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The Only Exception

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Above is Athena's outfit for the ball

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SHE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT to think. Athena had spent nearly a thousand years in a coffin, to be brought back, only to realize that the person who put her in the coffin in the first place was her own mother. Esther had explained to her that she had to. She said that it was the only way for Athena to meet him.

According to Esther, the witches told her that the male Nyx was on the other side. So, they told her to put Athena into a deep sleep so they could meet. Though Athena had already told her mother that she remembered nothing from the other side, Esther tried to jog her memory. Athena was now curious because that meant that the male Nyx was dead. But Esther had told her not to worry about that which only raised questioning.

The rest of her undaggered siblings had found out that she was a hybrid and the female Nyx. Despite her worries, they still loved her just the same. Athena was happy that her family was together once more. However, she got a feeling like it wouldn't last for long.

Athena bounded down the stairs with a huge smile. She walked into the living room where Rebekah was getting her nails painted, Kol was getting his suit ready, and Finn and Elijah were also getting ready.

"Good morning," she greeted.

Her siblings turned to her with equal smiles. "Good morning."

She went over to Rebekah and sat next to her. Athena leaned over to marvel at the color of her nails.

"So pretty."

Rebekah smiled and then turned to the compelled human. "I want you to paint my sister's nails. And make them better than mine. You better not mess up."

The human didn't react and immediately started painting Athena's nails. The girl smiled and looked up at Kol who was still fixing his suit.

"Athena? Tell me how handsome I am."

She laughed. "Sorry. One must not tell lies."

Her siblings grinned and laughed with her while Kol rolled his eyes playfully.

"Haha, very funny."

Athena continued to smile. This is what she'd be dreaming of for months. And she couldn't believe that her dream had come true. She had begged and begged for her family to be undaggered so she could see them again. And here they were. It was just like old times and the thought made Athena's smile stay in place.

The door opened with bang and Klaus stormed over to Rebekah who had Athena in her lap, braiding her hair while her nails were painted. The fierce glare made Athena's smile fall; and when that happened, Kol glared at Klaus.

"You went after Elena? What is wrong with you?!" Klaus accused.

The blonde looked up at him. "May I remind you that-that doppel-bitch hurt our sister? You can't say she didn't deserve it. Now if you mind, I'm getting our baby sister ready for the ball."

The compelled human that was helping Kol with his suit walked out of the room so Kol now focused all of his attention on the scene.

"Do you want another dagger in your heart?" Klaus questioned.

Athena glared up at him. "Stop being so mean, Nik."

"Yes, Nik. Stop being so mean," Kol agreed. He had gotten his little sister back and he hated that her beautiful smile was wiped away. He hated it when she was sad, upset, or angry. And if she was sad, he was. If she was angry, he was. "You ruined our sister's fun. Now you've made her upset."

Klaus turned to him with a glare. "Oh, go back to staring at yourself."

He looked back at Rebekah and Athena for a moment before Kol continued.

"And who are you, my father?"

The human had finished Athena's nails faster than she'd expected. They were a simple ombre gray color and the younger hybrid gazed at them. Rebekah saw and smiled. She looked at the compelled human and waved them away. The human got up without saying anything and left the room.

"No, Kol, but you're in my house," Klaus pointed out, taking a step toward him.

Kol got up and took a step toward him. "Then perhaps we should go outside."

They stared at each other with glares and Athena watched as her nails dried. Rebekah was almost finished with her braid and Athena remembered the times where her sister would put flowers in her hair. It was something that she small yet it showed their sibling love immensely.

Before things go too serious, Esther walked in, wearing normal twenty-first-century clothes. "Enough! Niklaus. Come."

Klaus looked over at her as she left the room. He looked at Kol for a moment with a scowl and then followed Esther. Kol smirked victoriously and Klaus pretended not to notice.

Athena shook her head with a smile. "You're lucky that mother back because otherwise, you'd be six feet under by now."

Kol looked at her and then smiled. "I know." He walked over and crouched down to look at her nails. "That's a beautiful color."

She laughed. "I know."

He rolled his eyes again playfully while the rest of their siblings laughed and smiled.

And it was just like old times. Their family was together once more and she wouldn't have it any other way. But if only she knew what her mother was planning. If only she knew what would happen the next day.

---

"Are you sure I look ok?" Athena asked Esther as her mother got her ready for the ball.

The guest had already arrived and were piling in downstairs. Athena had a nervous feeling her stomach. But she didn't know if it was from the nerves of people surrounding her or if it was because something was going to happen.

"Yes my dear, you look lovely." Esther smiled at her from the reflection the mirror. "Do not worry so much."

Athena nodded, still worried that she didn't look right. Rebekah had picked out a vintage blue dress with a white material. Her hair was curled and had two braids connected, tied into a hair tie so it fell over her curls. A pair of crochet ballet flats laid near her feet that Rebekah had also picked out.

