Maddy was mildly afraid.

What if Klaus reacted the way Elena thought he might? What if he lashed out at Ansel and killed him? Or what if he forced him out of the house and he never came back?

He stared at his father as if he was truly a ghost when he walked in. Maddy bit her lip hard, hoping that Klaus wouldn't be angry at her for not having told him about Ansel sooner.

"Nik," she said gently, approaching him as his face went paler and paler, his eyes widened in horror at the sight of his father, alive after having been dead for a thousand years. "I need to tell you something."

He didn't respond, but she knew he was listening, so she continued, "Ansel saved me from Mikael. He fired arrows at him. Incapacitated him long enough for us to get away. He left before you could get here. But he kept me safe. I just want you to know that."

Klaus would of course take that into consideration. After the initial rage died down.

"Niklaus," said Ansel gently.

"You see him?" Klaus asked Maddy, as if he thought that Ansel might be a figment of his imagination.

"Yes," she confirmed. "He's here. Your mother brought him back. That's probably why she mentioned him to you earlier. She must have known that you'd see him."

Klaus gritted his teeth. "What has Esther offered you?" he sneered at Ansel. "In exchange for swaying me into accepting her bargain? Is that why you saved Madeleine? To gain my trust?"

Ansel blinked. "I do not speak for Esther. I know nothing of her bargains. After I died I lingered on the Other Side, watching you let the world fall apart, until I woke, four moons past, in the land of wolves like myself. I have not seen your mother since. Not long ago, I felt a tug that drew me closer to the Crescent encampment."

"A tug?" scoffed Klaus.

"Yes. I was drawn to their home and I did not know why. Until I saw her from afar." Ansel gestured to Maddy. "I knew who she was, as I heard the wolves speaking of her being in a fragile state. I realized that I was drawn to her because of the child she's carrying."

Both Klaus and Maddy were confused, and Ansel explained, "When you were a boy, after each full moon, I would wake closer to your village, having been drawn to you in the night. Since I've been back, each month when I turn, I wake further from New Orleans. At the time, I did not understand it. It only became clearer when Madeleine arrived in this city, and I woke right beside the cabin in which she slept peacefully. It's because of your child. My grandchild. I know the call of my own blood."

"It was you," said Klaus suddenly, having a different realization. "The merlock orchid. I could not find it. And suddenly, there it was. Wrapped in a handkerchief. Waiting for me. Near the Crescent encampment."

Ansel nodded. "I used to find the orchid for your mother when she needed to put Mikael to sleep. Because of my time there, I learned the Bayou well, and I left it where you would find it. I knew you would visit the spot where Mikael had taken Madeleine. I knew you'd see it." He drew a deep breath. "Surely you have questions for me."

Klaus scoffed, looking at Maddy, as if he couldn't bring himself to face Ansel as he said, "You know, I used to tell myself that my real father must have had no idea I existed. Otherwise, he'd never leave me to suffer under Mikael."

"Esther forbade me from seeing you," said Ansel honestly. "So, I waited, knowing that one day, you would trigger your curse and need your real father. When that happened, Mikael found me first. I fought him for you."

"Yes, well, your grand declaration is just a few years too late," said Klaus snidely.

"Now, you joke, but I know you've always felt a void in your life," replied Ansel. "I've watched you from beyond for centuries. You've traveled all corners of the world, seen monuments erected, feasted on the blood of the history's most extraordinary men, but you've never found true peace. The only moments of joy in your life, however fleeting, have been simple pleasures. As you climbed the Himalayas, as you tended to your horses. Quiet days, teaching that boy Shakespeare—"

"Stop," snapped Klaus.

But Ansel persisted. "I watched you paint. I watched how the two of you danced, holding each other so gently—"

Klaus lost his temper. "I said stop! A millennium of observing me— were your eyes closed as I slaughtered whole villages? Fed my way through thousands of innocents? Because, let's face it, I have a tendency to play with my food. Have I made you proud, Father?"

