Chapter 66

Beatrix did her best to comfort Hayley.

Without words, she had brought her breakfast. She'd helped Hope get ready for the day. She drew the hybrid a bath and did some magic to keep the water bubbling like a jacuzzi. She made her bed and helped put away her clothes.

Hayley's eyes darted all over the place. She looked anxious. Expecting the Elijah she saw behind the red door to burst out and strangle her.

"I think," said Beatrix quietly when she found her pacing in her room, "you can go and talk to him. He's still desiccated, and he won't be able to respond, but it might help you."

Hayley put a hand on her mouth and swallowed hard. "I should..." but she didn't sound eager.

"No pressure. You can practice whatever you want to say when he wakes up."

The hybrid nodded. "Yeah..." she looked up. "How did you do it? How could you... see that and not... lose it?"

"By the time I went in with him, I'd already done several terrible things. I was no stranger to violence. I'd seen how unhinged Kol, Klaus, and Rebekah could be. I expected Elijah had his torments, too. I knew what I was going to walk into when he let me into his mind. I knew what to expect. But he wanted me to know and I did my best to be accepting. The situation was so different. If we'd known that he was behind the red door..."

"You would have gone right away," murmured Hayley. "I... I thought I really knew him. And honestly, I don't."

Beatrix took her hands. "Talk to him. Think of what you want him to know. When he's resurrected, you can have a serious conversation, alright?"

Hayley nodded, and released her before walking off.

"I'm worried about Hayley," said Beatrix quietly once she got downstairs to Freya. "She's not doing too well."

"It's only been a day," said Freya. "Maybe she'll feel better later. Elijah will be full of apologies, I know that."

"I can imagine he'll never forgive himself. He's going to be making it up to her for the next several years."

Freya pursed her lips. "I wish there had been a way to know beforehand. I should have assumed he'd be behind the red door."

"I should have assumed it, too. I should have protected her. Elijah thoroughly prepared me before he let me see. Hayley got attacked because she had no idea what to expect."

Just then, Hayley walked up, holding out Freya's pendant, which now had a crack on it. "This is bad, isn't it?" said Hayley shakily.

Freya took the pendant and bit her lip. Beatrix glanced down as she heard Klaus entering the room.

"What's the matter?" the hybrid asked.

Freya looked up. "Despite the spell I cast, the very integrity of the pendant is growing unstable. It won't be able to hold Elijah's soul much longer. We need to find a way to resurrect him tonight, or we could lose him forever."

Beatrix hummed. "We need more power. Even with the three of us witches, channeling others, it won't be enough."

"Let me guess," said Klaus. "We require a grand sacrifice."

Freya nodded. "I say we kill our enemy and sacrifice her, then I can channel the power from the Hollow's death, raise Elijah's body, and place him back where he belongs."

Hayley rubbed her chin. "We've tried everything already..."

"We know Labonair blood is her Achilles' heel," mused Beatrix. "The thing is... Hayley, you're not actually alive. So your blood wasn't strong enough to harm her."

"What if we forge a blade using the blood of the last living Labonair?" suggested Freya quietly.

Klaus shook his head vehemently. "We don't want Hope involved."

Freya pulled out one of the drawings Hope had made of The Hollow's symbol. "She's already involved. Hope has been obsessed with the symbol that follows The Hollow: the serpent consuming itself. Now, I believe this is showing us the key, the only means to which she can be destroyed, her own blood. The Hollow's one end of the Labonair bloodline. Hope is the other. And we need to close that loop. The best way to do that is for Hayley to wield a weapon forged with Hope's blood. When she stabs her, it's only then the Hollow can be obliterated completely."

"Then we make it work," said Hayley. "I'll talk to Hope." She walked off, and Klaus pointed directly at Beatrix. "You are to be nowhere near this."

"Excuse me?" she said coldly.

"For heaven's sake, The Hollow intended to jump into your body once it killed Elijah. You cannot be anywhere nearby for her to choose to attempt it again."

