Outfits in the external link

From 2.03 "Every Mother's Child", in the courtyard, Klaus, Kassandra and Elijah waked out of the compound.

Rebekah: (voice over) "Previously on Worlds Colliding (The Originals)"

From 2.03 "Every Mother's Child", in the back of Lenore's store, Hayley and Mikayla stood in front of Auria protectively, glaring at Lenore/Esther.

Klaus, Kassandra and Elijah walked in.

"I assume you've had the misfortune of speaking to my mother," Kassandra told them.

Later, Hayley, Mikayla and Auria were gone.

Lenore/Esther looked at Klaus, Kassandra and Elijah. "I have come to heal our family."

From 2.08 "The Brothers That Care Forgot", in the dining room of the compound, Klaus, Kassandra, Marcel and Noah faced Kaleb/Kol and Vincent/Finn.

"We'd prefer you both to join us against our mother, but I'll happily settle for one or the other," Klaus told them.

From 2.07 "Chasing the Devil's Tail", in the lycee, Lenore/Esther and Vincent/Finn were talking.

"It is time you bring Auria in," Lenore/Esther told him.

From 2.08 "The Brothers That Care Forgot", in the courtyard, Auria was sitting on a couch, drinking a glass of water.

Marcel sat next to her.

Noah and Caitlin sat in chairs at the bar.

Davina and Kaleb/Kol examined the puncture wounds on Auria's back.

Kassandra was kneeling next to Klaus' unconscious form.

Auria turned toward Kaleb/Kol in alarm. "Esther prepared my body for someone to jump into?"

From 2.08 "The Brothers That Care Forgot", in the ballroom, Vincent/Finn was hanging from his wrists by his shackles from the stairwell railing, looking at Auria. "She was preparing you for Rebekah."

From 2.08 "The Brothers That Care Forgot", in the park, Rebekah was holding Hope, on the phone. "I have the baby, and we're on the run."

From 2.08 "The Brothers That Care Forgot", in the diner, Rebekah brought Hope to Elijah.

Rebekah: (voice over from 2.08 The Brothers That Care Forgot) "Esther found us."

Elijah was holding Hope, sitting across the table from Rebekah. "Then she made an offer to make us all mortal again."

Rebekah gently opened the kitchen door, looking inside, seeing dozens of bloody, dead bodies strewn about, gasping in horror, turning around, shielding Hope with her blanket to keep her from seeing any of the carnage.

Later, Elijah was holding Hope. "We mustn't let the world ever hurt her."

Rebekah walked up behind Elijah, watching him suspiciously, rubbing his arm. "You're right."

Rebekah quickly grabbed Elijah by the chin, snapping his neck, letting him fall to the floor. She sighed, looking overwhelmed and reeling with the day's events.

From 2.07 "Chasing the Devil's Tail", in Kol's Playhouse, Davina and Kaleb/Kol were talking.

"Those daggers don't work on Klaus," Davina told him.

"It's not impossible to change the dagger itself," Kaleb/Kol told her, showing her the diamond.

"That's a giant diamond," Davina told him.

"It's a paragon diamond," Kaleb/Kol told her. "Use them to conduct power."

From 2.08 "The Brothers That Care Forgot", in the bayou, Mikayla and Hayley were sitting on the dock over the water.

Hayley smiled. "You just discovered an ancient marriage ritual with pretty drastic supernatural and personal implications."

From 2.08 "The Brothers That Care Forgot", in the church, Jackson and Mikayla were still leading the meeting with the wolves in front of the sacristy.

"Now, I don't know how many of you bought the story you grew up with, the Unification myth," Mikayla told them. "Well, it is all true. Which means... if Jackson and I get married, anyone with the guts to turn up to the ceremony has as much control over their wolf form as I do."

From 2.08 "The Brothers That Care Forgot", in the church, Jackson and Mikayla were the only ones in the church now, talking at the altar.

Jackson smiled, taking Mikayla's left hand in his own, holding it gently. "Mikayla Labonair, will you marry me?"

Jackson smiled. Mikayla met him halfway in a kiss. They continued to kiss slowly, sweetly and passionately for a long moment, pulling away, smiling small smiles.

From 2.08 "The Brothers That Care Forgot", in the courtyard, Klaus and Kassandra walked through the courtyard toward the door.

Mikayla and Hayley walked in.

"Where are we going?" Mikayla asked.

Kassandra turned to Mikayla. "To see our niece." She sighed, looking from Klaus to Hayley. "Your daughter."

--~--

Flashback 1 - December of 1914

Night - Dowager Fauline Mansion - Outside

A group of carolers were singing "Carol of the Bells" around a bonfire outside the mansion. "Hark, how the bells / Sweet silver bells / All seem to say 'Throw cares away / Christmas is here / Bringing good cheer / To young and old / Meek and the bold / Ding, dong, ding, dong / That is their song / With joyful ring / All caroling / One seems to hear / Words of good cheer." A couple was seen walking through the front gate. "From everywhere / Filling the air / Oh, how they pound / Raising the sound / Telling their tale / Gaily they ring / While people sing / Songs of good cheer / Christmas is here / Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas."

A disembodied head of a porcelain doll was on the fence.

--

Dowager Fauline Mansion - Living Room

(Song:) Carol of Bells - Instrumental 

Two witches named Mary-Alice Claire and Astrid Malchance were inside, looking around.

The couple walked in.

The female took off her hat, revealing her to be Rosalita, smiling.

The male took off his hat and gloves, revealing him to be Kol in his original body.

Kol looked at Rosalita, smiling. "All right, darling."

Rosalita smiled, picking up a gas lamp, looking at Astrid and Mary-Alice. "You know what to look for."

The four split up to search the house.

Kol searched through a cabinet of porcelain dolls and several jewelry boxes, finally finding a huge diamond being used as a bottle stopper at the bar. He smiled at the sight of the diamond, picking it up. "You sly old bat." Rosalita was searching through historical rocks and trinkets. Kol walked closer with the diamond, placing a hand on Rosalita's back caringly. "What is it your looking for, Rosalita?"

Rosalita found Silas' tombstone, picking it up. "This."

"And what is that?" Kol asked.

Rosalita looked at Kol, smirking. "This is the means to free my brother from the prison he's trapped in."

"You want to free him?" Kol asked.

"No," Rosalita answered. "I want him to stay where he is until the day comes that he arises himself."

Kol looked at her in confusion, curious over her words. He smiled a small smile. "Still, love. You found what you've been looking for."

Rosalita smiled. "I found it."

Rosalita and Kol shared a slow, sweet kiss.

Astrid and Mary-Alice joined them in the room.

"Clean up," Kol told them. "Meet us in the cemetery. This little beauty and I have a date with a dagger."

(Song Ends)

-- 

Outside

Kol and Rosalita walked out together.

Rosalita walked closer to the carolers to listen to the same song, looking over her brother's tombstone that was infused with Qetsiyah, Ovisona and her own blood.

Klaus and Marcel walked toward Kol.

"You're looking very dapper this evening, Kol," Klaus told him.

Klaus and Marcel both linked arms with Kol, walking toward the exit of the gate.

"Though, gloves without a tail coat?" Marcel asked. "Unusual, wouldn't you say, Klaus?"

"I would," Klaus answered. "Unless, of course, the gloves are utilitarian in nature..."

Rosalita looked toward the boys over her shoulder. "I didn't realize you two lovebirds were so interested in fashion. That is my territory, Klaus, or have you forgotten?"

"Oh, I have not," Klaus answered. "I can take it or leave it, Rosalita. Your style is impeccable." Rosalita smirked, turning to face the boys. The boys stopped outside the gate. A young woman in all black was waiting nearby. "You know, Kol, Mayor Burman, he came to me very concerned about the rash of thefts in the city. So, I put Marcel on it--"

"And, after a little digging, I formed a theory as to our culprits," Marcel told them. "So, we followed our suspects--"

"And they led us here, to the mansion of the recently-deceased Dowager Fauline," Klaus finished. "You know, she's famous for her collection of rare and priceless jewels and stones. Most notably, of course, the perfect paragon diamond." Klaus and Marcel both glared at Kol. Kol remained silent. "Hand it over, Kol." Kol was angry, reaching into his pocket, pulling out the diamond, handing the diamond to Klaus. Klaus examined it closely. "Hmm."

Rosalita watched them curiously.

Klaus nodded to the woman behind him.

The woman put a hand on the porcelain doll on the gate, casting a spell. "Aven sa fuis sa belise de la 'ner."

The witch turned the porcelain doll head so it was facing toward the house.

The door started to rattled as Mary-Alice and Astrid desperately tried to get out.

"Oh, I wouldn't bother waiting for them," Klaus told them. "You see, those women will never leave that house again. Merry Christmas."

Klaus and Marcel walked away, leaving.

Kol and Rosalita looked toward the house where Mary-Alice and Astrid were still trying to get out.

Kol was angry and horrified.

Rosalita was curious and unfazed.

--

Worlds Colliding (The Originals)

--

Now 

Arkansas

Day One

Morning - Mikaelson Safe House - Foyer / Living Room

Rebekah was hanging a festive wreath on the front door, looking toward the living room that was a joined room with the foyer.

Elijah was leaning against the fireplace, thinking.

"Well, isn't this place rather nice?" Rebekah asked cheerfully, picking up a bottle of wine, examining it. "Nik must have compelled a wine-lover to keep it up, because I found a 2005 bordot. Fancy a sip?"