"Mikael taught you to kill," said Ansel firmly. "But you, Klaus, were born to create. Power lies in embracing your true nature. You were at your calmest when you were able to paint. To see a blank canvas and create a masterpiece from your own mind. It is when you feel true peace."

His eyes flickered over to Maddy before repeating what he'd said to her earlier, "I neglected you when I should not have. I did not fight for you. I did not take you into my home. I allowed you to suffer under Mikael's hand when I should have protected you. It is why I am here now. I'd like to help you defend your unborn child. I have made many mistakes in my life. I will not allow this to be one of them. As I mentioned to Madeleine, I have heard the witches whispering about their concerns of this powerful potential hybrid. She will need support. I can offer it. I am aware that her family is not yet able to come here and be at her side. Until then... and perhaps even after... I will offer my advice. I will be yet another line of defense to ensure this pregnancy goes smoothly for her."

Klaus's mouth felt dry. He looked at Maddy, and he could tell that she wanted him to accept, but she was trying her hardest to keep a poker face so that she wouldn't influence his decision. Klaus knew that he needed more bodies here protecting her. And yet, he wasn't sure how okay he was with Ansel being one of those bodies.

"I would be lying if I said your offer wasn't appealing," said Klaus lowly. "I've never known a parent to be a benevolent force. I think I would have liked to have been your son. But, a different path was chosen for me, and I have, for the past one thousand years, been the son of Mikael. Paranoid. Vengeful. And powerful enough to protect my family." He shook his head. "You were brought back by Esther. Love is what she twists, time and time again. I do not believe that her intentions are pure in her offers to protect Madeleine. And so I will not trust you. Get out."

Ansel's face fell. "Niklaus, I would never let my grandchild—"

"It is not your grandchild," Klaus snapped. "You are not a grandfather. You were not present in my life. You were not my father, regardless of the blood we share. I thank you for rescuing Madeleine. But I will not allow your presence here to put her and the child at risk. Esther could quite easily control you as one would a puppet."

Maddy relaxed when she realized Klaus wasn't going to outright kill Ansel. He just wanted him gone.

Ansel knew that he shouldn't push his luck. He faced Maddy. "Whatever you need, I will always help you. You are Niklaus's family. And I will do everything in my power to protect you."

He walked out of the Compound, and only then did Maddy feel like she could breathe.

Klaus was trying his hardest to not show that he was angry. But Maddy could tell that he was quite cross.

"I'm sorry, Nik," she said softly. "I should have told you the moment you got here after Ansel rescued me. I shouldn't have kept it a secret."

"You cannot trust him," he said firmly, coming closer and putting his hands on her shoulders. "Promise me, love. Promise."

"Okay... I promise. I won't trust him."

"Why do you seem crestfallen?"

"I don't know," Maddy admitted. "A lot of reasons. Seeing him just makes me remember that my mother isn't here. I always imagined that if I had a child, my mother would be there to give me advice. But then I also feel annoyed that he didn't fight to have a relationship with you when you were a kid. You were just a little boy and he let you get abused when, at the time, he had the strength to keep Mikael from laying a hand on you ever again. And then I feel... a twinge of sadness because it's clear he wants to right his wrongs."

"He's a tad late for that," said Klaus in a hard voice.

"I know."

She didn't want him to feel guilty about having done what was best for his own feelings. She knew that if he had to endure seeing Ansel constantly, it might do more harm than good. So she pulled him into a hug, resting her head against his chest. Klaus carefully wrapped his arms around her, massaging her back gently.

"I miss my family," she said into his shirt. "I miss my brothers. And I miss my mother. So, so much."

"I know, love," said Klaus, bringing one hand up to hold the back of her head. "How I wish we could trade mothers. My awful one could be dead. And your wonderful mother could be alive."

Maddy half-smiled. "That would be really nice. I don't have any pictures of her. Just memories. And not as many as I wish I could have."

Her phone started to ring, and she drew back, clearing her throat when she saw Jo was calling. "Hey. Everything okay?"

"Luke is dead."