Esther finished fixing her dress and then looked at her daughter from the reflection of the mirror. "Athena, I am very sorry for what I did. But all things happen for a reason, I want you to know that." Athena didn't say anything and then Esther smiled. "Let's join the party shall we?"

Her mother led her out of the room and down the staircase. Rebekah and Kol were the first to see her and the two instantly went over to them. Esther smiled at her youngest child before walking away.

Rebekah came over and hugged her sister, pulling back to admire Athena's outfit. "You're so beautiful, Ena."

Athena smiled and Kol did too. "You do look lovely, little one."

Elijah saw her from where he spoke with Finn and then the two came over.

"It's time," Elijah told them.

All of the Mikaelson siblings walked up the staircase and Athena stood in between Kol and Rebekah. Her brother held her hand and her sister held the other. She took a deep breath as she looked at all of the people gathering at the bottom of the staircase after Elijah's announcement. In that moment she realized that the feeling she had wasn't from the nerves of there being so many people; it was the fact that something was going to happen. And she had a feeling who would be behind it.

On cue, Esther walked down the stairs and stood with her children with an award-winning smile. Everyone had gathered and was staring at the Mikaelson family in awe. But mainly at the youngest member who stood by them. The protective aura the siblings held for their youngest sister didn't go unnoticed by the Salvatores and Elena.

"Welcome, thank you for joining us," Elijah greeted with a smile, holding a glass in one hand. "You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this, it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance. Tonight's pick is a centuries-old waltz, so if all of you could please find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom."

Everyone got their partners and Athena felt a hand tug on her and pull her down the stairs and to the ballroom.

"Kol," she whined. "I can't dance."

He simply laughed and then they began to dance. It was a bit hard for her at first but she eventually got the hang of it. Kol guided her through the dance and they smiled and laughed the entire time. At one point she even stepped on his toes. People would look at them and smile as they danced with their partners but Damon and Elena didn't as they glowered. But Kol noticed and sent an angry glare from over Athena's shoulder which made them looked away.

Athena pretended not to notice and laid her head on Kol's chest. She sighed and they continued to dance.

---

Later on, after the dance, Rebekah had pulled Kol over to speak with him, careful not to raise suspicion in Athena who had gone to speak with Caroline. Rebekah still resented the fact that her sister was friends with the fellow blonde but tolerated her for Athena's sake. She had formed a plan to get back at Elena for everything she and the Salvatores had done to her younger sister. And Rebekah knew that Kol would help.

"Where's your date?" Kol questioned.

Rebekah made a disgusted face as she looked at the crowd. "Flirting with his ex."

"You've changed, Bekah. You know, settling for mortals is the first sign of weakness."

She scoffed. "I'm not settling. I brought him here to kill him. He's Elena's friend and Elena hurt our baby sister. If Matt dies Elena suffers. But I've already been scolded once so I was hoping you'd help your baby sister out."

Kol looked over at her. "And spit right in the face of mother's rules?" He smiled. "I'm in."

---

Upstairs, Esther was explaining to Elena her plan.

"I understand Rebekah shared the story of my family. How I upset the balance of nature by turning my children into vampires."

Elena nodded, looking skeptical. She didn't know if she should trust Esther or not. Though the witch was going to help her kill Klaus, she was still cautious. "She said you did it to protect them from the werewolves."

"It's true." Esther poured herself a glass. "But in no time at all, they began to feed on human blood. They ravaged the town with no remorse. Even my youngest child couldn't stop her cravings which I'm ashamed that I forced something like that upon her." Elena hid her glare when she realized Esther was referring to Athena. "But, eventually, Niklaus turned against me."

Esther ran her hand over a knife that was hidden under a piece of cloth. Elena raised an eyebrow. "How are you gonna kill him? He's immortal."

The witch turned to her. "It will take time, magic, and your assistance."

"What do I have to do with it?"

"My children believe I'm holding this ball to celebrate our reunion. But in truth, I've gathered them together to perform a ritual. The first step requires blood from the doppelgänger." Elena stiffened. "Only a drop. Its essence will be in the champagne toast later on this evening." Esther grabbed the knife and then turned to Elena, holding it. "Will you do it or shall I?"

Elena looked shocked. But after a moment's consideration, she removed her glove and then held out her finger. Esther took her finger and then pricked it and squeezed the blood into a glass chalice that's filled with liquid.

"Elijah is more suspicious than the others, so he may need more persuasion," Esther told her. "But they must all drink at the toast in order to be linked as one."

Esther turned to her after setting the knife down. "What do you mean "linked as one"?"

"You said yourself Klaus can't be killed. But tonight's spell links all my children together except for Athena. So that if one goes, the rest that are linked go too."

Elena looked confused. "What not Athena too? She's just like the rest of them."

"If I were to kill my daughter I would be shunned forever by the witches. Athena is a Nyx, she is the face of the werewolf community and if she were to die, they would come to Mystic Falls and destroy everything you love. Therefore, she will not be linked to the spell."

---

Athena was searching the downstairs area for one of her siblings when she found Kol. He had an angry look on his face and he didn't see her until she approached him and put a hand on his arm.