"I appreciate the sentiment, Rebekah, but I do recognize when I'm being held with kid gloves," Elijah told her in annoyance.

Rebekah sighed, putting the wine down. "How are you feeling?"

"Patronized," Elijah answered. They both looked down at Hope. Hope was lying in her play pen, cooing. "I am here to protect you."

"I know you meant to, Elijah," Rebekah told him.

"And yet, you find it necessary to render me unconscious before bringing me here?" Elijah asked.

"Well, you weren't yourself," Rebekah told him. "And I needed to get us out of that diner. What happened back there?"

Elijah was obviously tense and confused. "I don't know. Niklaus and Kassandra sent me to protect Hope. My job is to keep her safe."

Elijah took a seat, not knowing what was happening to him, but knowing it was because of what Esther had done to him.

--

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Abattoir Compound - Courtyard

Auria, Davina and Kaleb/Kol were working on a spell to keep Auria's body safe from possession.

A spell that was able to protect someone from being possessed by another spirit. It was performed by dipping the doll representing the target into a mixture in a cauldron, placed in a circle of salt, with yellow flowers and herbs scattered around as a power source.

Caitlin was watching them from the nearby table.

Auria chanted something else other than Davina and Kaleb/Kol. "Pwoteja sa. Scandalum subsisto... subsisto venenatis. Impedit l'ecoulement. Pwoeteje sa. Scandalum subsisto... subsisto venenatis. Impedit l'ecoulement."

Davina and Kaleb/Kol chanted together as Auria chanted her incantation. "Se pa toi... subsisto... Inquia l'ecoulement. Se pa toi... subsisto... Inquia l'ecoulement. Se pa toi... subsisto... Inquia l'ecoulement."

Auria took a knife, cutting into her palm, wincing slightly at the pain, letting the blood drip into the cauldron into the mixture. "Pwoteje sa. Scandalum subsisto... subsisto venenatis. Impedit l'ecoulement."

Davina and Kaleb/Kol finished with Auria. "Se pa toi... subsisto... Inquia le'ecoulement."

They stopped chanting.

Auria was clearly worried about losing her body, but unwilling to let anyone know how nervous she was. "It's finished."

"You don't have to pretend that you're fine, Auria," Caitlin told her. "I would be worried that this is not enough to protect your body from Esther's magic, too. In fact, I am worried about that."

Davina sighed. "Me, too, Auria."

Kaleb/Kol looked at Davina. "I might know a way to distract you from your troubled mind."

Davina smiled, shaking her head, looking away.

Marcel and Noah approached.

Marcel looked at Kaleb/Kol. "You can take this seriously, or I can lock you in your coffin like your brother Finn, if you'd prefer."

"No," Kaleb/Kol told him. "No, I'd prefer you to booger off. This spell needs time to cook in peace."

"Auria doesn't have time," Marcel told him. Noah sighed. "Esther can jump anybody into her body right now."

Noah looked at Auria. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. But she's not going to jump anybody, Auria. She's going to jump Rebekah, who just so happens to be miles away."

"But I got to say, Marcel, I think I'd be a bit testy too if my ex was about to jump into my girlfriend," Kaleb/Kol told him. "I think that'd be..."

"Awkward?" Caitlin finished.

"I was going to say kinky, but..." Kaleb/Kol trailed off.

Marcel rushed toward Kaleb/Kol angrily.

Noah rushed in front of Marcel, keeping him away from Kaleb/Kol.

"I appreciate the chivalry, Marcel, but he'll have an easier time helping us protect me if he's alive," Auria told him.

Marcel knew she was right, glaring at Kaleb/Kol. "Keep working."

Marcel looked at Auria worriedly, not wanting to lose her.

Auria knew how he felt about the situation. The pressure was only added onto her for Marcel's concerns.

Marcel walked away, leaving.

Auria sighed, looking Kaleb/Kol, Davina, Noah and Caitlin, walking away.

Noah sighed. "Caitlin, Davina, keep an eye on Kol. I'm gonna make sure Marcel doesn't blow off his steam in the wrong ways, make sure that Auria's okay."

"Okay, Noah," Caitlin told him. Noah walked away, leaving. Caitlin looked at Kaleb/Kol. "What is with you guys?"

"It gets a bit old, being odd man out in my own family," Kaleb/Kol told them, sitting down. "You know, Klaus, Elijah, Rebekah, Kassandra? They were always a party of four. No room for me at the table. But Kassandra would always take time away from them to come visit her big brother. She's always been the kindest one to me." Davina and Caitlin smiled small smiles. "Then she was daggered 500 years ago and my favorite sibling was taken away. Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah became a party of three, and I still wasn't included, but there always seemed to be room for Marcel." Kaleb/Kol looked at Davina. "You know that diamond, the one that I showed you?"

Davina nodded, wiping her hands clean with a towel. "Mm-hmm."

"Well, that was the baby version," Kaleb/Kol told her. "The one that we need to do the dagger spell, well, it has to be a lot bigger. 100 years ago, my old girlfriend, Rosalita..." He paused at saying the name. He was surged with anger with the knowledge of what she had really done to him. "She helped me find it. I had it in my hand. Then Marcel ratted me out to Klaus, and they took it. He probably bloody well kept it."

"So, let's steal it back," Davina told him. Kaleb/Kol looked at her curiously. "It's a good chance to snoop."

Kaleb/Kol gestured to his temple. "It's like you're in my mind, Davina Claire."

Davina smiled. She looked at her best friend. "You won't rat us out, would you, Caitlin?"

"Well, let's see," Caitlin told them. "Stealing a diamond from the guy that kept us locked up like prisoners and used you as a weapon to make a weapon against the guy who has tried to kill everyone in this compound? Rat you out? Are you kidding me? I wanna help." Davina smiled. "Count me in."

Kaleb/Kol looked at Caitlin curiously.

Davina looked at Kaleb/Kol. "See? I told you you could trust Caitlin."

"Seems like it," Kaleb/Kol agreed.

"Thing is, Kol, can I trust you?" Caitlin asked.

"Well, you have no reason to," Kaleb/Kol told her. Caitlin shook her head in agreement. "And you'd be smart not to trust me." Caitlin nodded in agreement. "But, I can guarantee to you, Caitlin Harris, that I am not a threat to you, as long as you're not a threat to me."

Caitlin considered this for a moment. She smirked. "So, let's steal a diamond."

--

Bayou

Starlings were flying around the woods.

Mikael knelt on the ground in the woods of the bayou, viciously feeding on a battered and bleeding werewolf. He noticed one of the birds.

The starling flew away, leaving.

Lenore/Esther appeared behind Mikael. "You're making a mess of my werewolf sentries, Mikael."

Mikael turned to face her, shocked to see his wife again, even if it was in a different body. "And you're up to your old tricks." He stood, approaching her. "Esther. I've missed you, wife. Have you missed me?"

Lenore/Esther sighed impatiently. "As much as you've missed me, I imagine."

"That would explain why you brought your lover back from the Other Side without so much as a thought of me," Mikael told her sarcastically. "I will slaughter every wolf I see until I am taken to the dog you saw fit to bring back from the dead."

"You can stop looking for Ansel," Lenore/Esther told him. "Klaus killed him." Mikael was surprised. "He may not be your blood, but he certainly has picked up a few things from you along the way."

Mikael looked at her angrily, enraged. "Do not mention the bastard son!"

Lenore/Esther was unfazed, looking at him in amusement. "Resolution through violence. You are nothing if not consistent." Mikael glared at her furiously. "Go ahead. Strike me. I imagine you've been waiting a thousand years to do so."

Mikael lunged for her.

Lenore/Esther vanished, revealing that she was only in the bayou in the form of an astral projection.

--

Lafayette Cemetery - Lycee

Lenore/Esther was casting the spell to astral project to the bayou, laughing at Mikael's predictability. "Apparaitre apparebis."

--

Bayou

Mikael realized that he had been tricked into believing that she was really there, looking around, growling. He sensed magic behind him, turning to see another astral projection of his ex-wife.

Lenore/Esther smirked in amusement. "Now that you've gotten that out your system, we have things to discuss about our children."

--

Arkansas

Mikaelson Safe House - Outside

Elijah was sitting on the porch with Hope.

Hope was sitting in a baby seat.

Rebekah was in the yard, setting up firewood. "It's all right, Elijah. She won't break. Everything you did was in the name of protecting her. I'm not worried."

Elijah picked Hope up from her seat, holding her. "Hi, sweetheart." He finally realized that Rebekah was setting up for a fire, looking at her in confusion. "Is that what I think it is?"

Rebekah walked toward Elijah and Hope, smiling happily. "It's bonfire season.  And I am reviving a family tradition. Especially since we're all going to be together."

"Only because we're fleeing from one of our deranged parents," Elijah told her. "Another Mikaelson tradition. It's a peculiar thing. Never to be tired, yet forever exhausted by the sameness of things. Why is our family always at war?"

Rebekah smiled a small smile, touching Hope's hand. "I don't know. But, being away with her made me see things differently." She lowered her voice gently. "We're not so bad. We're not the monsters that our parents think we are."

Kassandra's black car drove down the dirt road toward the house, pulling over.

Rebekah and Elijah smiled in anticipation.

Hayley immediately got out of the car, running toward them. She stopped as soon as she saw Hope, as if she couldn't believe her eyes.

Rebekah and Elijah smiled.