Beatrix made to snap, but Freya cut her off. "I'll perform a spell to shield her," she offered. "But I do think you should stay here. You've had too many run-ins with The Hollow. You wouldn't survive another one."

"Maybe I don't want to survive," Beatrix said coldly. "My idea still stands. If I can be used to defeat her—"

"For the last bloody time!" Klaus snarled. "You're not going to be sacrificing yourself! Now stay here and shut your trap."

Beatrix flinched. She made to retort, but felt dizzy, and her mouth closed itself. "Klaus!" Freya said in disbelief. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"My brother died," Klaus spat. "And she nearly did as well. Am I supposed to be fine with her putting herself in more danger? Am I supposed to skip around with bloody daisies acting as though all will be well?"

"Get out," Freya snapped, pointing at the door. "I don't want you returning to this room."

Klaus stormed out, and Freya took Beatrix's hand. The Heretic was doing everything to contain a retort. She didn't have the strength of mind to handle an argument. There was a buzzing in her ears, and she felt a bit cold.

"I'm fine," lied Beatrix quickly. "We should um... do a Locator Spell. See where The Hollow is using magic. We'll trace it based off of what she's done to me."

Freya nodded reluctantly. "You can collect the herbs."

Beatrix was more than happy to trot off and spend her time gathering the materials. She pushed Klaus's words out of her mind. This was not the time to let it get to her. She needed to be focused, even if it meant she had to stay cooped up.

Once she had gathered what they needed, she went into her bathroom, splashing some water on her face. She took a shaky breath, gripping the edges of the sink. The buzzing and nausea lingered. It was minimal, but Beatrix couldn't imagine why it was lasting so long just from her bottling up her anger. She couldn't afford to be set back. She dried her face with a towel and set back downstairs.

"Here," said Beatrix, spreading the herbs around the map of New Orleans that Freya had laid out and held down with candles. "You have the incantation?"

"Yes." They linked hands across the map. Freya furrowed her brows. "Beatrix, your hands are shaking. They're cold."

The Heretic swallowed hard. "Just trying to stay calm. I'm mad at your brother. Like always, it seems."

"No, Beatrix, I can feel vibrations," said Freya, letting go of her. "Check your arms."

Beatrix tore up her sleeves and swore loudly. "No— no— this shouldn't be happening! I fueled the spell yesterday with the dark magic. The blackened veins had disappeared..." She closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing. "Less dark magic was released than what I anticipated. My body's clinging to it. Attacking itself."

"Then you should rest," said Freya urgently. "I need to do another cleansing spell. Her magic isn't leaving you as easily..."

"No, no, I can't rest!" said Beatrix impatiently. Freya's voice sounded so loud, and it was hurting her head. "Let's do this bloody spell. It'll release something. I just... I'll sleep it off later."

Freya didn't seem keen on just letting her brush it off, but Beatrix took her hands again, closing her eyes. Reluctantly, Freya joined her in chanting, "Dauha naer do smrti. Dauha naer do smrti. Dauha naer do smrti."

"That's a rather odd locator spell."

They unlinked and saw Rebekah in the doorway.

"We're trying to trace The Hollow's magic," explained Beatrix. Most of the buzzing was gone, but she still shivered.

"She's in the Garden District," said Freya, looking down at where The Hollow's symbol had appeared on the map.

Rebekah moved forward to take a peek. "That's the LaForge House. At one time, it was the center of high society, but that all changed when Dr. LaForge tortured and killed his friends and family. Claimed until his dying day that an evil spirit made him do it. That house has been derelict since."

Beatrix and Freya shared a look. "The perfect lair for someone who relishes tragedy."

The Heretic noticed another symbol appear on the map at that moment. It was smaller, but just as obvious. "It's another one. Two hotspots."

Freya tried to think. "If the serpent at the LaForge House represents the Hollow herself, then this must be some sort of totem she's using to magnify her power and protect herself. Dahlia used to use these when she was up to something particularly awful. It will render the Hollow unkillable. We will have to destroy it before we can face her."

