For All My Love And Rage |Originals AU

12. The Devil Cursed Every Detail (Kol)

A/N: Please comment!!!!!

***

Kol Mikaelson prized himself for being able to notice details–brief hints of dangers and advantages–faster than most–especially his siblings. He wasn't particularly paranoid, like Klaus, nor overtly trusting, like Rebekah; and followed his instincts–which more often than not turned out to be right.

Now, however, Kol doubted everything. Ever since Mikael walked into Lucian's apartment and saved them, Kol could feel something was terribly wrong. Except he could not say what.

His survival instinct–usually so sharp–didn't kick in at the sight of his father, arguably one of the most threatening man Kol had ever met, and definitely a threat to his safety, at least for the last thousand years. Instead, Mikael made him feel safe, and then he healed Kol from a bite that would lead to certain death. If that wasn't confusing and insane enough to make him doubt every memory and bit of information in his life, once Kol woke up–from the very restorative sleep Mikael forced them into after he healed them–he felt different.

Of course, he couldn't pin-point exactly what was different. His emotions were all over the place; his mind was in shambles. It was far too much for his brain and heart to process. He couldn't tell if he was the happiest man on earth or the most miserable of creatures.

Still, by the time Freya had decided to talk to Mikael, he became aware that it–his confusion, the slight differences–was not just emotional. It wasn't just the shock of it all, blurring his senses and muddying his thoughts.

His body was physically different. It was familiar and so peaceful... It was the thing Kol had missed, starved for, and wanted for ten centuries...

Yet, even when he was sure, Kol couldn't say it, or even think it. He could not dare to hope... But, just like the rest of his siblings, his need for answers overcame his fear of asking for the truth.

"Let's get this over with, then." Kol sighed, getting up. "Someone has to go next..."

Finn and Henrik still browsed some old travel magazines, Henrik talking quietly of all the places he wished to visit now that their family was finally together. Kol smiled, watching them. Henrik raised his gaze and smiled back. His eyes held a knowing light; but whatever terrible secret Henrik Mikaelson knew, he would not tell his siblings, not yet.

His older brothers, Klaus and Elijah, sat together, both staring at the open kitchen doors. Nik's lips trembled, his hands shaking, and tears streaming down his face. Elijah held onto him, his shaking hand on Nik's shoulder. But not even Elijah knew what to say; he had not comforting words, no promises. Elijah wanted to say something, of course. Kol could tell he did.

Kol glanced at them, swallowing and not wanting to be caught in their gaze. They had no encouraging words for him, and Kol wouldn't care if they did. This awful night had changed everything. None of them knew what to do next.

He held on to his left wrist where, while he slept, Mikael had placed a golden arm-ring, just like the one he had. A Viking antiquity filled with a powerful magic that made Kol shiver.

***

"Hello, Kolle..." Mikael smiled at his son, his voice soft. "You children really are taking turns, then? I suppose that's only fair. This way, each of you can have my undivided attention. Good, too–well, I don't think talking with all of you at once would make thing any easier–quicker, perhaps, but—." he sighed, running his hand through his tangled hair. "I'm rambling, my boy. I apologize. What is it you wish to discuss?"