Getting out of the car, Klaus, Kassandra and Mikayla walked toward them.

Elijah handed Hope to Hayley.

Hope smiled.

"Hi," Hayley told her, holding her, sighing in relief.

Klaus had tears in his eyes, overwhelmed at the sight of his daughter, unable to move.

Kassandra approached Elijah and Rebekah, looking at Elijah sympathetically. She looked at Rebekah, smiling, wrapping her arms around her. Rebekah returned the embrace happily.

Hayley was unable to meet Elijah's eye, turning so Klaus and Mikayla could see Hope.

Mikayla smiled at the sight of her niece, sighing heavily in relief.

Hayley approached Klaus slowly.

Hope cooed happily.

Mikayla, Elijah, Rebekah and Kassandra smiled at the sight.

Klaus and Hayley laughed, holding their daughter in their arms.

--~--

The family was building the bonfire.

"Curse on the first born?" Rebekah asked. "What the bloody hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Well, according to Finn, our sister Freya didn't die of plague," Kassandra explained. "She was taken as payment by our aunt Dahlia, who then cursed all Mikaelson firstborns for eternity."

"Is any of this true?" Hayley asked in concern.

"It is if we are to believe Finn, who learned it from the bastion of truth, our mother," Elijah answered.

"Well, no wonder Finn hates us," Kassandra told them. "He lost the sister he adored, and instead got a judgy pack of siblings who found him unbearably dull."

"Great," Mikayla told them sarcastically. "Is there any chance of us running into your loony aunt Dahlia any time soon?"

"The fable's over a thousand years old," Elijah told them. "Dahlia is long dead."

Hayley hesitated. "Like Esther?"

"No one's going to hurt Hope, because no one's going to find her," Klaus told her. Kassandra put more firewood onto the pile. "There's enough wood, Kassandra. You'll burn down the whole bloody state of Arkansas."

Kassandra smiled at the thought of burning things, rubbing her hands together. 

Hayley looked at Hope in her arms. "Wanna see Aunt Mikayla?"

Hope smiled.

Hayley smiled, handing Hope to Mikayla.

Mikayla smiled, holding Hope on her hip, poking her tongue out at her.

Hope smiled, giggling.

The others smiled at the sight.

"Well, we're just missing a key ingredient," Kassandra told them.

Klaus sighed in annoyance, dreading what she was talking about. "No, we're not."

"Yes, we are, Nik," Kassandra told him. She looked at their sister. "Back me up, Rebekah. Elijah, please?"

Elijah chuckled. "I suspect Niklaus would rather choke on the ashes, Kassandra."

"What are you all talking about?" Mikayla asked.

"Well, before we light it, we write down our wishes for each other to burn for luck," Rebekah explained.

Kassandra looked at her siblings. "It was Kol's favorite part when we were kids."

"Further evidence as to why we should ignore it," Klaus told them.

"Hope's first bonfire season," Hayley told them. "I like it." She smiled. "We're doing it."

Hayley walked inside.

Kassandra turned to Klaus, Elijah, Rebekah and Mikayla, pleased, smiling smugly.

Mikayla smiled.

--

New Orleans, Louisiana

Abattoir Compound - Downstairs Living Room

Auria was alone in the room, arms crossed over her chest, looking out of the window pensively, trying to figure out what to do.

Marcel opened the double doors, walking in. "You ditched me."

Auria looked from the window to Finn's coffin that was standing upright. "I have the guy who tried to bring me into his mother locked in that coffin." She looked at Marcel. "What better way than to spend my potential final hours of freedom?"

Marcel took her hands in his. "Try not to think about it."

"I can't help it, Marcel," Auria told him. "At any moment, I could be locked inside my own mind, no way out, just forced to live with whatever Rebekah decides for me. And the one person who can make a difference is ten feet away and locked in a box. I need to talk to him."

"You're not talking to Finn," Marcel told her.

"Maybe he'll listen," Auria told her. "Maybe he'll call his mom off. It's a million to one, but it's better than doing nothing."

Auria walked toward the coffin.

Marcel turned to face her. "I said, no, Auria."

Auria turned to face him. "Marcel, I am hours away from someone taking control of my body with me being awake to witness the entire thing from the sidelines. I highly suggest you avoid trying to control me between now and then."

Marcel gave Auria a look.

Auria raised her eyebrows slightly, not backing down.

--

Arkansas

Mikaelson Safe House - Kitchen

(Song:) O Christmas Tree - Kermit Ruffins

Mikayla was sitting at the table, writing in a notebook.

Hayley walked in with Hope in her arms. "You already writing your wish? Wouldn't peg you for a dreamer, Mikayla."

Mikayla looked up, raising her eyebrows skeptically. "Really?"

"No," Hayley answered. "I knew you were a dreamer from the moment I met you."

Mikayla smiled a small smile, looking at Hope. "Hey."

Hope smiled, giggling.

Hayley nodded to the notebook. "What's your wish?"

"It wouldn't work if I told you, now would it?" Mikayla asked.

"Let me guess," Hayley told her. "It goes along the lines of wishing that the Unification Ceremony turns out exactly like it's supposed to, and that it works so that you and Jackson can save our werewolf people. And because the love you feel for each other is so deep and profound that you can't wait until the day that your older sister gives you away to your husband-to-be?"

Mikayla smirked at Hayley's teasing her, tearing the first page off the notebook, writing a second sarcastic wish, narrating aloud as she wrote. "'I wish things between Hayley and Elijah would get to be better to the point where they can talk to each other without something bad happening before, during or after the conversation, and preferably doesn't involve blood, death and carnage.'" She ripped off the second page, holding it out to Hayley. Hayley gave her an unamused look, taking the paper, crumpling it up into a ball, tossing it to the floor. "That's what you get for mocking me."

"Fine," Hayley told her. "No more mocking."

Hayley walked out of the room with Hope in her arms, leaving.

Mikayla rested her chin on her twined fingers, smirking, pleased with herself.

(Song Ends)

--

New Orleans, Louisiana

Abattoir Compound - Downstairs Living Room 

Auria walked back into the room with a tray of drinks and food, standing next to two chairs that were facing each other.

Marcel and Noah were standing next to the coffin. 

"You know, Auria, I'm only doing this because it means so much to you," Noah told her. "And like Marcel, I don't think it's a good idea."

"It's the only idea we've got to go on right now, Noah," Auria told him.

"But it's not safe," Marcel told her. "I'm staying." Auria turned to give him a look. Marcel couldn't help a small smile at her not wanting to be held back. "Not to control you. To protect you."

"He has the chains on, which means he can't do magic," Auria told them. "I can, so I'm pretty sure that I can protect myself." Marcel gave her a look. Noah tilted his head skeptically. Auria sighed. "He won't talk to me if you're here." She walked closer. "And he's in no shape to pick a fight."

Marcel unlocked the coffin to reveal Vincent/Finn inside. Marcel and Noah both kept his weak form standing, leading him to one of the chairs, making him sit down.

Vincent/Finn glared at Marcel and Noah in hatred. He looked at Auria weakly.

Auria gave Marcel and Noah a look, nodding to the door.

"We'll be outside," Noah told them, turning around, walking out of the room.

Marcel looked at Auria.

Auria knew he was only worried for her, nodding.

Marcel sighed, walking out.

Noah closed the gated door behind them.

Auria turned to Vincent/Finn, gesturing to the tray she had brought in. "I'm not much of a cook, but I do make a mean grilled cheese."

Auria sat down, offering the food and drink.

"You are a passionate woman, Auria, not just defiant," Vincent/Finn told her. "It's your fatal flaw. And it will be your downfall."

"Well, that got dark fast," Auria told him, forcing a laugh. "Come on, eat. You must be starving."

"I will not be tempted by your beauty, nor will I be blinded by your empathy," Vincent/Finn told her.

"You don't leave a girl much wiggle room," Auria told him, setting down the plate. "I would appeal to your morals, but those seem to be all over the map."

"I'm not the one who renounced her witch heritage and sided with the vampires over her own people, even falling in love with one," Vincent/Finn replied. "Your morality is a moving target. Mine is not. You believe people can change. Like how Marcel hunted your kind in the Quarter, and yet he fell in love with you, to the point that he would do anything to protect you, to control you. You think he found his redemption. You know who else has everyone seeking out their redemption? My brother, Klaus. Elijah seeks it out. Rebekah seeks it out. Kassandra seeks it out. My own mother seeks it out. But I do not believe in redemption. I believe in right and wrong. I believe in good." He held the chains up for Auria to see. "And evil."

Auria blew him off. "Maybe in some comic book universe--"

Vincent/Finn stood. "You don't even see that I'm trying to help people like you."

"I don't believe you," Auria told him.

Vincent/Finn leaned closer threateningly until he was inches from Auria. "Then that is to your peril, because when I'm free, I will not stop until every single vampire in New Orleans has ceased to exist, and I will show no mercy to anyone who dares stand with them." He held the chains closer to Auria's neck. "Not even you."

Auria lost her temper, raising her hand toward his head, using magic to make Vincent/Finn weak again, making him groan in pain and hold his head. "Vamisa la visia." Vincent/Finn was in agony, slowly lowering back into his seat. Auria stood, keeping the spell going. "Then just know that you will have to fight us all, including me. If you want to kill Marcel, you also kill Caitlin, an innocent girl linked to Marcel. You want to kill me? Fine. But if your mother's successful with her spell tonight, that means that you're also going to be killing your sister. So, come on, then. Because it's either death or spending a lifetime locked away inside my own head, so maybe you'd be doing me a favor." She stopped the spell, lowering her hand to her side, leaning forward against the chair, leaning closer to Vincent/Finn threateningly until she was inches away from him. "But I am done hiding, and I am done being afraid. If you want me..." She whispered angrily into his ear. "You're gonna have to come and get me."

