15 | A FRACTURED FAMILY

Khalia was so mad at Hayley and Elijah, she could even speak. She just stormed on after them, a glare on her face with her arms crossed over her chest. She couldn’t think how Elijah could believe it. Even she has seen how he has changed since learning about the baby. Klaus is waiting at Dwayne's shack when Elijah, Khalia and Hayley return. Once they approach the porch, he shoves Dwayne's dead body in front of them.

“There you are! I see you've found our wandering stray. Perhaps you could shed some light on the situation. This-” The Hybrid kicks the body over. “-appears to be a hybrid.”

“This is gonna go so great.” Khalia muttered sarcastically under her breath. She picked a tree and leaned against it, but not getting comfortable. She knew they wouldn’t be there for long.

“His name was Dwayne.” The pregnant girl informed the Hybrid.

“Well, whoever it was, I didn't sire him. Any idea how that's possible?”  He asked. The honesty in his eyes was yet another clue as to why the Mikaelson female firmly believes that her Hybrid brother doesn’t know anything about the babies ability to make and sire Hybrids.

Hayley stomps toward him and the immortal girl had to use all of her control to keep her from throwing herself in front of the werewolf. “As if you didn't know!” Elijah holds Hayley back and walks in front of her to protect her from Klaus. Khalia scoffed and shook her head, Klaus glanced at her and saw that whatever Hayley and Elijah thinks, she doesn’t believe it. At least he has one sibling on his side, what makes it funny is it the one sibling he thought would be on Hayley’s side.

Klaus was clearly not amused as he spoke, “Ahhh, well, aren't you two fast friends? Oh, come on, then. What kind of horrible accusation have you conspired to levy against me?” This is going to be bad, Khalia could see it.

“Tyler Lockwood brought Hayley here to test a theory.” The Hybrid nods at him to continue and Kol’s twin wishes that she could go and play in NOLA traffic rather than be here right now, “That the blood of her child could be used to sire hybrids. He claims that you knew that. Furthermore, that you intended to use this knowledge to build an army.” Khalia scoffed once more and Klaus was more grateful that he’d ever admit that he has the most dangerous member of his family – save for himself of course – on his side.

The hurt and anger with his brother was rolling of him in waves, “And, of course, you assume it's true. I mean, why else would I show interest in my own flesh and blood? A heartbroken little crybaby points his finger at me, and my own brother falls in line, eager to believe it! How quickly you believe the worst, especially when it comes from her.”

“That’s exactly what I said.” Khalia said brightly to Klaus, even though she felt anything but.

“Oh, spare me your indignation. When have you ever demonstrated any kind of concern towards Hayley or her child, beyond your own selfish pursuits? And what was it you once said to me?”He impersonates Klaus. “Every king needs an heir!”

Khalia decided that she was going to help Klaus out. He was done fighting his battles on his own, and she was tired of being alone. She needs him, just as he needs her. She sped next to her blonde haired brother, “Klaus has stopped when you asked him not to kill Agnes. He put a master diabolical plan in motion to take down Marcel’s empire so that the city would be safe for Hayley and the baby to live in. What, pray tell, have you done? And don’t you dare give me that crap about being daggered; I won’t take it like Klaus will.” She snapped fiercely.

Elijah didn’t have any words, but the Hybrid did, “My big brother. So, you doubt my intentions? Well, I can't say I'm surprised, standing next to the noble Elijah, how can I be anything but the lesser brother? A liar, a manipulator, a bastard.” The two stare at each other as Klaus approaches him. Elijah seems to be reconsidering his position, but it’s too late. “That's all I am to you, isn't it? And Rebekah. And, judging by the way Hayley hangs on your every word, it's clear she feels the same way!” He pauses, looking even more hurt. “No doubt my child will as well.”

Khalia scoffs, “The hell she will, I’ll kick his ass if need be.”

“Brother, if-” The dark haired male started more kindly and gently but Khalia knew it was to late. The damage was done. The thing she didn’t know, was what Klaus was going to do next. Her Hybrid brother is as unpredictable as she is.

