𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 ༄ 𝗦. 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗘 ²︎

𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯

¹︎⁴︎

[season four || episode fourteen]
Down the Rabbit Hole

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vagary:
(n.) an unpredictable instance,
a wandering journey;
a whimsical, wild, or unusual idea,
desire, or action

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With Klaus stuck in the Gilbert home, it was imperative for Maddie to check in on Tyler and Care. Retribution would be the Original hybrid's first order of business. There was no doubt about it. Madeline could not blame him after her family caused his brother's death, but she refused to see anyone else she cared about being maimed or worse. After educating Caroline about their dilemma and the things she could do to help, Madeline nearly yelled into the phone. "He bit you? Pass the phone to the bastard."

Stefan shared a look with Pietro. Both of them knew Klaus was going to get a dreadful scolding and wished they could see the look on his face. Caroline responded, "He said he would rather not hear you yell in his ear."

"Doesn't matter. I know you can hear me, Klaus." Madeline muttered harshly, irritation erupting. She expected a lot of things from the Original, but harming Caroline was not one of them. "What the hell were you thinking? Nearly killing her is not the way you get a date, dickhead. If you ever think of hurting Caroline again, I will make Bonnie keep you in that damn living room for a week and snap every bone in your body. Must you try to kill everyone you don't agree with?"

"It's the only way they'll get the message, love." Klaus declared. She could hear his smirk.

Using one of her hands to massage her temples, Madeline sighed. "Two weeks."

"Mads —," Klaus began. Clearly, he originally didn't believe her.

"Three." Madeline declared, not accepting no for an answer. She wasn't actually going to keep him there or torture him, but he didn't need to know that.

"Fine. It won't happen again." Klaus muttered. By the sound of his voice, his arms were probably crossed and the smirk he once wore was nowhere in sight. She held back a grin at the image.

"It better not." Madeline replied, "Four weeks."

Brows creased, Klaus scoffed. "I didn't even say anything! Why'd you add more bloody time?"

Chuckling, Madeline retorted, "I know. I just like saying it. I'll see you and Care soon."

"Love, you have to reconsider —," he said. Leaving Klaus seething, she hung up the phone, a small smile on her lips.

"You just hung up on an Original and scolded him," Pietro remarked, unable to believe that Madeline could do certain things without getting on the hybrid's nerves. He admired his sister's ability not to be slaughtered by one of the most feared vampires in the world.

The redhead shook her head. "I hung up on Niklaus Mikaelson, my friend. It's different, thankfully."

✧

One dose meant one person could be cured. Only one person could be relieved of the curse of being a vampire, but only Rebekah knew that. Once Caroline sent them the translations, instructions, and map, they refused to wait around any longer.

"Advantage, vampires. All we have to do is jump." Rebekah remarked. The group stood at the edge of a ridge. At the bottom, there was nothing but more tough terrain for them to trek. If they weren't on an island with the risk of awakening a deranged immortal, Madeline would've admired the scenery a little longer. In her eyes, nature was another thing that was immortal, specifically its everlasting grace. It was impossible to ignore the luxuriant vegetation that held innumerable charms.