Auria stood straight, glaring at Vincent/Finn for a moment, walking toward the double doors.

--

Hallway

Marcel and Noah were standing on either side of the hallway nearby the double doors to the room, having been listening to the entire conversation.

The double doors opened with magic. 

Auria walked out of the room, passing them without a look. "Lock him back up."

--~--

Arkansas

Mikaelson Safe House - Outside

Elijah was out on the porch of the safe house, stacking firewood. He suddenly started to flashback to his red-door dream again.

--

Flashback - 2.05 "Red Door"

Elijah's Nightmare

Hallway

Elijah was shirtless and covered in blood, slowly stalking toward the door.

Hayley whimpered in fear, desperately trying to open the door, looking at Elijah in sheer terror, continuing to pound on the door to no avail.

Elijah grabbed her by the arm, turning her to face him.

It was no longer Hayley. It was Nicola.

Elijah was surprised to see her. Nicola looked at Elijah for a long moment, leaning closer to kiss him slowly but sweetly at first, building up in passion and hunger and heat. Elijah returned the kiss at first, grabbing Nicola by the hair, turning her neck toward him, transforming, biting her, feeding. Nicola looked as if she enjoyed feeding him until the pain became too much, screaming in pain.

--

2.07 "Chasing the Devil's Tail"

Elijah's Nightmare

Woods

Elijah stood nearby, watching Young Elijah, trying to attack him.

Young Elijah yelled in anger, staking Elijah in the heart.

--

Now

Day - Mikaelson Safe House - Outside

Elijah was still on the porch. He was lost in his thoughts, terrified.

Kassandra walked toward him. "Elijah." Elijah looked at Kassandra in surprise, brought out of his memories. Kassandra handed him his handkerchief. "Here."

Elijah took it, wiping his hands. "Thank you."

"What is it you see when you go away like that?" Kassandra asked.

"Things I've done," Elijah answered. "Images of who I was. Loves I'm afraid to hurt, from the past and now."

Kassandra knew what he meant. "Hayley and Nicola."

"Yes," Elijah answered. He handed the handkerchief to Kassandra. "It's a lovely gift from Mother. I can't turn it off. I supposed it's her away of demonstrating I'd be better off taking her deal."

"To leave your body behind?" Kassandra asked skeptically.

"To start over," Elijah told her. "To live a mortal life. Have a child of my own, if I choose."

"Cursed as your firstborn, if we're to believe the story," Kassandra told him.

"Not if I am no longer Mikaelson blood," Elijah told her. "You see, this is the beauty of Mother, Kassandra. Even her darkest deeds possess a logic that is difficult to refute."

"It's a lovely fantasy, Elijah," Kassandra told him.

"Kassandra, you and I both know what Mother is capable of," Elijah told her. "Now, I do wonder, if she would relent and leave us be." He sighed, licking his lips anxiously, lowering his voice. "What if all that Mother needs is a victory?"

"Let her find it somewhere else," Kassandra told him. "Besides, she wants all four of us."

"She has Kol, she has Finn," Elijah told her. "Now, perhaps, in the end, a simple, even divide will do?"

Kassandra considered this for a moment, sighing, unhappy with this idea.

--

New Orleans, Louisiana

Abattoir Compound - Klaus's Room

Caitlin, Davina and Kaleb/Kol were going through everything. Drawers, alcohol shelves.

Davina looked at Kaleb/Kol. "I heard you and Kassandra talking last night before she left with Hayley, Mikayla and your brother. You were talking about a girl with a crossbow who killed your mother before, and two other girls."

"Aye," Kaleb/Kol answered. "Eliza Forbes, and Kaylin and Nicola Salvatore are the girls that Rebekah and Kassandra approved of their brothers falling for. Kassandra is always teasing us about them. Eliza Forbes was the girl with the crossbow. Eliza is a human I found enchanting back in Mystic Falls, Virginia. Kaylin Salvatore is the girl that Nik had fallen for back in the 1920s. Kaylin also comes from Mystic Falls. Nicola Salvatore is the great-great-great-great niece to Kaylin and her two brothers, though they treat her as a sister. With those three girls, it was always about our family. To them, it was Mikaelson, Mikaelson, Mikaelson, Mikaelson, Mikaelson. Whether it was fighting with us because of mind control, or crushing on some of us, or in love. Elijah had started to fall for Nicola back in Mystic Falls, but he kept his distance from her."

"Why?" Caitlin asked.

"Because Nicola was sick from a form of cancer, and human," Kaleb/Kol answered. "Elijah thought by being with her, Nicola's chances of surviving were slim because of our family. He wanted her to survive, so he left for a while, and now we're here. Nik is still waiting for Kaylin, however."

"And what about you?" Davina asked.

"Am I waiting for Eliza Forbes?" Kaleb asked. Davina nodded. "Eliza doesn't even know I'm alive, darling. You're safe."

Davina considered this.

Caitlin went through the top drawer of the dresser, stopping when she saw a picture of Kol in his original body and Rosalita from the early 1900s. She closed the drawer, turning to Kaleb/Kol. "Is this you?"

Davina and Kaleb/Kol walked closer, looking at the picture.

"I was a lot better looking back then," Kaleb/Kol told them.

Davina laughed. "You wish. Who's the girl with you?"

Kaleb/Kol glared at the picture of the formerly immortal Doppelganger. "Rosalita."

--

Flashback 2 - 1914 

Abattoir Compound - Courtyard

(Song:) Overture - Boston String Quartet 

The Mikaelsons were hosting a Christmas party at the compound.

Rosalita walked through the courtyard filled with people, making her way upstairs.

--

Klaus' Room

Rosalita opened the doors to Klaus' room, walking inside, finding Kol searching through his closet. "Do you insist on pilfering before cocktails?"

Kol was irritated with Rosalita, walking closer. "Nik stole something that belongs to me while you were with us. You could have easily stopped him."

"You're mad," Rosalita told him.

"Of course I'm mad, Rosalita," Kol told her. "You let Nik and Marcel get away with locking Mary-Alice and Astrid in that dreadful place, and taking the paragon diamond. They were friends."

"They were a means to an end," Rosalita told him. "Everything is a means to an end with me, darling."

"Am I?" Kol asked.

Rosalita smirked, stepping closer, tracing a gloved hand along his chin. "You're much more than a means to an end to me, Kol. Now, I told Elijah to keep you daggered. But Klaus has his ways of taking the dagger out of you. So, to fit my needs, they'll simply just have to dagger you again."

Kol looked at her in confusion. "What?"

Rosalita took control of his mind effortlessly. "Don't worry, love. You won't remember this until the time's right. You see, Kol, I've been orchestrating this plan for centuries, and in decades, the time will come. People will want to gain something from tombs on islands millions of miles away. And in that tomb is my brother. And if they get their hands on the Cure, they'll be risking to raise Silas and hell on earth. I want you to do everything possible to prevent that. Even if it means going against or killing your family. Even if it means dying yourself. You, Kassandra and Finn will also be awake by then, and Rebekah, if she gets daggered before then. Elijah will make sure of it."

"Why would you want me daggered if you want me to accomplish this task for you?" Kol asked.

"Because I need you to be as angry and bloodthirsty as you can be," Rosalita answered. "And daggered in a box for decades brings the anger and bloodthirst from you, my love." Kol was no longer angry, but entranced by Rosalita, almost as if he was lost, drowning in her, like it was love, but only mind control. "Please tell me you'll do this for me, Kol."

"I promise, Rosa," Kol told her.

Rosalita smiled. They leaned closer to kiss deeply, heatedly.

(Song Ends)

--

Now

Abattoir Compound - Klaus's Room

Caitlin, Davina and Kaleb/Kol were still talking.

Davina looked at Kaleb/Kol in shock, slightly horrified at the thought of this. "Rosalita mind controlled you into getting yourself killed?"

"That's a pretty apt description," Kaleb/Kol told them. "She mind controlled an entire group of supernatural beings into killing both me and Finn, including the girls I told you about, since the group was made up of their family and friends. Eliza Forbes, Kaylin and Nicola Salvatore. Granted, Eliza, Kaylin and Nicola didn't have a hand in the actual killing of me or Finn, thankfully. Although, Rosalita actually did help the group kill me. And we had to let the group go because it wasn't their fault for killing us, but Rosalita's fault for mind controlling them to do it in the first place, because they wouldn't have done it otherwise."

"That bitch," Caitlin told them.

Kaleb/Kol chuckled in surprise at her reaction.

"Was anything you ever felt for her real?" Davina asked.

Kaleb/Kol thought about his answer for a moment, curious. "You know, I've been asking myself that since I've been brought back. I honestly can't tell where my true feelings faded way to the mind control. Not that it matters anymore." 

"Why is that?" Caitlin asked.

"Because the bitch is dead," Kaleb/Kol answered, turning away.

Caitlin and Davina were confused and surprised.

--

Arkansas

Mikaelson Safe House - Outside

(Song:) Angels We Have Heard On High - Clara Oman

The family was outside with Hope.