The blonde interrupts him before he could continue, “You've said all that needs to be said, brother.” He steps back a few steps and holds his arms out in defeat. “I'll play the role I've been given. Khalia’s eyes widened as she realized that Niklaus is going to bite their brother. She knew he wouldn’t die and therefore didn’t try to stop him. Maybe Elijah will learn his lesson. He turns as though he's going to walk away, but instead, he turns back quickly and vamp-runs over to Elijah before biting him savagely on the neck. Hayley screams in horror and runs over to Khalia but the female vampire takes a step back from the werewolf.

“You made your bed, sweetheart, now you have to sleep in it.” She told the pregnant girl with a hard look and Hayley felt worse than she’s ever done before. She didn’t want to drive a rift between her and Khalia. The relationship between them was already so fragile.

The blonde vampire wipes his mouth with his hand, “You two enjoy each other's company. You'll have much to bond over, once the hallucinations and dementia set in. Consider that bite to be my parting gift to you both.” The Hybrid walks away, leaving Elijah and Hayley to fend for themselves in the Bayou. The female vampire turns to follow her Hybrid brother.

“Khalia, please, stay.” Hayley begged, she didn’t want her to leave angry. She wanted to fix things first.

She turned to the werewolf, “His whole life, Nik was shoved aside by Mikael. And then he was hunted by our father for a millennia. And looking back on it, I think all he’s ever really wanted was for us stand by him. And we couldn’t even do that properly. So, no, Hayley. I can’t stay. I won’t. He would see it as me abandoning him. I can’t do that to him. Kol is,” She stammered a bit, taking a deep breath before continuing. “Kol is dead. No one understands how I feel, not really. But I think maybe Klaus does, he lost Henrik. They were thick as thieves. And right now, we are all each other has.”

With her parting words, Khalia sped away, following Klaus home. Back in the Bayou, Hayley stared into the forest where the female vampire, who made her heart beat faster every time she got closer, stood. She whispered sadly, “You have me, Khalia. Always and Forever, I promise.”

***

Khalia was well and truly tired of New Orleans. All it has brought her was a new and terrifying feelings towards the girl her brother knocked up, a snapped neck and quarrels with her family. This city is doomed and if someone was to tell her so, she’d believe it is cursed. It was night time again and she was getting her and Klaus each a bottle of bourbon. She found him in the study earlier, looking depressed and figured that they could both use each other’s company tonight.

“Why?” Her brother asked suddenly.

“Why, what?” Khalia asked with furrowed brows, knocking back another sip of her bottle of bourbon.

“Why did you choose to stand by me, instead of Hayley and Elijah? Elijah is your brother and Hayley,” The female shot him a warning looked and he gave her a playful smile, “Well, you’ve grown a liking to her.”

She sighed, “I guess, I just realized that in the end that me and you, we’re the same.”

“The same how?” He asked, raising his brows and taking a sip of his own bottle of bourbon.

“Neither of us asked to be this way. Neither of us was like this in the beginning. We were both made this way by life. Shaped by destiny, I guess, or whatever kind of shit hippies believe.” She gave a shrug. “I’ll tell you what I told Elijah: I was made this why because of Kol’s death. And you were made this way because of Mikael’s abuse and his never ending hunt for you.”

“So, if Kol was alive, you’d choose their side?” He asked playfully, only realizing his words once they were out. Not wanting to chase away the one person who has decided to stand by him and believe in him and not wanting to hurt her, he went to apologize.

“It’s okay, really.” She assured him. “And to answer your question, if Kol was alive, we’d be either daggered or somewhere deep in the woods of Tanzania, looking for witches and ways for him to practice magic.” She wrinkled her nose in disgust, the immortal girl really didn’t like witches.

Klaus laughed heartily before softly, saying, “Thank you.”

“Anytime, brother.” She took a long sip of her bourbon, her thoughts wandering back to a certain pregnant werewolf. Just like it always did. A part of her wanted get up and speed into the Bayou to take Hayley someplace far away from New Orleans and all of its troubles. Another part, the one she is listening to, is telling her that she is doing the right thing and making the right choice.

***

The next morning, Khalia walked into the dining room with her pajamas that consisted out of a light white t-shirt with sheep and clouds on them and light blue shorts that reached above mid-thigh. An elaborate breakfast has been set up in the dining room of the plantation house, she’d bet money it’s Klaus’ doing. Rebekah and Klaus sit across from each other at the table, which is full of fruit and pastries. One of the servers, a young woman, stands by Klaus' chair as he bites her wrist and feeds from her just as Khalia takes a seat.

