyed him with a glare of repugnance.
Toni leaned in and practically hollered in his ear. "Can we go somewhere quiet?!"
He nodded and beckoned her to follow him. He led her to the cabin he'd taken up residence in the last week with Ginger. Before that, he'd spent a month in a beach house with Aqua. Ginger wouldn't mind, Toni was fae royalty after all and since Archie had arrived over three years ago, the fae women from the Pleasure House were ordained to act as his own personal courtesans.
"You don't seem to be enjoying the party very much. I thought you'd be happy, Toni. You're here now, don't you know what that means?"
"No, but I'm hoping you'll cut the suspense and just tell me," Toni remarked with a cheeky grin.
"It means we're going to get them back,"
A frown covered her features.
"Geri. Ms. Grundy, I mean. And Cheryl,"
She raised her brow. "Archie, they're dead,"
"Not exactly. They can come back," he placed his hands on her shoulders and smiled. "Me and you, we'll make it happen,"
"How?"
"You'll see. At your light ritual. But… you have to let your friends go," his eyes glanced upwards in a gesture to the cabin. "They're not going to let you help the witch. It's not your problem,"
"The hell it's not! We've been harassed by the same siphon witch, I'm supposed to just let him get away with it?!"
"If you wanna see Cheryl again, yes,"
"What?!"
Ugh, why are Kol and Bonnie the CUTEST? Whoops, guys, this chapter was going into overtime, so I had to snip the edge off and leave it for the next chapter, think I picked a good point of suspense! The mind manipulation Kol does for Bonnie, I thought it was a good way to rewire some of her memories that went far beyond their initial meeting, which was quite draped in passion and teenaged lust. He understands she's feeling betrayed by her lustful urges since Kai is huge jerk! Effing everything up, smh. So Kol wanted to offer memories regarding him that were more warm and wholesome, things she'll not likely have with Kai (or will she?). I also think that when entering her mind, he can do anything in the dreamscape, which is why I had them practicing magic as children, in the dream world, anything is possible!
Also, what the heck is Archiekins (my redheaded Stefan lookalike) talking about? More importantly, what the heck does it have to do with Bonnie? Hope you enjoy this chapter and my visuals, I thought them fitting.
I am working super hard to catch all my insane plotholes continuity errors, please bear with me it's my first time! (There are some things left ambiguous to circle back to in parts 2 and 3 like Elena's pregnancy transition and the whole Lily and Heretics thing) I hope y'all are still rocking with this story until the end!