"Kol? What's wrong?"

He looked at her and his glare dissolved and was replaced with a fake smile. "Nothing. Come on, the toast is starting."

She knew he was lying but didn't push it as he led her back to the staircase. Esther stood on the stairs and addressed the guest.

"Good Evening, Ladies and Gentleman. Waiters are coming around with champagne. I invite you all to join me in raising a glass. It provides me with no greater joy than to see my family back together as one. I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening. Cheers!"

Everyone said, "Cheers" and then took of sip of their glasses. But - of course - Athena was the only one without a glass. And there was still that bad feeling in her chest. Kol put his glass on one of the trays and excused himself. Athena watched him leave and then sighed.

---

Kol looked around for Rebekah and then found her by the stairs. He approached her and called out to her. "There you are." Rebekah stopped and turned to him. "I was waiting outside for you. Where's Matt?"

"About that, I, uh...I changed my mind. I don't want to ruin mother's night."

He scoffed. "Don't tell me you like this boy. What did he do? He gave you five seconds of his attention?" Kol shook his head. "Whatever happened to getting revenge on Elena for hurting Athena?"

"You don't have to be rude about it. Just leave him be, okay? We'll find another way to hurt her."

She walked away and Kol watched her leave.

"Sorry, sister," he said once she left. "She needs to pay."

---

Athena was standing alone when she heard a crashing sound outside. It caught the attention of the rest of her siblings and they all rushed out to see Kol lying on the floor, temporarily dead and Damon by him. Stefan went wide-eyed when he saw what his brother had done. The Mikaelsons saw the scene and Athena hissed at Damon.

Rebekah put an arm out to stop her and Damon turned his back on them and walked away. Athena wasn't having it. No one dared to hurt her family. No one dared to hurt her pack.

No one

The youngest Mikaelson flashed to Damon and hit him. Damon flew in the air and laid on the floor with a smack, breaking a few bones on impact. He rolled a few times before he came to a stop.

Her siblings watched with proud smiles while Stefan and Elena watched with horrified looks.

Athena walked up to Damon who was groaning in pain. She put a foot on his neck and glared down at him.

"No one hurts my family." Then she snapped his neck with a swipe of her foot. Athena turned around and walked back to her siblings. She passed by Elena who still looked horrified. She smirked. "Have a nice evening Elena."

Athena walked past her siblings and back into the house.

---

Esther sighed and wrote her children's names on a piece of paper in Runic. She was hesitant. Athena would find out what she did and would come after her for sure. But her youngest child had to live, the spirits would be angry with her. Not to mention the fact that every single werewolf would come to Mystic Falls, looking to kill anyone who hurt their Queen.

Finn noticed his mother's doubts and spoke up. "You aren't having second thoughts, are you?"

"Of course not, it's just Athena. She'll find out what I did and she'll hate me forever."

He sighed and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're doing the right thing, mother."

She nodded and then stared ahead. "You understand what this means, don't you?" She looked at him. "This spell I'm casting tonight will bind you all together as one."

"I understand. When it is time, I will be ready to die."

Esther looked away. "Then we must complete the link." She cut Finn's hand and let the blood spill onto the paper. She closed her eyes and began to chant, "Phasmatos inta grum vin callus...Amalon callagius accodam...Cosom naben dox...Callagius amalon...Gaeda callagius ceremum...Phamato descendium vinum...Phasmatos inta grum vin callus...Cosom naben dox." The blood spread across the scroll and connected with the names. Esther opened her eyes and looked at the scroll. "The link is complete. You are one."

The paper burned and they both watched.

---

Athena had taken a shower and got into her night-wear. She sat on her bed and then laid down. Her mind was swarming with thoughts as she tried to figure out what Esther could want. Yet - in the end - she only came up with one conclusion.

Esther wanted to kill them

Because her mind was so busy, Athena fell asleep.

Everything was silent until she heard shuffling. And then someone shook her, calling her name over and over.

"Athena! Athena! Athena wake up!"

She opened her eyes and was face to face with a red-headed boy with striking green eyes. He looked extremely worried and her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Athena you have to wake up!" he yelled.

A shock went through her body and Athena jolted awake, gasping. Her body was frozen so she tried to calm her breathing.

She looked around the room but the boy was nowhere to be found. But there was one thing that bothered her.

The boy looked familiar to her.

---

This chapter was full of Athena and Kol bonding and I have no shame. I need some ship names for Athena and her siblings (Family ship, no worries), along with a ship name for Athena and Thomas.

Whoever has the best ship names gets a shoutout and a follow :)

This is the list so feel free to comment all of your ideas in one comment or you can leave an inline comment.

Athena and Klaus?

Athena and Elijah?

Athena and Rebekah?

Athena and Kol?

Athena and Finn?

Athena and Thomas?

Also, I will now be doing three updates for Separation and then once I finish those, I'll do three updates for Fix Her. I just find it easier that way because I'm usually in the mindset for that OC anyway so I'll do multiple updates.

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