Kassandra held Hope in her arms, standing next to Hayley, smiling at Hope. "Never have I ever been this close to humanity and loved every moment of it."

"It's amazing, right?" Hayley asked.

Kassandra, Hayley and Mikayla looked at each other, smiling.

Klaus lit the match to light the bonfire.

Rebekah walked outside. "Hey, look what I found." She held up a Polaroid camera. "I wonder if it'll work."

Klaus turned away in exasperation, putting his hands on his hips, sighing. "Oh, bloody hell."

Rebekah walked closer. "Come on, let's try it. Hey, Nik, do you think you can cram us all into a selfie?"

"No, Niklaus is a virtuoso at cramming his siblings into confined spaces," Elijah told them.

"Well, I'm glad I traveled hundreds of miles to visit my mentally ill brother, only to have him insult me to my face," Klaus told him sarcastically.

"Oh, come on, just take the picture," Mikayla told him.

Klaus sighed, holding up the camera to take a picture of the seven of them together. Everyone was smiling, Hope included, except for Klaus, who remained expressionless. 

They all watched as the photo developed.

"Aw, see?" Rebekah asked. "I wish that it could always be like this."

"If wishes were horses..." Elijah trailed off.

"Beggars would ride," Kassandra finished.

They all looked happily at the photograph.

Klaus sighed. "You realize we'll have to burn it. You want me to make a wish for the family, Kassandra? I wish it didn't have to be like this. But it does." He handed the photo to Hayley. "We can't risk it falling into the wrong hands."

Hayley and Mikayla looked at each other sadly.

Hayley took a good, long look at the photo, reluctantly throwing it into the bonfire.

They watched the picture burn.

"No," Rebekah told them, sad and angry. "This isn't right. We deserve this. We've earned this. I won't let it slip away." Klaus, Kassandra and Elijah looked at her in confusion. "I know what to do to stop Esther."

"Rebekah..." Elijah trailed off.

"Rebekah, no," Kassandra told her.

Rebekah ignored them. "I'm going to take her deal. And, when I do, I'm taking her down with me."

Everyone looked at her in concern.

Rebekah swallowed anxiously.

(Song Ends)

--~--

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Abattoir Compound - Hallway 

Caitlin, Davina and Kaleb/Kol were walking together.

"What do you mean, Rosalita's dead?" Caitlin asked. "I thought you said that she was immortal."

"Well, she was," Kaleb/Kol told them. "She wasn't when she died."

--

Flashback - Worlds Colliding (The Vampire Diaries)

5.07 "Death and the Maiden"

Mystic Falls, Virginia

Night - Woods

Rosalita stood in the woods off of Cristian's House, watching Silas and Poppy.

Kaleb/Kol: (voice over) "She took the Cure for vampirism and returned to being a witch." 

Rosalita and Poppy knelt to Silas's dying body.

Poppy stabbed Rosalita in her chest.

Rosalita gasped, looking at Poppy in betrayal and confusion. Kaylin came up from behind Rosalita, running her through with Nicola's sword to kill her.

Kaleb/Kol: (voice over) "Kaylin Salvatore stabbed Rosalita in the heart with Nicola Salvatore's sword and killed her for everything that she did to not only me and my family, but to their family and all their friends. Rosalita made everyone's lives a living hell on both sides."

--

Worlds Colliding (The Vampire Diaries)

5.22 "Home"

Night - Woods - The Other Side / Living Plane

Bonnie Bennett and Rosalita were in the woods off of the cemetery.

Kaleb/Kol: (voice over) "She was on the Other Side before it collapsed." 

Rosalita placed her hands on Bonnie's shoulders, passing through her to the Living Plane.

Kaleb/Kol: (voice over) "And hijacked a ride back to the land of the living."

Rosalita let Bonnie go. "If you somehow survive this, I'll see you around."

Rosalita smirked, walking away, leaving.

--

Now

Abattoir Compound - Hallway 

Caitlin, Davina and Kaleb/Kol were still talking.

"So she came back to life as a witch?" Davina asked.

"Yeah," Kaleb/Kol answered. 

"You saw all of this when you were on the Other Side, too?" Caitlin asked.

"The benefit of hell going topsy-turvy," Kaleb/Kol told them.

"So, what did you do?" Caitlin asked. "About Rosalita?"

Kaleb/Kol chuckled. "Well, my mother found me on the Other Side while it had been collapsing. She offered me the same deal that she's been offering my siblings. The only condition I wanted to make is that she and Finn would help me track Rosa down and kill her."

Caitlin and Davina were only a little surprised.

"So, did you... kill Rosalita?" Davina asked.

"Well, she was a very strong witch, and a psychic one at that, who could still control our thoughts and actions," Kaleb/Kol told them. "But she didn't have the body-jumping spell cast on her like we do. Yes, she killed the first bodies that we had inhabited, but we were able to instantly jump into the ones we had ready for her and finish her off. It took hard work and hurt like hell, but it was worth it. She got me and millions of other people killed. I'm glad that she got a ride back to the land of the living so I could kill her myself."

Kaleb/Kol walked past them, leaving.

Caitlin and Davina thought about that seriously, following Kaleb/Kol.

--

Arkansas

Mikaelson Safe House -  Porch

(Song:) The Coventry Carol - The American Boy Choir

Hayley was sitting in the rocking chair on the front porch, giving a hungry Hope her bottle.

Mikayla sat on the porch steps.

They were listening to Klaus, Elijah, Kassandra and Rebekah inside the house.

--

Inside - Living Room

Rebekah, Elijah, Klaus and Rebekah were talking.

"It'll work," Rebekah told them. "She will be distracted during the spell. She'll be vulnerable."

"No," Kassandra told her. "If we kill her, she body-jumps."

"Then stop her from jumping," Rebekah told them.

"If I knew how to bloody stop her from jumping, don't you think I would have happily murdered her ages ago?" Kassandra asked.

"Well, ages ago, you didn't have a Harvest Girl or a Mikaelson witch along with the help of a powerful Rayvnne witch, Kassandra," Rebekah told her. "Kol knows all of her tricks, and Auria will do anything to save herself from being a vessel for me. I'm not inclined to the idea of taking Auria over either."

"No, you're all insane," Elijah told them.

"Hardly, Elijah," Rebekah told him. "It was your idea. You're the one who said she needed a win. You think I didn't hear you talking to Kassandra earlier? If we get this right, then she'll have a win."

"And if we get it wrong, you're no longer in your own body," Kassandra stressed.

"Would that be the worst thing?" Rebekah asked. She looked at Elijah. "You were ready to do it yourself."

Klaus looked at Elijah, surprised and concerned at this revelation.

"It was a foolish moment, and one that Kassandra sagely dissuaded me from," Elijah told them.

"Hopefully, we'll get lucky and stop the spell before I jump," Rebekah told them.

"And, if we're not, you'll get what you always wanted," Klaus told her. Rebekah swallowed nervously. "I mean, that's what you're saying, isn't it? You're willing to lose."

"I'm willing to risk losing, yes," Rebekah told them.

Klaus sighed. "Well, we need to find someone for her to jump into. Someone anonymous. Someone who could disappear with Hope."

"Rebekah, we've been together for centuries," Kassandra told her. "If you were human--"

Rebekah rolled her eyes. "When I'm old and wrinkly, you can dump me back into my old body. Nik already has a coffin he can store me in."

Elijah crossed his arms over his chest. "But to trust Kol?"

"It's not about trust, Elijah," Kassandra told him. "It's about finding the proper leverage."

"She's right," Klaus told him. "Kol will do what's best for Kol. We just have to meet his price."

Kassandra pulled out her phone, making a call.

(Song Ends)

--

New Orleans, Louisiana

Abattoir Compound - Courtyard

Noah and Kaleb/Kol were talking on the balcony.

"I'd be happy to help," Kaleb/Kol told him.

"In exchange for what?" Noah asked. "From all the sneaking around with Davina and Caitlin today, you're clearly in need of something."

"If you want me to find a new body for Rebekah, I want the Fauline diamond Marcel stole from me back in 1914," Kaleb/Kol told him.

Noah chuckled without humor. "What do you plan to do with it?"

"Does it matter?" Kaleb/Kol asked.

"Well, it will matter to Klaus," Noah told him.

"You see, I could fib here, Noah," Kaleb/Kol told him. "But I want to be on the up about it. I need a weapon I can use to protect myself against Nik, and the diamond helps me make it. It's not to kill him, simply a matter of self defense only to be used out of absolute necessity. It's a fair trade. I get free of the whackadoodle mum, I acquire the means by which to defend myself against the volatile brother should the need arise, and, uh, well, if all goes well, perhaps you, Auria and Marcel let me near Davina without bodily harm. So, should I call Kassandra back, or should you?"

Noah rolled his eyes, looking away.

--

Night - On the Road - Kassandra's Car

Kassandra was driving.

Klaus was in the passenger seat.

Rebekah was in the backseat.

Kassandra looked at Klaus. "You are mad to give Kol that diamond."

"Our brother has been plotting against me for years, and he hasn't got a lick of it right," Klaus told them. "I'll take my chances."

Kassandra looked at Rebekah. "Do you know what to do?"

Rebekah took a deep breath. "Yes. But, if it doesn't go to plan, will you handle my body with care, please? I may miss the old model."

"If everything goes south, we will be there to pull you out," Klaus told her. "We just have to take Esther down before she body jumps. I don't want all of this to have been for nothing."