"Lovely," said Rebekah. "I could do with some fresh air. And some fresh blood."

Freya pushed the herbs aside and picked up the map, handing it to her sister. "It's been spelled to track the totem. Don't go alone."

"I'll go with you," offered Beatrix.

"I think not," said Freya sternly. "You're still trembling."

"I can call Kol," Rebekah announced, bringing out her phone.

"Hey, Bex," Kol answered. "What's up?"

"Someone's floating around with a trinket that's fueling our enemy's power. What say you help me track down and exterminate this scoundrel?"

"I'd like nothing better."

"Perfect." Rebekah hung up and spent only a moment texting him the details before speeding off.

Freya put her hands on Beatrix's shoulders, noticing the Heretic looked saddened. "Please. You can't think of going out there like this. She's poisoned you."

She pulled her to sit down and made her lay down, putting her hand over her head. Beatrix squirmed in discomfort as Freya began to murmur a spell in the form of a song, a small purple light shining over Beatrix's head.

"What are you doing?" Beatrix said, feeling suddenly very sleepy. "You said... purify... cleanse..."

"You need to sleep right now," said Freya. "No arguing. If you want to argue about the medical implications, I'll be glad to call Keelin to bicker about it with you. She'll show you that this is what you need."

Beatrix tried desperately to keep her eyes open. The dizziness was subsiding. Rest was indeed what she needed, btu she didn't want to just give in. "Freya... if I'm gonna lose my life... I want to lose it while fighting to protect..." she yawned, "my niece... I can't just pretend I'm not... needed."

Freya put a hand on her cheek. "I know. But I've seen that you are not fighting to live in the same way you used to. You're accepting a fate that can be avoided. If you just rest, and listen to your body. It's so exhausted after all these years. And with time, we will find a way to keep you from dying. I know you want to help. I know that you like to keep fighting even when you've been beat down. But we almost lost you and Elijah. This enemy is stronger than we are equipped to deal with, and if you're not at your full potential, she'll destroy you."

At the very least, when Beatrix awoke after what felt like a few hours of napping, she felt better. Her head was clear. She felt no strong emotions tugging at her gut. Perhaps, her anger had triggered the negative effects of the dark magic inside of her. There was no more buzzing, and she was not dizzy.

"Good, you're awake," said Freya, coming over. "You're going to stay here and watch over Hope, alright? Klaus and I have some errands to run."

"What?" said Beatrix, rubbing her eyes. "Why? Where?"

"Rebekah and Kol haven't been answering our calls. Hayley and I have some weapons that are infused with Hope's blood. Klaus is going to find The Hollow's totem. What we need you to do is what you do best— watch over your niece."

Beatrix sighed and stood up. "Alright. Just... stay safe, will you? If I get any inkling that something is wrong, I'm coming to find you."

Freya helped her to her feet. "Hope is in her room. She's excited to have a playdate with her Aunt Trix."

The Heretic smiled slightly. Walking slowly up the stairs to not lose her balance, she made her way to Hope's room, checking her own arms first to make sure the blackened veins were gone. They were. Freya must have done the spell when she was asleep.

"Aunt Trix!" said Hope brightly when she saw her. "I got my paints and stuffed animals."

"Did you? What do you want to paint?"

"The animals, posing." She patted the floor beside her, leaving the papers stretched out. "See, I put the elephant and the giraffe one holding hands, and the alligator looks normal but I'm going to pain some sunglasses on her."

Beatrix chuckled. "I like that. You're very creative." She sat down, crossing her legs. She was ready for Hope to begin painting in that second, but the little girl cast her a curious look.

"Are you mad at my dad?" she asked.

Beatrix was taken aback. She didn't know what to say. Would she be honest with Hope? It was clear that she had noticed the change in Klaus and Beatrix's behavior with each other. She was more observant than the adults realized.

"No, I'm not mad at him," said Beatrix quietly. She wasn't angry, not at the moment. But she was hurt. Hurt that he continued to push her away.

