𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 — the protective parents

━━━━━━━

𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 in an uncertain, fearful flash.

All had seemed completely and utterly ordinary whilst Ophelia, joined by Elijah, Nik, and Hayley, walked throughout the streets of New Orleans during the funeral procession. 

The ever-welcomed sound of jazz following behind them like a bee chasing the scent of sweet pollen. It was calm, and all was fine.

Their discussion was filled with guesses and accusations surrounding the bayou bombing, each coming to the conclusion that Hayley had most definitely been the target; and this, of course, had led to a rather agitated Niklaus demanding that Hayley return to the compound.

Ophelia hummed in amusement to herself as she had watched Hayley push away from their group, a scowl upon her face as she wrenched Nik's arm from her shoulders before she placed a hand on her swollen stomach and marched away.

"As tactful as ever, Nik." The siphon mused as she patted his arm, eyes alight as Elijah chuckled beside her.

The hybrid rolled his eyes and brushed the siphons teasing hand away, his own darting to straighten his jacket, "Oh bugger off."

With a rather large grin, Ophelia shook her head and quickened her pace, ready to join Hayley, "Right, well, I'll find better company then, you pouting child."

"I don't pout!"

Ophelia rose a brow as she spun on her heel, eyes narrowed as she moved her gaze over Nik's face, promptly ignoring the grin that Elijah was failing to conceal, "Oh, no, no, of course you don't Nik. Sure."

Before much else could be said, the siphon picked up her pace and headed towards Hayley who seemed to have parted from her short conversation with Camille. Her steps paused as she watched the wolf cough rather harshly into her balled fist, eyes blowing wide as a river of crimson blood covered her skin.

"Hayley!"

Her shouts immediately drew the attention of the two lingering Original vampires; each pushing through the crowds as quickly as they could to reach the pair. Ophelia joined Hayley's side, hands shaking as she watched the blood fall from Hayley's mouth.

The wolf looked from her bloodied hand to Ophelia as her head filled with white noise, "Ophelia?" she called weakly as her body slowly tumbled forward and Into Ophelia's awaiting arms.

Ophelia gripped the wolf tightly, her head snapping to the side as a flash of vibrant ginger reached her side; Genevieve. The witch openly grimaced at the blood that covered Hayley and had transferred to Ophelia, "Let me help."

"There's no need." Elijah's voice practically snapped, and though he did retain his usual calm and collected demeanor, the hiss in his voice was as venomous as a serpent.

Ophelia huffed, her bloodied hands still grasping at Hayley as she directed her gaze to the red-haired witch, "You hurt her in any way, I'll kill you." her voice held finality; it wasn't a threat but a fact.

Klaus had approached their side by this point, his hands darting out to swipe Hayley into his arms with utmost ease before he led them through the crowds. People parted like the sea upon his thunderous expression and the blood that clung to Hayley's skin.

Ophelia scurried onwards, hot on Nik's heels as the hybrid led them closer to the compound. Chairs were brushed aside and clattered to the floor in Nik's haste before he finally made his way to a clear table; setting the bloodied she-wolf down with utmost care.

His fearful cerulean eyes darted to Ophelia; despite Genevieve possessing more knowledge, he trusted the siphon with his entire being, "What's wrong with her?"

Ophelia's hands gripped at the edge of the table, her eyes trying to avoid the pale face of the wolf that had clawed her way into the siphon's once cold heart; she had no idea. Absolutely no idea what was wrong. "I — I don't know, Nik." Hesitantly, her gaze slid to Genevieve, "You were a nurse? Help her."

And without question, the witch did as she was told. Ophelia watched her closely as she bustled around the table to find the cause of whatever the hell was happening to Hayley.

"There's a spell I can do," Genevieve said as she looked up to the group. Her eyes settled on Nik, "Klaus, get chamomile from the pantry." Her words faded as she looked to Hayley once again, the wolf shivering as if it were a winter day, "She's trembling. Your jacket, Elijah." Finally, she nodded to Ophelia and held out her hands, "I'll need your help with the spell, siphon Elijah and we'll do the spell together."

So she did. Ophelia wasted no time in meeting Elijah halfway, quickly siphoning magic from his being before she made her way back to Genevieve, grasping onto the witches outstretched hands.

⋆⋆⋆

The scent of chamomile permeated the air, the mutterings of unknown chants filled everybody's ears, and anxiety flooded each and every vein in the room.

It had felt like hours, hours filled with what felt like useless mutterings of Latin words. It seemed as though the spell was doing nothing... until it did.

Both Ophelia and Genevieve couldn't conceal the gasp that erupted from their lips as a vision entered their mind; it had been Monique.

"I know what to do!" Genevieve exclaimed, pointedly ignoring the look of rage plastered on the siphons face, "Get my bag, the gris-gris pouch! Now!"

It didn't take long for the brothers to spring into action, the pair speeding towards the bag and scooping it up for the witch to take.