Kassandra smiled, looking between them. "All of us on the same team. It must be Christmas."

They smiled.

--

Arkansas

Mikaelson Safe House - Living Room

Mikayla was sitting in a rocking chair, holding Hope to her chest, rocking her slightly.

Hope was very nearly sleeping against Mikayla's chest. 

Mikayla stroked her head, humming 'Silent Night' to calm Hope down to sleep.

Hope was soon sleeping with her head on Mikayla's chest.

Mikayla smiled, though she continued to hum in case Hope stirred awake.

--

Study

Elijah was sitting by the fireplace, hearing Mikayla's humming. It seemed to calm even him enough to where he couldn't see the things that Esther wanted him to see.

Hayley walked in, standing in the doorway. "Hope's with Mikayla. She's almost asleep."

"I know," Elijah told her.  "I can hear Mikayla humming."

Hayley smiled a small smile. "Yeah. Mikayla's good with her." Elijah nodded in agreement. "Mikayla is amazing, actually."

Elijah looked at her quizzically. "What makes you say that?"

Hayley walked closer. "The wolves. Mikayla figured out away to release them from the witches." Elijah stood in surprise. "They could control their turning without the rings, and bring peace to our home. And Mikayla's doing all of this so that she can save her people and so that Hope can return to us. And there's only one catch... that is more like a gift to both parties involved in this." Elijah looked at her in confusion. "She has to marry Jackson." Elijah was completely stunned speechless. Hayley smiled. "It's a, um, mystical ceremony, and--and an Alpha bonding ritual. It's called a Unification Ceremony."

Elijah nodded. "I've heard of it. I've witnessed one myself."

"And does the ceremony work?" Hayley asked.

"If everything is upheld, yes," Elijah answered. "Mikayla can bring Hope home to us."

(Song:) Stay Awake - London Grammar 

Hayley smiled. "All she has to do is fulfill her life's wish about being with Jackson and being a leader to the wolves. This is going to save us. I'm going to get to raise my daughter at home with her family where she belongs. And everyone else gets to be happy."

"You will be happy," Elijah told her.

"I know," Hayley told him. "Happier than anything I could've dreamed of. But... I know it's selfish, but I want to see... if I can have more happiness. I know that you and I haven't been close recently, but... I just... I just have to try."

Hayley leaned closer to kiss Elijah deeply, pulling away, waiting for his reaction. Elijah seemed dazed and surprised that she would do that. Hayley took this as a bad sign, looking down unhappily, a little embarrassed, turning to leave. Elijah grabbed her arm to stop her. They looked at each other for a moment, kissing hungrily and heatedly. Hayley jumped up to wrap her legs around his waist. Elijah rushed her back into the wall behind her, kissing her neck. Hayley took off his tie. Elijah pulled her shirt over her head, letting it fall. Hayley ripped open his shirt, letting it fall. Elijah turned to place Hayley on the table. Hayley tilted her head back over the table toward the floor. They leaned closer to kiss. 

(Song Ends)

--

New Orleans, Louisiana

Abattoir Compound - Courtyard

Marcel, Noah, Caitlin, Auria and Davina were waiting.

Davina and Caitlin sat at a table.

Marcel and Auria sat the bar, drinking.

Noah stood nearby.

Kaleb/Kol walked in. "Done! A per request. Miss Angelica Barker. Good cheek bones and a tummy you could bounce a quarter off of." Auria looked up. "She will be Rebekah's new body, instead of Auria."

"Who's Angelica Barker?" Caitlin asked.

"One of the vampire potentials," Noah answered. "Had to turn her down. She was too lost."

"Does she know what's about to happen to her?" Auria asked.

"It's better when they don't know, love," Kaleb/Kol told her.

"Hopefully, we won't have to use her," Caitlin told them.

"Hopefully," Kaleb/Kol repeated. "My mother is a wily and vindictive woman." He looked at Marcel. "Which is why I want something else."

"You're already getting the diamond," Marcel told him.

"Which I'm thrilled about," Kaleb/Kol told him. "But if I am to help you, I need access to my mother's hour glass, which is in the lycee. With my mother."

"So?" Noah asked.

"Well, I haven't been back in a while," Kaleb/Kol told them. "And the only way she won't suspect me is if I bring back the thing I was sent to find."

"And that thing is?" Noah asked.

"The white oak stake," Kaleb/Kol answered.

"Are you out of your mind?" Caitlin asked.

"Kaleb!" Davina told him.

Kaleb/Kol looked between them. "Look, it's the only way she's gonna trust me. She doesn't want to kill them. She just wants to make sure that the weapon doesn't fall into the wrong hands." No one was happy about this. "I swear, as soon as she's gone, I'll give it right back to Nik."

"Like hell you will," Marcel told him. "Deal's off."

Kassandra walked into the room. "Kol." Kaleb/Kol looked at her in surprise. "Whatever grudges you hold against us, we are doing this for the good of our family. Do I have your word that, for once, you will honor that?"

Kaleb/Kol nodded. "You have my word, Sandra. I swear on the fate of us all."

Kassandra nodded. "I'll get the stake."

Kassandra turned to leave.

Kaleb/Kol watched her go expressionlessly.

--~--

Lafayette Cemetery - Lycee

Kaleb/Kol had returned to the lycee, meeting up with Lenore/Esther, handing the white oak stake to her. "I wooed her, I won her. It took a while, but in the end, she handed it to me."

Lenore/Esther examined the white oak stake carefully. "When I didn't hear from you, I thought you might be in trouble."

Kaleb/Kol shook his head. "Nope. No trouble. It's just hard to do espionage when you're calling mommy all the time." He touched Esther's hourglass curiously. "So, where's Finn? Is he off playing emperor to his merry pack of dogs?"

"I'm afraid Finn may have fallen into the hands of your brothers and sister," Lenore/Esther told him. "But, I've made a plan to assist him with that dilemma while I continue my search for Rebekah."

Behind Lenore/Esther, a dark figure appeared.

Kaleb/Kol smirked, gesturing toward the door. "Oh, speak of the devil and the devil will come." Lenore/Esther turned to face Rebekah. Kaleb/Kol smirked. "Hello, sister."

Rebekah smiled. "Kol. It really is you. I would know that smirk anywhere." Lenore/Esther was surprised to see her daughter standing before her. Rebekah walked closer. "Hello, Mother. I believe you're offering a deal?"

--

Abattoir Compound - Courtyard

Davina and Auria stood around a table, pouring salt around an hourglass.

"Kaleb will link this hourglass to Esther's," Davina told her. "Ours will mirror hers."

Marcel, Noah and Caitlin were watching.

"Now, how does this work again?" Caitlin asked.

"As the last sand falls, Esther will try to jump Rebekah into me," Auria explained. "That's when we will direct the spell from me to Esther. It's meant to jam the signal just long enough to keep that kind of magic from working against anyone."

"If it works," Marcel told them.

"It'll work," Auria told him. "When Rebekah attacks, Esther won't be able to jump her spirit or herself into anyone else."

"And we're sure Kol is on board?" Caitlin asked.

"He's on board," Noah answered. "He's a thief and a liar, but like Elijah, he doesn't give his word lightly."

--

Lafayette Cemetery - Lycee 

Lenore/Esther was pouring cups of tea for Kaleb/Kol and Rebekah.

"You can't possibly expect me to discuss giving up eternal life over tea," Rebekah told her. She pointed to a nearby shelf full of wine bottles. "Give me some of that red over there." Lenore/Esther smiled, going to get the bottle of red wine from the shelf to pour them each a glass. "Well, where's the sales pitch?"

"I only offer what you already want," Lenore/Esther told her.

"And how do you presume to know that?" Rebekah asked.

"Elijah's happiest when there's order," Lenore/Esther told her. "Klaus, when he's the center of attention and in control. Kassandra, when there's music, an open bar and family. But you are my only child capable of unfettered joy." She handed Rebekah a glass of wine. "And, you're happiest amongst humans. I've seen you yearn for that life. For love."

"And when am I happiest, then, Mother?" Kaleb/Kol asked.

Lenore/Esther rolled her eyes, setting her drink on the table, turning to look Kaleb/Kol in the eye. "When you're doing as you're told." She held up the tea tray, handing it to Kaleb/Kol so he could put it away, turning to Rebekah. "Our wishes are aligned to this, my daughter. Mine, to free you from this curse, and yours, to be human."

"I'd be giving up everything I've ever known for a memory of something I once was," Rebekah told her. "Power for weakness. Strength for frailty. Eternal life for a brief human existence."

Lenore/Esther squeezed her arms affectionately. "The choice is simple. Another thousand years of never having what you want, or a handful of years when you do."

Rebekah looked nervous. She glanced over at Kaleb/Kol 

Kaleb/Kol looked at her knowingly.

Rebekah looked at Lenore/Esther, taking a deep breath. "Well, then. To the end of an era. I'm in."

Lenore/Esther smiled happily. "Let us begin."

Lenore/Esther turned over her hourglass.

Kaleb/Kol looked nervous, leaning forward in his seat, casting a silent, brief spell while Lenore/Esther's back was turned.

Lenore/Esther and Rebekah toasted their wine glasses, taking a long sip.

--

Abattoir Compound - Courtyard

Davina and Auria stood at the table.

Marcel, Noah and Caitlin watched them.

The sand started to fall in the hourglass.

"It's working," Auria told them.

