The Last Petrova

A Reminder

 "Hello, Niklaus," Mikael says when he sees the two of us. "Helena," Mikael nods at me. "Still stuck with the bastard, I see. I would be more than happy to free you from his grasp, but from what I've heard, you're willingly following this dog around," Mikael says, jutting his head towards Klaus. "Hello, Mikael," I say. "Why don't you come in? Oh, that's right. I forgot you can't," I say mockingly.

"Or you can come outside if you want," Mikael says. "I could free you from this miserable life of yours by killing you again, but this time permanently," he says to me. At these words, Klaus grabs my shoulder and pushes me behind him in a... Protective gesture. At least I think that's what it is.

"Or I could watch my hybrids tear you limb from limb," Klaus spits out. On cue, a group of Klaus's hybrids gather behind Mikael on the lawn.

"They can't kill me," Mikael says calmly.

"True. But it'll make a hell of a party game," Klaus says. "All I have to do is rub these two fingers together and they'll pounce," he smiles.

Mikael throws his head backs and laughs dramatically. "The big bad wolf. You haven't changed. Still hiding behind your playthings like a coward. You only forget. They may be sired by you, but they're still part vampire," he says, stretching his arms open wide.

"And they can be compelled by me," Mikael says.

Mindy walks up behind him with Elena in her arms. My eyes grow wide. Elena.

"Come out and face me, Niklaus. Or she dies," Mikael says as he points to Elena. I stare at Klaus, and he stares at Mikael with a smug expression on his face.

"Go ahead. Kill her," Klaus says.

"What?" I shout. "No, Klaus," Elena says, shaking her head. "He'll do it."

"If she dies, this lot will be last of your abominations," Mikael says, gesturing towards the hybrids behind him.

"I don't need them. I just need to be rid of you," Klaus says.

This would be the ideal moment to punch Klaus in the face, only I can tell that he is bluffing. He's worked one thousand years to accomplish the creation of a hybrid species. He won't sacrifice everything for this... Right?

'He's wanted Mikael dead for a thousand years, too,' a voice speaks in my head. True. I've also wanted Mikael dead for as long as I can remember. And because of the fact that he is the only one in the entire world with the knowledge to turn Klaus against me for good, I, too, am more than tempted to risk Elena's life for the chance of Mikael's death.

"To what end, Niklaus? So you can live forever, with no one at your side?" Mikael yells. "Nobody cares about you any more, boy!" he shouts. "What do you have other than those whose loyalty you forced? No one. No one," Mikael hisses.

He lifts a hand up towards me. "Even this girl whom you've kept as a slave for four centuries would-" I widen my eyes at Mikael's words. He wouldn't dare. He wouldn't dare tell Klaus that I was the one who freed him, he owes me that much, at least.

"You are alone," Mikael says, causing me to let out a breath of relief. I glance at Klaus, and notice with surprise that tears are streaming down his face.

"I'm calling your bluff, father. Kill her," Klaus says.

"Come outside and face me, you little coward," Mikael says. "And I won't have to."

Klaus laughs. "My whole life you've underestimated me. If you kill her you lose your leverage. So go ahead. Come on, old man. Kill her. Kill her!" Klaus roars.

Mikael shakes his head in disappointment. "Your impulse, Niklaus. It has and will forever be the one thing that keeps you," he says, taking out a dagger from the folds of his coat, "From truly being great."