Maddy immediately frowned, and started to move upstairs, to where Elena was. "What happened? How is—?"

"He woke Kai up," said Jo, her voice cracking. "He shouldn't have, but he did. He tried to Merge with him and Kai won. He won. He's the leader of the Gemini Coven now. A full witch. Which means..."

"He's more powerful than he's ever been," said Maddy worriedly. "And he's probably coming to New Orleans... right now." She looked back at Klaus to see his reaction as she said, "Get to the Compound."

He nodded, as if to say this was fine. Elijah was awake. Elena was here. They had extra backup. If anything, Marcel and Hayley could also be called. The wolves weren't big fans of the witches. They wouldn't take kindly to an out-of-town witch trying to ruin things for them. Hayley and Jackson had already met Jo, and they both liked her.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. Please, I'd feel better if you were nearby so we can all keep you safe. I'll call my brothers, and see what they know."

"I tried that, no one is picking up. I'm assuming every vampire present got their necks snapped. I imagine they tried to stop Luke from waking Kai up. So Meredith probably got taken down... then Damon... your other two brothers... maybe Ric and Caroline too. Jenna's at work, she has her phone silenced, so she obviously hasn't answered."

"Let's give it a moment then we'll try again. Soon enough they'll wake. Just get here now, please."

"Give me ten minutes, I'll be there soon."

Jo hung up, and Maddy looked at Klaus, who was on the phone, presumably talking with Marcel about potentially getting a witch to help them.

It seemed their worries were for nothing. Kai didn't show up that day. Or the next day. Maddy was thankful, because at least it meant Jo was safe.

In the time that everyone had been home, she'd made up for the missed cuddle time with Klaus. She'd been able to chat with Elena more than she'd been able to before, and had also been communicating with the girls in Mystic Falls as Bonnie and Liv tried to locate Kai, to no avail. Davina and Kol were trying to help, but it seemed that now that he was the leader of the Gemini Coven, there was a sort of shield protecting him from their spells.

Maddy even took the time to call Monique, who was glad to hear from her, and even happier to report that she'd gotten a job at a daycare, which she was really enjoying. Maddy was relieved that she hadn't mentioned Sarah at all, which meant the compulsion stood. All was well. Sarah would be safe.

She thought Kai had finally arrived in the evening, when a loud crash downstairs made her sprint down from her room. But it turned out that Marcel and Hayley had been keeping busy. An unconscious and shackled Finn was brought in, and chained into the ballroom for Klaus to question. At least that put them in a better position when it came to stopping Esther from carrying out any sadistic plan of hers.

"I can only afford to stay another day," said Elena while they tried to ignore the shouting from downstairs. "I have to return to school. Elijah's doing better, but he's still having his episodes... it's like he suddenly drifts off into those memories Esther brought up and it leaves him dazed and prone to reacting with violence."

"Don't worry," said Jo calmly. "I already connected with Cami through Tulane's student-faculty portal. She's going to be checking in on him."

Elena smiled. "That's good news, truly. Thank you for that, Jo. If you guys need me to come back, just let me know, and—"

There was a groan of pain downstairs, and Maddy winced. "Well," she said, "Finn is definitely not going to be on our side anytime soon, so we have our work cut out for us here. If anything, we'll be sure to tell you."

Elena flew back to Mystic Falls the following morning. Jo felt confident enough to go to work. Klaus had taken Finn out of the house, so that Esther couldn't potentially use Mikael to rescue Finn. He figured luring his parents away from the Compound would be best for everyone involved.

Maddy had been left alone that day. And of course, it happened to be the day they had a visitor.

"Hello?"

She trotted downstairs, figuring it was the mailman, delivering another box of clothes for her from her brothers. Instead, she saw a young man there, standing expectantly in the doorway, clasping his hands together.

"Um, who are you?" she asked, when she noticed he tilted his head upon seeing her.

"You look a lot like them," he observed. "Maddy, right?"

"Who wants to know?"

"I'm Kai."