Caitlin looked at Auria nervously. "Auria..."

Auria nodded reassuringly.

--

Lafayette Cemetery 

Lenore/Esther, Rebekah and Kaleb/Kol were outside, at the altar where Genevieve, Monique and Abigail had tried to sacrifice Hope and where the Roubidoux coven had tried to sacrifice Caitlin in flashback in 1.22 From a Cradle to a Grave, and where the Harvest had taken place in both the flashback of 1.05 Sinners and Saints, and in present in 1.11 Apres Moi, Le Deluge.

Lenore/Esther's hourglass sat on the altar, surrounded by salt and sand in a circle.

Lenore/Esther finished setting up the spell.

Fire sparked in four metal bowls surrounding her.

Lenore/Esther laid the white oak stake on the end of the altar.

Rebekah looked at the stake nervously. "What the bloody hell is that doing here?"

"As each of you comes to your senses and takes my offer, I will destroy your vampire bodies," Lenore/Esther told her.

Kaleb/Kol looked at her in confusion. "Mother, you said you wanted the stake to protect them."

"Yes, but not in their current bodies," Lenore/Esther told him. "Once they accept my offer, I will be righting two wrongs."

"No," Rebekah told her.

"Having brought this evil into the world, then having subjected my own children to it," Lenore/Esther told them.

"No, that wasn't the deal," Rebekah told her. "Stop the spell!"

"The spell is already done," Lenore/Esther told her. "I prepared to be locked in the moment I turned over the hourglass."

Kaleb/Kol looked anxiously at Rebekah.

Rebekah was horrified. 

The sand continued to pour through the hourglass.

--

Abattoir Compound - Courtyard

Davina and Auria stood at the table.

Marcel, Noah and Caitlin watched.

The sand continued to fall in the hourglass.

"Now?" Noah asked.

Auria shook her head. "Not yet."

--

Lafayette Cemetery

Lenore/Esther was going through with the spell.

Kaleb/Kol couldn't do anything yet without blowing his cover.

Rebekah pleaded with Lenore/Esther. "Mother, think this through. You gave birth to this body. You can't destroy it."

"I am only destroying its flesh," Lenore/Esther told her. "Your beautiful soul will live on in the body of another." There was only centimeters of sand left in the hourglass. "I have chosen well for you. A beautiful witch. Strong."

Kassandra was standing on the roof of a nearby crypt. "Mother! Stop the spell!" She jumped down from the crypt gracefully, rushing closer, standing next to Rebekah. "You and your traitorous son."

"Sandra, I didn't know anything about it, I swear," Kaleb/Kol told her worriedly.

Lenore/Esther looked at them in realization. "Oh, good. I'm glad you two are friends again. I did wonder what you'd been up to in your time away. Now, I know."

"Stop the bloody spell!" Kassandra told her.

"I'm afraid that's impossible, Kassandra," Lenore/Esther told her.

Klaus appeared on the other side of Rebekah. "Anything is possible." He stepped in front of Rebekah. "Take me instead."

"Nik, no!" Rebekah told him.

"If only you'd taken my offer when it was still mine to give," Lenore/Esther told him. "Unfortunately, you've left me no choice but to make a... deal with Mikael."

"Mikael?" Rebekah repeated in horror.

Klaus, Kassandra and Kaleb/Kol looked at their mother mutinously.

"When Finn and Kol went missing, I needed a new ally," Lenore/Esther told them. She looked at Klaus. "All he wanted was the right to kill you." Klaus turned away from them to think, overwhelmed. "Kol, I would ask you to deliver the stake to your father, but it seems your loyalties have been compromised."

Kassandra turned to face her. "Stop the spell, Esther!"

"No, it's okay, Sandra," Rebekah told her. "I can do this."

The sand in the hourglass was ever closer to being gone.

"So, you're feeling murderous again," Lenore/Esther told him. "You should know, I've already chosen another body."

Kaleb/Kol saw that the sand had almost run out. "Now!"

Kassandra took an athame off of the altar, stabbing Lenore/Esther in the neck with it.

Lenore/Esther looked at Kassandra in shock, falling to the ground, dead.

The rest of the sand left the hourglass.

Kassandra looked at Lenore/Esther's body, unable to believe what she had just done.

--

Abattoir Compound - Courtyard

Davina and Auria stood at the table.

Marcel, Noah and Caitlin watched.

The last of the sand in the hourglass fell.

"Now," Noah told them.

Davina closed her eyes in concentration, starting to chant. "Scen ta lum ves victa per vatis imparret." Auria started to shake, convulsing violently. "Scen ta lum ves victa per atis imparret."

"Auria?" Marcel and Noah asked in concern.

Caitlin was overwhelmed with what was going on. "Auria?"

Auria continued to shake.

--

Lafayette Cemetery

Rebekah started to shake, convulsing violently. She fell unconscious.

Klaus caught her in his arms.

"Rebekah!" Kassandra told her.

The hourglass exploded.

Kaleb/Kol, Kassandra and Klaus ducked the shards of glass.

--

Abattoir Compound - Courtyard

Auria was still shaking. She fell unconscious.

Marcel caught her in his arms. "Auria!"

The hourglass exploded.

Davina, Marcel, Noah and Caitlin ducked the shards of glass.

--

Lafayette Cemetery

Klaus held Rebekah's unconscious body.

Kassandra looked at Kaleb/Kol in worry.

--

Abattoir Compound - Courtyard

Marcel held Auria's unconscious body.

Noah helped Caitlin stand.

Caitlin looked at Davina worriedly. "Did it work?"

Davina was scared, worried and confused. "I have no idea."

--~--

Marcel laid Auria's unconscious body onto the couch, kneeling next to her worriedly, stroking her hair back.

Caitlin and Davina were standing nearby, watching nervously, worriedly.

Klaus walked into the room, carrying an unconscious Rebekah to the couch opposite of them, lying her down.

Kassandra walked in.

--

Downstairs Living Room

Noah had gone to check on Vincent/Finn where he was supposed to locked away in the coffin, holding the broken padlock in his hand, looking up at the open coffin with no Vincent/Finn inside.

Vincent/Finn was gone.

--

Courtyard

Auria and Rebekah laid unconscious on the two couches across from each other.

Marcel knelt next to Auria.

Kassandra, Klaus, Caitlin and Davina stood nearby.

Caitlin looked at Kassandra and Klaus. "Auria's not awake, either."

Noah walked in. "Somebody busted Finn out."

"Our mother is using Mikael to do her dirty work," Klaus told them.

Auria gasped awake, looking around.

Everyone looked at Auria worriedly, tense and confused, wondering if Auria was Auria, or if Rebekah was in Auria's body, waiting for a long, tension filled moment for the answer as Auria gathered her bearings.

"Auria?" Davina whispered.

Marcel looked at her worriedly, helping her sit up. "Auria?"

Auria exhaled in relief. "Marcel, I suddenly love how overprotectingly controlling you are."

Marcel smiled, tilting his head forward against Auria's in relief. Auria smiled, holding his hand that he held to her head, kissing him sweetly and slowly in relief.

Davina and Caitlin smiled, sitting on either side of Auria.

"Auria..." Davina trailed off.

Auria smiled. "Caitlin. Davina. I'm fine."

They all embraced.

Noah sighed in relief. "Welcome back, Auria."

Auria managed a small smile. "Thanks, Noah."

Klaus looked at Rebekah in worry. "We couldn't stop the spell."

Kassandra turned to walk out of the room.

"Please tell me that your mother's dead," Noah told them.

Kassandra turned toward them. "Rebekah and I took extra precautions. Esther is exactly where she needs to be."

Kassandra turned to leave.

--

The French Quarter

Davina and Kaleb/Kol were walking through the Quarter toward the Fauline mansion.

"Why are you in such a good mood?" Davina asked.

"I'm reliving a bit of Christmas deja vu," Kaleb/Kol answered.

Davina looked at him curiously.

--

Flashback 3 - 1914

Abattoir Compound - Courtyard

(Song:) The Holly and the Ivy - Manor House String Quartet 

The Mikaelsons' party was in full swing.

People were milling about the courtyard in their finest.

Rebekah was mingling with the guests.

Noah was in the crowd.

Rosalita walked in. She saw Noah, walking closer. "You're Marcel's friend, are you not? The human, Noah Dumaine."

"I am," Noah answered.

"Dashing friend," Rosalita told him.

"You're here with Kol," Noah told her. Rosalita smirked, taking two glasses of wine from nearby tray. "A word of advice? A woman as lovely as you has no business dating an Original."

"Oh, no need to be jealous, Noah," Rosalita told him. "Kol is going to go away for a few long, good decades."

Rosalita took control of Noah's mind to let him know what she was talking about without words.

Noah nodded in agreement. "So it seems. Are you enjoying the party?"

"Of course," Rosalita answered. "You should know I can't resist a good holiday." She looked at the stairs where Klaus, Elijah, Rebekah, Kol and Marcel were gathered, smiling. "Noah, the show's about to start." She looked at Noah. "Pay close attention."

Rosalita was still in his head, holding her glass toward him.

Noah knew what to do without words, taking a knife from his pocket, slitting his wrist, bleeding into Rosalita's glass.

Klaus, Elijah, Rebekah, Kol and Marcel raised their champagne, posing for a family photograph.

Kol saw Rosalita down below, raising his glass to her.

Rosalita smirked, raising her glass to Kol, taking a drink of the blood-tinged champagne.

