Chapter 11- Encounters & Introductions

In a sweet tiny voice began to babble, "Ma… ma… mama."

The word hung in the air like a melody of a song, long forgotten, that nags the brain, wanting to be remembered and cherished, but the lyrics have no more meaning and taste like ash, never to be spoken. And for two wounded souls standing in the foyer with their own separate battles to fight, the power of that word, unbeknownst to them, unexpectedly caused a bond to be created stronger than any bond born of blood or magic.

Hearing Henrik calling out "mama" didn't register to Bonnie at first, not realizing he was calling out to her, however when he called out again, stronger and more determined, she felt the pull in her heart and soul. This pull was stronger than what she had experienced as she traveled to New Orleans previously. As she held onto Desi she directed her line of sight to the child, she could see that he was reaching out to her and without hesitation she started to move but Desi stopped her.

While Bonnie was indeed blind, she held a secret that only she and Lucy were aware of; while she held onto someone, she was able, in fact, to see enough to make out shapes and broad actions and sometimes facial features. It was like looking through a dirty or dusty window. She could only see in black and white and with no accurate depth perception. "Seeing" this way had a cost, if done for long periods of time she would get migraines that could last for several days, but the maneuver was useful when she was somewhere new trying to learn the layout of a place or if she was just curious.

Most people just assumed she was holding on for guidance, but this was her little secret, especially if she wanted to get a rudimentary look at someone, as she did when she first met Klaus Mikaelson, however what she hadn't realized yet was that she did see the brilliance of his blue eyes, she had not seen such a vivid blue in ten years.

Klaus wanted to deny he heard his son calling out to the witch, assigning her the word reserved for the one person that was meant to love unconditionally, protect and nurture. His sweet son was meant to be calling Geeta this word that in all languages was the embodiment of love and although Esther was a very pale representation of a loving mother, he knew what a mother was supposed to be. And there wast at some point, in its infancy, that she truly did love her children, otherwise why gift them with immortality. The question settled in his dark heart and he knew that the answer was to satisfy her selfishness, not necessarily for the love of her children and wanting to protect them.

He couldn't fathom why Henrik would call out the witch but they heard his announcement of the witchling and they all saw his reaction and Klaus had a feeling that his demeanor throughout the day was in part due to her. He didn't know why but that was just another mystery that he was sure to uncover.

Henrik's reaction was at odds with Klaus' need to have his son comforted by any means necessary and his sudden anger with the Bennett Witch. His guilt over the fact that Geeta was not alive and present to be called mama, the undeniable reason for that lay solely in his hands, caused his frustration and ire to be directed towards the witch. The turmoil of the inner battle that Klaus was suffering was evident on his face for a brief moment until he schooled his features, securing his stoney mask of indifference, but it was the keen eye of the other Bennett witch that witnessed Klaus' internal struggle.

As Henrik continued to cry out, Bonnie could no longer abide the desperate pleading in the cries as he called out to her so she tentatively walked in his direction while dragging a confused Desi with her. As she moved in front of Freya and Henrik she dropped her walking stick and released Desi's arm then reached out for the child. Freya looked to Lucy for guidance, with a slight nod of her head to acquiesce, Freya loosened her grip on Henrik and with the slack he almost leaped into the awaiting arms of Bonnie Bennett.

"You certainly know how to get what you want, don't know little guy. Why all the fuss and tears, you are okay," Bonnie softly chirped as she "looked" at him, the now cooing and smiling baby in her arms. She felt his magic as it mingled and introduced itself to hers and her magic hummed with such delight that she almost started to giggle out loud. Unbeknownst to Bonnie or anyone standing in the room, once their magic merged, it caused a potent explosion of combined magic that ripple out from Bonnie and Henrik. It was something new, powerful and unique that they now shared, a magical signature that connected their two hearts. As they looked at each other the whole house could feel the shift of the current of magic and flow when it dissipated as Henrik was embraced by Bonnie.

She continued to smile at the child, marveling at the power she felt from the little guy, her little guy, and she also realized that she could see him perfectly in vivid color as in her dreams. He was the baby she so desperately sought after. Henrik settled in her arms and within a matter of minutes he was sleeping with a content smile on his cherubic face.

"Well Cuz, that was an entrance," Lucy said with a smirk as she walked to Bonnie and gave her an awkward hug since she was holding the baby.

