Absolution [ELIJAH MIKAELSON] [2] [COMPLETED]

XV - FAREWELL TO STORYVILLE

   Tension filled the cemetery, as Klaus glared down at Rebekah, Elijah placing himself protectively in front of his sister. As Klaus gripped the white oak stake, Elijah held the Tunde blade up, ready to use it if he had to. 

   "Walk away." Elijah told Klaus, a calm tone to his voice.

   Klaus ignored his older brother, his glare not once leaving Rebekah. "Don't move!" He warned her.

   "Leave us now." Elijah told his sister. 

   "I can't. I'm stuck here." Rebekah let out, fear growing in her voice as she saw the weapon Klaus was holding. "Elijah, he has the white oak stake."

   At the mention of indestructible weapon, Klaus pointed it toward her threateningly. "I brought it for you, sister."

   "Get out of sight." Elijah ordered her firmly. "Your presence here only serves to anger him. Leave him to me now." 

   As Rebekah looked hesitant, Audrey grabbed her hand and began to move her back. "Rebekah, let him handle this." She told her, and with a reluctant nod, Rebekah held onto Audrey tighter and sped them away.

   The slowly turned into day, and nothing seemed to calm the rage that Klaus felt. He spent the hours ranting, moving to try and reach Rebekah, only for Elijah to block him each time. With Celeste's boundary spell still in place, all Rebekah and Audrey could do was wait in one of the tombs, Rebekah scared and anxious. As the blonde called Marcel that morning, Audrey left the tomb with a sigh, making her way out into the cemetery. 

   She stood by one of the tombs between the two brothers, listening slightly as Elijah looked at Klaus calmly. "You've been at this for hours. To what end?" He asked him. "Niklaus, I know you, and I grew up fighting you. I can't be beaten, nor can I be persuaded. You cannot get past me."

   "I can get past you. Although, it might have to be over your dead body." Klaus shot back darkly, pointing the stake threateningly toward Elijah. "You did stab me with that blade, forcing me to endure hours of unspeakable pain. Perhaps I should direct my rage toward you."

   "Nik." Audrey warned him. "You wouldn't, and you won't."

   "You should see yourself-- the murderous expression, the self-righteous posturing. You look like Father." Elijah told him in disbelief.

   Klaus's face fell in hurt and upset, shaking his head. "I'm not him." He whispered softly. "Rebekah's betrayal justifies my anger. His was that of a madman." He snapped as his anger reappeared. "You were never the recipient of his cruelty. None of you were-- not Kol, not Finn, None of you! I think you've forgotten what he was truly like."

   "No." Elijah replied gruffly, looking lost in thought for a moment, before Klaus rushing away snaps him out of it. Instantly, he rushed and blocked his path once again, Audrey slowly walking closer with her arms crossed. "Niklaus, I understand your anger, but I implore you, be better than him. Do what he could not-- demonstrate the grace of mercy, rather than this petty cruelty."