The photographer took the picture.

Klaus tapped on his glass with a knife to get the party's attention. "As you know, when the Mikaelsons arrived in Louisiana, we brought with us the tradition of holiday bonfire season. Now, we invite you chosen few to join us in our family's own tradition of writing wishes for each other and burning them for luck. The holidays are a time for celebrating family, and friends." He looked at Marcel. "It is especially gratifying in times when friends run deep." Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah glanced at Kol. Kol looked at them in confusion, the mind control Rosalita on him not letting him remember what she had told him. "To know you have someone you can trust. A toast to you, our friend." Rosalita smiled. "To Rosalita."

"To Rosalita," everyone repeated.

Kol looked at Rosalita in confusion, turning around, walking upstairs.

Elijah appeared in front of Kol.

Kol turned around.

Klaus appeared in front of Kol.

Kol turned toward the stairs to flee.

Rebekah stood in his way.

Elijah held Kol down, restraining him from behind.

Rosalita approached the middle of the room, turning to the room to control everyone's minds. "Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the disturbance. But, what's a Mikaelson party without a little family squabble?" She looked at Noah, smirking. "Don't worry, Noah." She winked. "This is what I call entertainment."

Klaus pulled out a dagger, pushing it into Kol's heart, making him scream in pain and begin to desiccate.

Rosalita watched from over her shoulder, smiling.

--

Now

Night - The French Quarter

Kaleb/Kol and Davina were still walking together.

"Rosalita was horrible," Davina told him. "I know that I shouldn't say this, but I'm glad you killed her. I don't want someone like her roaming the earth, no matter what creature she is."

"Well, thank you, love," Kaleb/Kol told her. "I'd owed her for ten centuries worth of controlling me and turning me into the monster that I was, and I finally got to repay that favor before we settled on our scores here and town. And I even got to play a little prank on my little sister." Davina looked at him in confusion. Kaleb/Kol gave her a reassuring look. "Oh, don't worry, love. I'm not going to hurt my own sister. I didn't exactly prep Angelica Barker, either. I prepped someone else."

Davina was stunned. "What? Who?"

"Oh, it's a bit of a story," Kaleb/Kol told her. "You see, Nik didn't just punish me for stealing the diamond. He also punished my witch friends. Locking them in the Dowager Fauline cottage, and Rosalita never made a move to save them. Oh, over the decades, it's become quite a catch-all for an assortment of odd birds of the witchy variety. I'm sure Rebekah will be very comfortable in a prison created by Nik."

Davina was horrified, stopping in walking, turning to look at Kaleb/Kol in disbelief. "You didn't."

"Oh, I did," Kaleb/Kol answered. He pulled out the large paragon diamond from his pocket. "Besides, with Rebekah missing, Nik and Kassandra will be occupied so we can finish what we started."

Kaleb/Kol handed her the diamond.

Davina examined the diamond for a moment, considering the revelation. She looked up. "You swear she's safe?"

Kaleb/Kol nodded. "Perfectly. Since this is the best day I've had in the past two centuries, I've made a wish for you." He caressed her face with his hand. Davina looked happy to be with him. "Close your eyes."

Davina closed her eyes. Kaleb/Kol leaned closer to kiss her softly and sweetly, pulling away. Davina smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck, kissing him more passionately. Kaleb/Kol wrapped his arms around her waist. The two continued to kiss in front of the Fauline mansion.

--

Lafayette Cemetery - Delphine Tomb

(Song:) Silver Bells - Digital Daggers

The tomb was full of dozens of human skulls.

Lenore/Esther laid on the floor, waking.

Kassandra tossed a blood bag to her.

Lenore/Esther groaned, trying to get her bearings.

Kassandra crossed her arms over her chest, smirking. "Hello, Mother."

Lenore/Esther looked at Kassandra in fear. "What have you done?"

"You, who sold your son to the butcher Mikael like he were nothing more than chattel, ask me what I have done?" Kassandra asked skeptically. Lenore/Esther sat up. Her hands were shaking. Kassandra walked toward her. "I've done what every good daughter does, Mother. I've followed the example of my parents. You taught me exactly how I should treat you." Lenore/Esther looked around the tomb, holding her chest. "You must be feeling a little twitchy right about now. It's what happens when you're in transition."

Lenore/Esther licked her lips, noticing the blood bag on the floor next to her, drawn to it. She was horrified. "No." She looked at Kassandra. "That's not possible."

Kassandra smirked tauntingly. "Oh, but it is. You see, you might have thought you were one step ahead of us, but the truth is, Rebekah and I were two ahead of you."

--

Flashback

Lafayette Cemetery - Lycee

Kaleb/Kol, Lenore/Esther and Rebekah were talking about the deal.

"And when am I happiest then, Mother?" Kaleb/Kol asked.

Lenore/Esther rolled her eyes, setting her wine glass down, turning toward Kaleb/Kol to look him in the eye. "When you're doing as you're told."

While her back was turned, Rebekah bit her thumb, dribbling a sizable amount of her vampire blood into Esther's wine glass.

Lenore/Esther took a long drink.

--

Now

Night - Lafayette Cemetery - Delphine Tomb

Kassandra had informed this to her mother.

Lenore/Esther looked completely dumbfounded. "The wine?"

"You died with vampire blood in your system," Kassandra told her. "It's delicious irony, because, as you know, you cannot be both witch and vampire." Lenore/Esther tried to keep herself from crying, horrified and overwhelmed. "So, now, you can either be the thing that you hate the most, or you can be dead." Kassandra walked out of the door of the crypt, but she turned back one last time toward her mother. "Your choice." Her amusement faded into seriousness as she glared at Lenore/Esther. "Which is more than you ever gave us."

Kassandra walked out of the tomb, leaving.

Lenore/Esther started to cry, sprawled out on the floor of the tomb, reaching toward the blood bag on the floor, pulling it toward her.

--

Abattoir Compound - Ballroom

Rebekah's body had been laid in her coffin.

Klaus and Kassandra walked toward her, looking at Rebekah sadly.

Kaleb/Kol joined them, standing opposite of them, pulling out the white oak stake, handing it to Klaus. "A promise is a promise."

Klaus smiled a small smile, taking the stake from Kaleb/Kol, relieved that he had kept his word.

Kassandra looked at Rebekah's body in concern.

(Song Ends)

--

Fauline Cottage - Room

A young woman suddenly awakened with a gasp on a bed. She slowly sat up, looking at herself in the mirror for a moment.

She started to hear screaming nearby.

The woman stood to investigate.

--

Foyer

The woman ran down the stairs toward the doors, desperately trying to break through, but they wouldn't budge."Let me out! Someone!" She continued to pound on the doors with no avail, furious. "Kol, damn it!" She could hear maniacal laughter nearby. "I'm not meant to be here." She started to pound even harder on the doors with her fists, continuing to rattle the door handles, trying to get out. "I'm Rebekah Mikaelson! I'm Rebekah Mikaelson! Let me out! I'm Rebekah Mikaelson!"

--~--

2.10 "Gonna Set Your Flag On Fire" Trailer 

From 2.10 "Gonna Set Your Flag On Fire", in Marcel's Loft, Caitlin looked nervous but defiant. "You're him, aren't you?" She glared. "Mikael."

Mikael smirked. "Hmm. You've heard of me. Wonderful."

Caitlin was clearly afraid, though she didn't let Mikael see, as her anger shone through her fear brighter than any other emotion.

From 2.10 "Gonna Set Your Flag On Fire", in the courtyard, the werewolves and the vampires were trying to form an alliance in the courtyard.

Vincent/Finn stood in the doorway.

Noah slammed into an invisible barrier. His skin burned as if he was outside in the sun without a daylight ring. He had to back away from the doorway before his hand could catch fire.

"The only thing that can exist between your two degenerate species is death," Vincent/Finn told them.

From 2.10 "Gonna Set Your Flag On Fire", in Kol's room, Klaus, Kassandra and Kaleb/Kol were talking.

Klaus looked at Kaleb/Kol. "We have a witch problem. You're a witch. Fix it."

PREPARE FOR THE MOTHER

From 2.10 "Gonna Set Your Flag On Fire", in Rebekah's room at the Fauline Cottage, Cassie looked at Rebekah. "You're the other sister. Rebekah."

From 2.10 "Gonna Set Your Flag On Fire", in the lycee, Caitlin was sitting in a chair unwillingly, looking at Mikael and Vincent/Finn.

Mikael walked closer, looking at Caitlin. "Together, me and my son, believe that you can help us finally destroy them."

From 2.10 "Gonna Set Your Flag On Fire", in the courtyard, Marcel stood by the doorway next to Davina, Auria and Kaleb/Kol. "We're going to have a bloodbath on our hands."

From 2.10 "Gonna Set Your Flag On Fire", in the courtyard, a werewolf picked a fight with a werewolf.

OF FAMILY FEUDS

From 2.10 "Gonna Set Your Flag On Fire", in the compound, Kassandra was on the phone. "If you think you are any less of a monster than the rest of us are, brother, you are sadly mistaken."

From 2.10 "Gonna Set Your Flag On Fire", in the courtyard, Caitlin was standing on the stairs.

Noah stood on the other side of the railing as her. "I'm not gonna let anyone hurt you."

Caitlin looked at Noah nervously, noticing that he was doing everything he could not to feed on her now, looking down. "What if you do?"

WORLDS COLLIDING (THE ORIGINALS)