"Desi you look amazing sis," Lucy directed to the confused witch, standing there watching the whole scene just like everyone else. Clearly there was something bigger than what any of them could have imagined. Desi had a lot of questions, which she was sure they all did as well. And now that things seemed to settle down, it was at this point Desi felt that uncomfortable feeling of being in the presence of vampires and not only vampires but the Original vampires, the Old Ones. The feeling wasn't as unpleasant as she expected, through past experience and this comforted her since she would be staying here in their home and working with them to stop this new big bad. If it had been too much for her she would have had to find different lodgings elsewhere and at this time of night and after driving all day, she was too exhausted to go searching. Normally she wouldn't trust vampires or not many, but if Lu trusted them then she would also, plus it didn't hurt that she was a pretty powerful witch.

Bonnie motioned to Lucy to take Henrik since he was sound asleep with little snores coming from his mouth. She was reluctant to let him go but she knew that she needed to. Lucy took the sleeping child and gave him back to Freya.

"I will take him to his nursery," she informed them as she looked at Klaus then walked away.

"I guess introductions should be formally made," Lucy retorted as she grabbed ahold of Bonnie's arm so she could "see"who was who. "This tall glass of water is Fin, the eldest Mikaelson, Freya left to put Henrik down, she is an immortal witch, the gorgeous blonde is Rebkah and the imp that was about to get his ass handed to him is Kol, next is Marcel Gerard, the devilishly handsome son of Klaus and last but not least is the infamous hybrid king of New Orleans, whom you already had the pleasure of handing him his ass." Lucy chuckled as she remembered that day.

Klaus had been silent all this time, observing the witch with his son and at the sight of the brilliance of her smile, his pulse quickened. Thoughts of being the reason that she shamed the sun with her smile, crossed his mind unbidden. And he wondered what price he would have to pay to have her smile at him with such bliss, whatever it was, Klaus was sure that he would pay it. He was roused from his reverie upon hearing Lucinda, his only response was to roll his eyes and snort in disbelief that she would bring that up. He knew that he would hear of it again.

Lucy laughed out loud, "Everyone this is Bonnie Bennett the also infamous Bennett Witch and this dark beauty is Desdemona, one of the five sisters and one of the most badass witches that I know and my most cherished friend."

Desi smiled shyly then offered, "Call me Desi, please."

"Ms. Desdemona, what a captivating moniker for an enchanting lady," said Elijah, who had been silently standing by the door for the last few minutes. As everyone turned to see him, he walked towards Desi and gave a gentlemanly bow. If not for her dark skin they all would have seen Desi blush as she smiled at the immaculately dressed vampire.

By this time Freya had come back down the stairs, Bonnie was ready to get to business and tired of standing in the foyer. "I need to have a room next to little guy and Desi needs a room to the East, if there is one. I need to get some sleep. In the morning we need to start preparing for the unexpected and discuss what information we have thus far of our enemy." Bonnie commanded, although she didn't mean to be rude or sound like a bitch, but she was tired, her head hurt and she was suddenly filled with a consuming need to protect Henrik and she wasn't going to be distracted.

"Also the wards surrounding the property are not as strong as they should be. Lucy you know better, what the hell have you been doing all this time?" It was a question that she expected to have an answer for once she had a chance to talk to her cousin in private.

"I established those wards and we haven't had any issues thus far," Freya snapped indignantly, trying to control her annoyance with the Bennett Witch.

As she stretched out her hand, Bonnie's discarded cane rushed to her awaiting hand. "I didn't mean to offend, however Desi and I didn't have any problem passing through. I apologize for implying that you aren't a very powerful witch," Bonnie answered contritely. Bonnie knew this was the witch that had tracked her and she could feel the power rolling off of her. Freya was indeed a very powerful witch, but was she a fighter, was she able to stand toe to toe with Bonnie in a magical fight? Soon Bonnie would put her to the test.

Lucy smirked. "Well as first impressions go Bonnie you are really going for the Big B aren't you? And the wards are strong and reinforced. You and Desi were expected." Lucy countered as she knew that Bonnie could show her ass once she got in her zone, plus Lucy could feel the wave of exhaustion radiating from her. "Anyway, we can discuss all that jazz tomorrow. Anyway, since my queen has commanded, I will do her will," Lucy smirked as she looked at Freya, rolling her eyes with an expression that said she is just being the Bennett Witch don't worry about it.

Bonnie looked down, her face hot as she realized that not only had she caused everyone to become uncomfortable, but she did sound like a demanding and condescending brat, "My apologies, I really didn't mean to be rude."

"Could have fooled me, love, " retorted Kol with a mischievous smirk. This eased the tension as everyone chuckled, including Bonnie. "I have a feeling this is going to be real fun. I'm outta here." And with that announcement, Kol was gone.