She eyed her blonde sister, “I thought you left.”

“Plans change.” Rebekah told her, her voice clipped and Khalia raised a dark brow. The elder female didn’t like or appreciate her tone very much.

The Hybrid thought it was a good plan to intervene right then before his brunette sister could reach over and stick her fork in his youngest sister’s neck, “Have you spoken to our good friend Marcel today?” Khalia glance at her brother, sticking a mini-chicken pie in her mouth. So, his plan to take over New Orleans was still on then.

The blonde plays dumb, “No, should I have?”

“He is your boyfriend.” Khalia comments in between chewing her pie. She swallowed her food and smirked at Rebekah when the younger girl glared at her. Klaus let out a chuckle.

“He's been mysteriously silent- avoiding me, some might say. I thought perhaps he may have whispered reasons into your ear. Along with all of those sweet nothings.” The Hybrid said as Khalia cleaned her teeth and gums with her tongue from the pie dough. She took a sip of her orange juice that was mixed with blood. The girl lifted the glass in Klaus’ direction in thanks.

“Why would he be avoiding you? People only avoid each other when they’ve got something to hide.” She noted with a shrug. Last night, after several bottles of bourbon, she promised her brother that she’d help him take down Marcel. It’s one she intends on keeping. “Besides, last I checked you two are good. Well, as good as you can be after believing he was dead for a century.”

“I don’t know.” He admitted, looking at Rebekah. “Which is why I’m asking.”

“I don’t know, but if I see him, I'll be sure to ask if he's still sore at you.” She told him, giving him a glare. She hated the fact that her eldest brother was lying in pain because of her other brothers. But this wasn’t going to end this way, she and Marcel would take down Klaus. She just hopes that she can convince Khalia to join them.

“Let me give a voice to that look in your eyes.” He starts mocking her, gaining a smile from Khalia. “My saintly noble brother lies writhing in agony in the Bayou, victim of my bastard brother's bite, when just one or two drops of his blood would ease his pain.” The brunette Mikaelson’s thoughts immediately went to a certain pregnant werewolf. It has come to her attention that she has become used to the Marshall girl’s presence and was now missing her dearly – she wanted the girl to come home.

She chose to stay with Elijah, a voice in her head whispered. Her fists clenched at the thought and her eyes narrowed dangerously.

“On the contrary, Nik, I am simply enjoying my brekkie, waiting for Elijah's healthy return.” She said, the sarcasm clear in her tone.

“Oh, come on Rebekah, you've been giving me the devil's eye all morning. Out with it!” The Hybrid demanded.

“Perhaps I'm concerned that if I voice my opinion about what you did to Elijah, I will end up on the wrong side of your toxic hybrid teeth.” Khalia rolled her eyes at her younger sister’s dramatics, but didn’t comment. It’s a Mikaelson trait.

“ Poppycock!” He exclaimed. “I would never bite you. Elijah made some very offensive accusations about my intentions towards my child. He deserves a day or two of discomfort. Besides, you know my preferred method of punishment for your indiscretions is the dagger.” It’s true, Elijah has never been like this, now all of a sudden he chooses Hayley’s side over his own brothers. Though, Khalia had to admit that she would choose the werewolf’s side if the reason was exceptionally good.

The youngest Mikaelson smirks as she stands up from her seat, “There is something fundamentally wrong with you. Both of you.” She walks out of the room, leaving Klaus and Khalia alone at the table.

After a silence, the female spoke, “What is your preferred method of punishment for me?” She asked curiously, a smile on her face. He looked thoughtful for a moment. They both knew she had an impossibly high tolerance for pain, even before Kol’s death so a bite wouldn’t work and he didn’t enjoy daggering her. He enjoyed her company to much, even if she does scare and irritate him from time to time.

“A good old fashioned fight till a snapped neck.” He answered and she laughed heartily, momentarily forgetting how much she is missing Hayley.

***

So, inspiration struck me big time!

Here you go!

I am happy about all of the votes and the positive comments to my stories. Thank you so much!

-Mixie