She immediately took a step back. "Jo's not here. If you get any closer—"

"Oh, come on," said Kai, looking almost offended that she moved out of reach. "I'm not Damon, I wouldn't hurt a pregnant woman."

That wasn't reassuring at all. He brought out a small envelope. "I just wanted to give this to her. But I didn't have an address. The last Locator Spell I did led me here. I knew she came to New Orleans to help you with your baby. Figured you could deliver it."

"You can leave it on the floor," said Maddy, stepping back again when he started to walk up to her to give her the envelope.

"What, do you think I laced it with poison?"

"Maybe."

He showed that his hand was bare as he held the envelope. "Now, why would I lace something with poison then touch it without protecting my skin?" He shook his head and set the envelope down. "I want her to know how sorry I am."

Maddy blinked. "You're... sorry?"

"Yeah. Guess that killing my brother gave me some of his traits. The emotions. I don't really understand them, but I saw something about writing your feelings down and burning the letters you write. That didn't do shit, and then this water started pooling in my eyes, which was really annoying, so I figured the next step was to write out what I wanted to say to Jo and give it to her. It's a hell of a lot easier than talking to her."

"You talk a lot," she murmured. He was still standing in the doorway, as if wanting to come inside. "Do you need something else?"

"I want to make amends," he said. "Tell Jo that. Um... please."

"Okay."

"You don't believe me."

"I haven't exactly heard the greatest things about you."

"You don't know me. You can't base yourself off of what you hear. I'm better now."

"Are you?"

"Yeah, I am. Otherwise, I would have already made this loose door handle—" he wiggled the squeaky handle, "Fly into your stomach and kill both you and your baby."

Maddy went rigid, and Kai seemed to realize that his 'jokes' weren't funny to her. "Totally inappropriate," he said with a light chuckle. "Right. I'm still getting used to this 'nice' thing. I'm nice now. And I want to keep being nice. But I don't know how to be, whcih is frustrating. And it makes me want to abandon any efforts to be... normal. Being cruel and apathetic is more familiar to me. I hate some of these new emotions I have. The guilt really sucks. Have you experienced that?"

"Yeah," she admitted. "I'm a vampire. I've killed a lot of people. I feel guilt. But I move on."

Kai raised a brow. "We're not so different, are we?"

"Maybe, maybe not. Why are you really here? It can't just be for the letter. Because you're sticking around as if you want something else."

"Well, I did want to meet you. Damon, Stefan, and Enzo talk a hell of a lot about their sister, but I'd never even seen a picture of you."

"That's not the full truth, though, is it?"

He rolled his eyes, as if starting to grow impatient. "I wanted to see Jo in person."

"Just to give her the letter?"

"For something else, too."

"Something like what?"

"This is gonna sound really weird, but I need her blood."

Maddy snorted. "Yeah, that does sound weird."

"I already got Liv's blood," said Kai casually. "After she tried to kill me. I just need Jo's."

"What for?"

"Well... I want to destroy the Gemini Coven."

"And in doing so, you want to kill your sisters, or what?"

Kai shook his head. "No. If I follow through with my plan now, they'll die. Jo and Liv would die. And I feel guilty enough killing Luke even though he was the one insisting we Merge that way. At the time I couldn't really care about anything other than the fact I'd gain permanent magic if I won. And I did win. But at a price. Now I feel icky stuff I'd never experienced as a sociopath. And it sucks. So I want to alleviate that guilt by making sure my sisters don't die when I kill all the other Geminis."

"And how do you plan to do that using their blood?"

"I'm the leader now. I can unlink them from the Coven. That way, when I hurt the others, they'll be fine."

"Oh." Maddy was stunned. Honestly, that seemed like something pretty selfless. Kind, almost. "Did you want me to tell Jo that?"

Kai's eyes suddenly widened. "No. No, no, you can't tell her. I don't want her to know."

"Why not?"

"My whole life, no one ever believed I could be good in any way. They treated me like shit and never gave me a chance. She wouldn't trust me even if I'm telling the truth now. Or worse, she'll think I'm nice and it'll be... icky. I'm doing this for purely selfish reasons. I don't want more guilt. That's it."