Ophelia nimbly caught the small bag of salt Genevieve tossed to her and as quickly as she could, she formed a small circle around the pregnant wolf, her lip caught between her teeth at the mere thought of Hayley never waking up.

"Okay..." Genevieve breathed as she looked towards Ophelia, "Let's do it."

And once again, the siphon and the witch held hands and began to speak the incantation. Minutes passed and just as Ophelia cracked an eye open, hope beginning to leave her as she saw the still body of Hayley and the tense gazes of the original vampires, Hayley awoke with a shattering gasp.

Ophelia couldn't even register herself moving, but she appeared before the wolf within a moment. Hayley grasped at Ophelia's hand, her eyes wide as they darted between Ophelia, Klaus and Elijah, "I saw him. He tried to kill me. I saw Mikael."

Ophelia could see the look exchanged between the brothers as Hayley tried to regain herself. Their eyes, whilst clouded with concern for the she-wolf, held something akin to fear... an odd, and rather ominous look to see within the originals.

But Ophelia brushed it to the side; Mikael was not here. He had appeared in dreams and now within Hayley's mind; but he was not before them, dagger at the ready. They needed to focus on what was around them; the city filled with enemies, and the wolf carrying a child. That was what was important.

⋆⋆⋆

The marching band that filled the streets continued to play on, trumpets, trombones, drums and a multitude of other instruments filling the air; it was an atmosphere unlike any other.

An atmosphere that helped calm the storm that had passed.

Ophelia found herself lounging on the bed covered with a copious number of blankets and cushions in the room that was now deemed as Hayleys. She had accepted Niklaus' 'offer' to rejoin them all within the compound. It was safer, not just for her, but for her unborn child.

Hayley had joined Ophelia; the pair sharing a moment of peace as their heads lightly bobbed away to the soulful music that drifted through the window to caress the room.

The wolf was free of blood, not a stain in sight; she had almost scrubbed her skin raw at the disgusting feeling of the sticky crimson substance that had clung to her; a reminder of Mikael and his calloused hands that had wrapped around her throat as he spat his malicious words.

Ophelia had listened intently when Hayley finally told her exactly what Mikael had said; despite the wolf having kept the harmful words from reaching Klaus's ears, instead electing to smile at the hybrid and tell him that Mikael's words were false.

The father of the original vampires had spouted his presumably usual words of hatred for his 'son'. Words that had twisted Klaus into the man that he is... And yet despite the words that had turned his heart cold, pulled it into the darkness of the shadows... Klaus, not for a moment, looked anything less than terrified as he watched Hayley, and his baby, suffer.

He'd be a good father. Ophelia had known that from the moment she had met him, and even still, every day he showed that he would do anything for his unborn daughter.

He'd be nothing like Mikael.

Hayley had also shared the small moment she and Nik had together; the room Niklaus had prepared for his child. Despite the magnificent look of concealment Hayley displayed; Ophelia could see just how much it had warmed her heart.

"I was terrified," Hayley whispered as her fingers picked at the sweater she wore.

Ophelia smiled softly as she unfolded her legs and scooted towards the wolf, a hand resting on her friends' knee, "I don't blame you. He threatened you, he threatened your child —"

"— That's what scared me the most, the thought of him being able to hurt her."

Ophelia could hear the wobble of Hayley's voice, she could see the single tear that rolled over the wolf's high cheekbone, but she didn't comment on either. Instead, she squeezed the wolf's knee, "That's because you're already a wonderful mother; even inside of your head you worry and protect that little one without a shred of hesitance. She's going to be so lucky to have a mom like you."

⋆⋆⋆

Ophelia had left Hayley to get reacquainted with the compound shortly after, and the siphon found herself peering over the balcony as Elijah and Genevieve spoke. He seemed to be thanking her, a small, sort smile on his lips as he nodded his head to the vibrant witch who rightfully seemed surprised to receive any words from the original that weren't swarmed with malice.

Their words weren't entirely hidden from the siphon; she could hear Elijah's request for the witch to enchant a ring for Hayley so that the wolf didn't have to revert back to transforming with every full moon after baby Mikaelson was born; it was something that Ophelia had brought up to the man in a conversation a short while ago and couldn't quite believe he had taken such a request into his own hands, let alone offer for Genevieve to take a peek inside his mother's spellbook as a reward for her cooperation.

Ophelia leaned her elbows atop the railing that overlooked the lower level of the compound as she watched Genevieve's eyes positively gleam with desire as soon as the original vampire has uttered a word of his mother's spellbook. 

The witch nodded, ginger curls bouncing as she agreed to his proposal. She took a single step back, a sly grin dusting her lips before she spun and took her leave; the compound falling silent as the click of her heels disappeared with her.

"I remembered your request," Elijah spoke, his voice echoing in the empty compound as he tilted his head to look at Ophelia.

The siphon straightened, her arms falling to her side as she smiled, "And you're willing to give up Esthers spellbook?"

"Hayley is family now, her daughter will need her mother, and that ring will ensure that they don't have to part..." his smile turned rather sly, causing Ophelia to cock a brow, "And I wouldn't dare deprive you of your... Partner in crime."