"He doesn't smile around you anymore, and you don't smile around him. You don't kiss him on the cheek like you were doing before. You talk but you don't laugh."

Beatrix sighed. "Sometimes... people don't get along the way they want to. The world is more dangerous than you know, my sweet girl, and your dad and I have just seen a lot of things. We all want to protect you."

Hope looked at her with big eyes. "Do you still love him?"

The Heretic swallowed hard. "I will always love your dad, Hope. Just like I love you, your mom, and your other aunts and uncles, and Marcel. I may not be a Mikaelson, but you're all my family. I will always care about how you're doing."

"But you said before there are different forms of love. Do you love him like before?"

"I do."

"Then why does he look sad? I thought people who loved each other were happy. You were sad for a long time before. But when my dad came, you weren't sad anymore. And when my Uncle Elijah came, my mom wasn't sad anymore, either."

Beatrix pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. "There are a lot of things that will be explained to you, eventually. What matters is that your dad and I love you so, so much. And your mom and Uncle Elijah love you so, so much, too. No matter who else we love, we will always do everything for you. You're the family's pride and joy. Don't ever forget that. No matter how hard things get. No matter who you lose. You are important and so, so loved. You can get through anything, as long as you have family and friends. It's okay to be vulnerable with people. One day, you'll understand about all the types of love, and you'll know how to value yourself. I promise, I will tell you things once the situation is calmed down, alright? And no matter what happens, I will always be here for you, alright?"

Hope smiled. "I love you too, Aunt Trix," she said. Her little voice was every bit of comfort that Beatrix needed.

She wished the world was a better place for her niece. That Hope wouldn't ever have to suffer. That she would grow up and be a powerful tribrid that got to use her powers for good and to enjoy life with her friends. That she would grow up with two functional parents. A family who would always support her. She could have a good relationship with Marcel, who would teach her things as if she were his little sister. What Beatrix wanted more than anything was for Hope to be free and safe so that she could be happy. If worse came to worst, the Heretic was ready to lay her life down for Hope. Especially if it meant making it safe for her anywhere she went.

"Aunt Trix?" asked Hope, having begun to paint. "Are you sick? I heard my mom and dad talking about it last night."

The Heretic let out a soft sigh. "In a manner of speaking."

"What is it? Like a cold?"

Beatrix half-smiled. "Like a cold, in a way."

"But you'll get better, right?"

She hesitated to answer.

Beatrix knew that this disease, this dark magic she was born with, was killing her. Perhaps the others wanted to find a solution, but she knew more than anyone that this would not be possible. Sooner or later, the effects would be irreversible.

The Heretic was no longer afraid of dying. She didn't fear the pain. She was relentless in wanting to fight because she didn't want to waste the time she had left. If her time was limited, she wanted to do good. Ever since she'd come to terms with this, she had changed. She knew that she had the potential to give a lasting contribution, and she made it happen.

The one thing she feared was losing her family. She had lost Klaus, she was sure of it. But when she died, it would be permanent. She would never see that roguish grin of Kol's as he ranted about how magnificent a particular form of magic was. She would never see the signature smirk of Klaus as he spoke of the things he wanted to do, the places he wanted to explore. She would never see Rebekah planning out her future with such contagious excitement. She would never again see or hear the way Elijah played the piano, a sound so heavenly that it had always made Beatrix feel complete. She would never be blessed with Hayley's friendship, and get to hear her laugh or see her kicking ass in a fight. She would never hear the wonderful ideas that came from Marcel's mind about how he could promote peace. She would never see Hope smile again, or hear her gentle voice.

"Yes, I'll get better," said Beatrix quietly. It wasn't a complete lie. Her condition could improve slightly, which could be considered 'better.' But she would never be cured.

They had been painting for a bit when there were footsteps. Beatrix stood up as Kol entered the room. "Trix," he said, smiling a bit, before crouching down in front of Hope. "Hey, buddy."

Hope looked up. "Are my mom and dad back?"

"Not quite," said Kol. He was holding a knot made of very strong material. "Hey, you know what I used to do, when I was bored at your age? Magic."