Maddy figured that he was still getting used to wanting to be selfless. "Okay... sure."

"And maybe," Kai continued, staring at the floor and looking somewhat zoned-out, as if he was talking to no one in particular, "there's a part of me that hopes that I can have something good in life. I need to kill the Gemini Coven. I don't see a way for me to feel any peace with my new self unless I do that. They ruined my life. And I will destroy them. But I want to spare my sisters. It's hard to explain. I still don't understand this innate desire to do good. It's pretty annoying. I got used to not caring. I liked it."

"Maybe what you need is to be free," said Maddy reasonably. "I may not get to have an opinion considering I'm an outsider, but I wouldn't be opposed to you killing the people who abused you as long as you spare your sisters. Potentially, after that, you could go off on your own. Live the life you weren't able to. Let your sisters have peace in their lives, too."

Kai hummed. "I guess. But I need money for that."

"If you need money, I can help you. I've done it for other people. I recently helped someone start fresh."

"Who's that someone else?"

"This girl named Monique."

"What does she look like? Maybe I know her."

"I highly doubt that." Maddy pulled out her phone, showing him a picture.

Kai hummed, craning over to see it. "Well, I don't know her, but she's hot. Maybe I'll take you up on your offer if you let me go live near her so I can meet her."

Maddy made a face. "That sounds creepy."

"Hey," said Kai, "I know how to play nicer now, I'm not gonna stalk her or intimidate her. I can talk to her. I'm not completely awkward and inept when it comes to talking to women. I'm just out of practice. Do you know how awful it is to not have sex for eighteen years? It's torture."

"But you've been out of the prison world for awhile now... you could've, if you wanted to."

"But I've been busy. And now that I can feel guilt, I feel guilt about going to seek out pleasure. So I just haven't done it."

"Uh... just go get laid but make sure your partner consents, and that's it."

"Hmm." Kai tilted his head yet again. "You're dating an Original, right? Which one?"

"Klaus Mikaelson. Who will kill you by the way, if he comes home and you're still here."

"Well, I could use his blood, too."

"Huh? Why do you need his blood?"

"It's a part of my plan. But you can't tell anyone."

"I don't know how I feel about keeping secrets."

"It's not going to be used to hurt Jo or Liv or anyone in your friend group. I swear. It's to benefit me. To ensure I kill the Gemini Coven in one fell swoop."

She realized what he meant. "You want to turn yourself into a vampire."

"No," he said. "A heretic."

"Um... a what?"

"A heretic." He pulled out a small journal from his pocket (A/N: Am I reusing the journal from Pernicious and Vendetta yet again? Yes, I created it, I will always reuse it when convenient lol). He started to flip through the pages. "Like these people. Siphoners, originally, who got turned into vampires, and later got put into the 1903 prison world."

"Hang on... there's another prison world?"

"Yeah. There is. I'm surprised you don't know this stuff."

He marked the page in the journal before tossing it to her. She caught it, and opened to the dog-eared page, reading about how heretics were witch-vampire hybrids, only possible due to their siphoner nature.

"So that's how you're gonna take down your coven," she murmured. "You unlink your sisters from it... take a vampire's blood... turn... they all die because they're linked to their leader, but you'll come back as a hybrid who can do magic constantly. I'm just confused. Did Klaus turn the other heretics, or something? He's never mentioned it. Why not get turned by the same person who turned them?"

"Because that person is in the prison world with them. And I figured since I'm here, I might as well get blood that'll turn me into a better heretic. One sired from an Original. If you flip the page, there's a picture of their sire. I guess the Gemini Coven didn't know her name, because it's not written."

Maddy flipped the page and nearly dropped the book.

"What the hell is this?" she said sharply. "Is this some kind of sick joke?"

Kai flinched. "What are you talking about?"

She turned to show him the photograph of the woman marked as the heretics' sire. "This woman is my mother. Lillian Salvatore."