A laugh rang out as Ophelia shook her head, missing the fond look upon the noble stag's face, "Of course..." The siphon cleared her throat of her laughter, a sincere look taking over, "Thank you."

"I dare say that it should be myself thanking you once again, for your help with the spell that awoke Hayley earlier.

His shoes clicked lightly on the ground as he turned away, proceeding to make his way towards the stairs leading to the balcony, making it to Ophelia's side in mere seconds before he took to leaning his hip against the wooden railing.

He could still see the light traces of pink that stained the siphons hands from the blood that had formerly covered them; a splatter or two still decorating her cheekbone. Her hair was still mildly disheveled, seeing as she hadn't taken the time to fix her appearance due to the fatigue of yet another tired and troublesome day with the Mikaelsons.

"How about we skip the thanking part —"

Before Ophelia could finish her sentence, the door just behind them swung open, Niklaus stepping out with a rather wry grin, "Brother and Ophelia, together of course," he chuckled to himself, shaking his head as he met Ophelia's eye-roll, "You, little thief, said that you'd come and enjoy the rest of the festivities with me, but I understand if you'd want some... Alone time, with my brother?"

Ophelia ran her tongue over her teeth before a sigh left her, "You are a pain in my ass, but of course I'll come and babysit you." she promptly ignored the light huff that spewed from the hybrid's pouted lips and addressed Elijah, "He's your brother, you can lend a hand."

⋆⋆⋆

Elijah had agreed, of course, who was he to make Ophelia deal with his ever-demanding baby brother; that was the lie he told himself, and the lie he'd speak aloud if asked, when he, in fact, was simply there for the siphon herself; a soft smile painted on his lips as he watched her light brunette waves bristle with the wind, as the fabric of her dress danced in tune with the breeze, and the way her eyes glistened with every witty remark she made towards Nik.

It was a sight to behold.

Though neither of the boys knew of the small threat Ophelia had made before their departure to join the celebration of Father Kieran's life. Ophelia had seen exactly what Genevieve had seen; Monique was the one to place the hex upon Hayley, she had been the one to subdue the wolf and force her to deal with the Mikaelsons torturous father.

Before the three had departed from the compound, Ophelia had made her way to her room, her hand grasping a piece of crumpled paper, the other wrapped around a crimson-colored pen. Her words flowed with the ink, a threat that Genevieve would have been stupid to ignore, 

'I know what Monique did, deal with her, before I do. You know how I love to play with witches. — O.P.'

Just moments prior had she glided a delicate finger over Elijah's hand that rested behind his suit covered back; concealing the crimson glow that encased her flesh, he hadn't felt a single itch of pain as she stole a droplet of magic from him.

The note had been scrunched into a ball and with a small muttering of words, it burst into flames and disappeared into the smoky air; finding its way to Genevieve without much trouble at all. She was being lenient; allowing the young harvest girl to survive after inflicting such pain upon her friend; but Monique was a child, and no matter the ice that still clung to Ophelia's heart, she allowed the girl a second chance. Which unbeknownst to her, would be a big mistake.

The conversation between the two originals and their resident siphon went just as it always did; laughter between the three as Ophelia and Nikalus squabbled like children and insulted one another as best they could without breaking into grins whilst Elijah shook his head with uncontained fondness for the small moment they could share.

Seeing his brother so carefree, so relaxed was a blessing. And seeing the woman he had grown to care for immensely, seeing her smile and laugh with flushed cheeks was an honor.

It seemed as though the mood faded. Jazz caressed their ears and filled their senses, but Ophelia could see how something had caught Nik's attention; Marcel.

The blonde stared onwards, cerulean eyes unmoving as he muttered to his company, "When Mikael is truly gone, do you think then I'll find peace?"

"No." Ophelia uttered softly before Elijah could offer his own wisdom, "I don't think you will. I think that the only way you'll ever find peace, Nik, is by being a better father than he ever was; and look at you, you've done everything in your power to keep that baby safe, and she isn't even born. You're already well on your way to being a far better father than Mikael ever was to any of you." 

Her gaze drifted from the band that steadily made their way down the crowded street, and instead locked onto Nik. His eyes were filled with uncommon warmth; like all ice had shattered from the waves of cerulean, and instead, the sun shone down and warmed the waves; no longer were they sharp, but rather delicate and soft.

She smiled, a smile that seemingly made the world stand still for the older of the Mikaelsons, but it had enraptured Nikalus too, though in a different way, "You'll be a wonderful father, Nik."

The hybrid swallowed harshly, his brows pinched together before he cleared his throat; that signature smirk of his erupting on his lips as he slung an arm around Ophelia's shoulder, eyes catching the look of adoration Elijah wore, "Little thief, what would we ever do without you?"

"Knowing you? Despite the immortality, you'd find some way to perish."

"And here I thought we were having a moment."

━━━━━━━

04-07-2021

This is update 3 of the day! Make sure you've caught up! And please remember to vote, comment and follow, it means the world!