"Leave it to Kol to be his charming self," Rebekah uttered sarcastically. "Don't mind him, we are just very happy that you are here. Thank you for coming, Bennett Witch," Rebekah stated sincerely. Rebekah didn't care how rude she might be as long as she was there to help protect her nephew and by their little interaction, she knew that the witch would do whatever it took to keep him safe.

"Please call me Bonnie."

"Lucinda, I will take the Bennett Witch to her room, " Klaus insisted, finally speaking as he walked towards Bonnie, giving Lucy a marked look. Lucy grinned then let go to allow Klaus to take Bonnie's arm.

"Desi , I already have your room picked out so come with me and we can get caught up on most important matters of Gondar," chimed Lucy as she took her friend's arm with a great big smile. Desi knew that this meant Lucy wanted to know all the hot gossip that she had missed since she had been gone. Desi smiled brightly and allowed Lucy to guide her to her room.

Bonnie schooled her face from showing her displeasure with this sudden change of plans. She didn't like the hybrid and didn't want his help. She was definitely going to make Lucy pay for this. She didn't want the hybrid touching her.

The instant they touched, Bonnie felt a surge of emotions course through her, they were coming from him whether he knew it or not and it was almost suffocating her. All his anxieties, his frustrations, his guilt, his rage, his unfaltering love for his son and all his dark motivations and loneliness flooded her body, merging with her own emotions almost overpowering her sense of self. She softly gasped, but with his supernatural hearing, he heard.

"Are you okay? I am not hurting you, am I?" Klaus questioned, concerned. Bonnie hastily shook her head, "No you are not hurting me." She quietly said; the only answer that she could give him.

The moment Klaus took hold of her arm her magic enveloped him. He could feel the tendrils of magic mingle with the ancient magic that created him and as it did, he could feel the magic explore his deepest parts as it gently merged with his very being. As he felt the warmth of her magic, as it welcomed him and introduced itself. He could feel something that startled him, something from the past, something that he hadn't felt since he was a small child. It was faint and it was just a fleeting moment but he knew he felt it or sensed it and it was reaching out to him, wanting to be a part of him, needing a chance to grow. It was hope, Klaus felt the tiny spark of hope that was hidden within her magic.

Both of them, Bonnie and Klaus began to slowly walk up the stairs in silence, both lost in their thoughts.

Marcel watched the couple go up the stairs as were the remaining Mikaelsons, with a grin, he turned to Rebekah and smiled, "This is going to be one hell of a ride. I don't know what all that was about but I am so here for it." Rebekah hit his arm playfully, "Stop, you are just as bad as Kol." She grinned, thinking the same thing.

The remaining siblings dispersed, going their separate ways with their own thoughts running free in their heads. It had been a very eventful evening and more was to come. Now that the Bennett Witch was there, it was time to be proactive and secure the youngest Mikaelson's safety.

…

Gordion, Turkey

The midday quake was unexpected. The only warning was the sudden erratic behavior of the animals as a massive flock of birds began flying towards some unknown sanctuary, dogs began barking as they sensed destruction. Beasts of burden tethered to poles or housed in stables began to struggle against their restraints, trying to flee. Only then did the people of the small village stop to take notice of what was happening around them.

Without warning the sky darkened then the earth groaned, a loud crack was heard across the region. The sound was deafening and the great rumble felt as if a great mountain was torn in two by the mighty hand of God. As a woman in the throes of immense pain bringing forth new life, the earth moaned and shook with great force, parting the ground, toppling manmade structures, collapsing stables and houses.

As the ground crumpled and broke apart, bringing destruction and chaos, a deep cavern split open the ground of a hidden grave within a section of an ancient cemetery. The unmarked tomb long forgotten by time and modern man, now revealed to the priests that pledged loyalty to their ancient deity, her broken remains meant to be forever contained in hallowed ground. Now found, they could proceed with their plans to restore her to her rightful place of power as she has instructed them.

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A/N: Thank you for being so patience. I hope this is worth the wait. I will try to update more often. I will not makes excuses but I will say that life has been doing its job., in the past year or so I have had multiple deaths in the family and two births and financial issues and surgery and broken leg, so it has been a lot. Please review, it really does help me. I love reading the reviews even if they are negative. They keep me wanting to write and not to let you guys down. Thank you so much for everyone that has read this story and the others and left reviews. I hope to update the others and start wrapping them up. Again, thank you. Remember, more than ever it is important to be good people and spread love.