Hope cast Beatrix a look. "I'm not supposed to do magic with strangers..."

Kol made a face. "What? I-I'm family."

Hope pursed her lips. "So why did you go away?"

Kol sighed. "I went away because I was sad. And I thought I'd never be happy again. And I didn't want to make everybody that I loved around me sad, too." He sat down completely, and Beatrix sank down at his side.

Hope set down her paintbrush. "Aunt Trix didn't leave."

"Well," she said to her niece, "sometimes, when some people feel sad, they leave, because it helps them heal. For me, it helped to get to see your adorable little face every day. Kids made me happy. Everyone copes differently. If you're ever sad, you need to listen to your body. You'll know what's best to deal with it." She looked at Kol. "What's wrong? What's with the knot?"

Kol let out a harsh sigh, his nostrils flaring. "The Hollow resurrected Davina," he said quietly. "But they're linked together." He held up the knot. "I think Hope can undo it."

Hope took the knot from him, beginning to observe it. "If I untie this knot... your girlfriend will be free from the Hollow?"

Kol nodded. "I hope so."

"And you really love her?" asked Hope curiously, her little hands exploring the ridges of the knot.

He smiled. "Yes. Kind of like your mom loves, uh..."

"Uncle Elijah," said Hope with a smile.

Beatrix and Kol shared an amused look. "You are miraculously well-adjusted," said Kol. But then, he perked up. "All right— focus on the knot, love. It's very important, and I'll be right back."

He walked out, and Beatrix frowned, listening and hearing that someone had walked into the compound. She peeked to where Hope was tugging at the edges of the knot, and tucked some hair behind her ear.

"I imagine right now, you're rather cross with me," Kol was saying. "You should know, I have my reasons."

"Rebekah suggested I hear them," came Klaus's voice. "I'd rather rip out your vocal chords."

She heard a loud thump. "Stay here," she said gently to Hope. She sped down, and jumped right between Kol and Klaus before the latter could shove the former into the fountain.

"Get out of the way, Beatrix!" snarled Klaus.

"Listen to me, Nik!" pleaded Kol as the Heretic stood between them. "I did what I did for Davina. The Hollow brought her back, and now they're linked. I just need a bloody second to set her free."

"Lovesick imbecile," said Klaus venomously. "The Hollow preys upon your weakness. She raised Davina to get you to betray your family, and you, pathetic as you are, leapt at the chance."

"Our family owes Davina that much!"

"I owe nothing to her!" snapped Klaus. "Nor to you!" He tore past Beatrix and snatched at a blue rock that Kol had had in his pocket, which Beatrix hadn't noticed. "What is that?" she demanded as Klaus smashed it against the floor.

"No!" cried Kol. Klaus looked up at Beatrix. "The Hollow's totem. He was guarding it."

"Nik, please!" said Kol desperately. "I just need a little time— I just need to know she's alive. Please, grant me this small mercy. I wasn't going to betray you! Brother, please— for a thousand years, I've never experienced love or peace..."

"Mercy is a privilege reserved for family," Klaus sneered. "Your status has been revoked."

Beatrix stepped in front of him before he could lunge at Kol. "He didn't hurt anyone, did he?" she said sharply. "He did it for someone he loves. Wouldn't you have done the same? If... if it were me?"

He faltered, and Kol took the chance to speed away. Beatrix glared at the hybrid across from her, seeing his lips quiver and move, but hearing no sound coming from them.

It was in that moment that she realized that she had said the wrong thing. In the end, she wasn't a Mikaelson, and would never be one.

"It's really over between us," she said softly, a slow tear running down her cheek. "I didn't want to believe it... but there's no going back."

He shook his head, a tear flowing down from his eye to match hers.

A/N: I was listening to 'You're Somebody Else' by Flora Cash when writing the scene between Beatrix and Hope and just... that song is so good. This entire chapter got me sad. Anyway, in case you haven't heard, I published a new The Vampire Diaries/The Originals story called . Check it out, if you want :)