"Come out Hayley. I'll make it quick and easy for you." both heard Tyler say.

"Quite the offer albeit one I won't be extended toward you." Klaus responded.

"Klaus." he said, daringly addressing the original. "and Maeve. So not unexpected to see you still in his company."

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Klaus prowled towards Tyler, "Threatening a pregnant girl in order to exact revenge against me. I never expected you to sink so low." 

"I used to hang out with you. I guess something must have rubbed off."

Maeve laughed mockingly at his words. "I think you did worse than him. See, Nik? You're not the worst anymore."

Klaus turned his head slightly to the right, giving Maeve a side eye. She covered the distance in two quick steps. Much to Tyler's shock she punched him with all her strength sending him on the ground.

"You truly are pathetic." she kicked Tyler in the gut and sent him backward making him collide with the tree. Maeve shot one last look at him and then at Klaus before she went into the shed.

The air inside the shed hung heavy with the stench of death and decay. Maeve, driven by an odd mix of concern and curiosity, ventured into the dimly lit space. Her eyes immediately fell upon the lifeless man, his heart discarded beside him.

Maeve's focus however was drawn to the peculiar smell and aura of the dead man. The smell and the aura — all were unmistakably that of a Hybrid. The conclusion brought on more questions. It wasn't until she noticed an odd object in the shed that every single thought fell into its place like a puzzle. A syringe lay discarded not far from the body. She lifted it up in her fingers and examined the few droplets of blood.

"The baby!" she gasped, connecting the dots swiftly. She scoffed in fascination as it all started to make sense to her.

Maeve exited the shed, but with the dead Hybrid and syringe. She beckoned at Klaus to come closer.

"This is so fascinating, you know..." she began showing him the syringe. "This is marvelous. I mean, I know that since I myself am quite the impossible creature, this shouldn't be this amazing but boy is this gruesome and awesome at the same time."

Klaus analysed the dead body, immediately recognising the tell tale signs of a Hybrid. He looked up at Maeve again who was studying the syringe and mumbling to herself.

"The feared hybrid, now a father, hopefully the path of his redemption." she thought out loud with a giggle resounding after her words, "do you have any idea how dramatic and plot twist-like your life is? You have no idea how much of a best selling novel worthy life you're living. The miracle child of a werewolf girl and the original vampire who was born as a werewolf — the product of an illicit affair, granddaughter of the witch who used dark magic without thinking about the consequences. The gene of a werewolf and magic holding blood of a vampire — the tribrid who can sire hybrids? How wonderful is that?"

Klaus listened to her intensely, every thought coiled in his head hearing Maeve reveal what his child's blood can do. For a moment, he thought Maeve believed he had prior knowledge of this theory, but then again, the look on her face led him to assume she wouldn't think so.

"You definitely should write a novel on your life, you know. It would earn you millions. Best selling author is what you'll become I tell you." she continued rambling on randomly.

"Maeve..." he calls out to her but she was far too engrossed in the idea of a novel on his life.

"If you don't want to, can you give me the rights? Like a power of attorney. Obviously I'll do it under an anonymous name like a pen-name, so I can't reveal my identity but I could make some extra cash for myself."

"Is that really so important right now?" Klaus shouted angrily, snapping Maeve out of the ramble.

"Sorry, it's just...so you know...interesting." she confessed, dropping her shoulders.

"If you are done having a laugh out of all this..." Maeve waved her hand at him, cutting off any more words.

"I don't care if you knew about this, or didn't know about this. What matters is that, are you going to turn this theory into practice?"

"Must you think of me vile?" he asked her. Maeve hummed and shook her head sideways.

"I think of you vile...yes, but more on the lines of Voldemort than Umbridge. You get my point?"

"No."

"I know you're the Villain, but you're not cruel."

"Why not?" he asked her. "I've always been the evil one."

"Holy fuck, are you stupid?" she swore rolling her eyes. "Nik, I know your story, remember? I know how you grew up. I may not know the details, but I know enough. I know Mikael was the pathetic substitute you had for a father. I know you held him in high regard only for him to abuse you into believing that your heart, your sensitivity and feelings make you a weakling and that is exactly how you are now. But you, are a second generation." she said, her voice as gentle and soft as it could get.

"Second generation who never lets the generational trauma ascend down the family tree. You had Mikael and that's cruel, but you also know Mikael to not become one." Klaus had for a long time considered the question ‘why’ about the close connection he had with Maeve. For him, initially, it was perhaps because of how similar they were in the eyes of society. Each was an unlikely product and vindicated.

Then the uncharacteristic actions he performed in the spurge of the moment for her, the rage he felt when she was wronged, the empathy he felt when she was used, the first time he met her, the grief — similar to abandonment he felt when she died.

Unfortunately for both of them, neither held the answer for that. Maeve offered him a soft smile in assurance that she had faith in him.

It wasn't long after when Elijah and Hayley stumbled back from the woods. Both held a mirroring look of anger, question and doubt.

"Ah, there you are," Klaus drawled, his gaze shifting between the two. "I see you've stumbled upon our wandering stray."

Maeve, leaning casually against the sturdy pillar on the shed's porch, observed the unfolding drama with keen interest.

A dismissive kick sent the lifeless form of a hybrid sprawled across the forest floor, prompting Klaus to remark, "This, appears to be a body of a hybrid."

In response, Hayley's eyes sparked with restrained fury as she corrected, "His name was Dwayne."

Klaus, ever the orchestrator of his own narrative, arched an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Whoever he was, I certainly didn't sire him. Any brilliant theories on how such a peculiar occurrence is possible?" he inquired, well aware of the stark reality that lingered beneath the surface.

"Like you don't know," said Hayley accusingly. Maeve's heart burnt before it pounded in her chest, blood rushed to her ears seeing the way Elijah gripped Hayley's elbow and pulled her behind him protectively. Hayley's eyes that for a second stared at his face flickered soft before they stared at Klaus again. Maeve never thought she would feel the burning jealousy or anger for someone as she did in that moment. The realization that hit her, perhaps fuelled in more to that feeling, Elijah had moved on.

"Aren't you two fast friends?" Klaus smirked. "Well, come on, then. What horrible accusations have you conspired to levy against me?"

"Tyler Lockwood brought Hayley here to test a theory, that the blood of her child could be used to sire hybrids." Elijah explained. "He claims you know that. Furthermore, you intend to use this knowledge to build an army."

"And of course, you assume it's true. I mean, why else would I show any interest in my own flesh and blood? A heartbroken little crybaby points his finger at me and my own brother falls in line eager to believe it. How quickly you assume the worst, especially when it comes from her."

"Oh, spare me your indignation. When have you ever demonstrated any kind of concern towards Hayley or her child beyond your own selfish pursuits, and what was it you once said to me? Every king needs an heir."

"My big brother, so you doubt my intentions. Well, I can't say I'm surprised. Standing beside the noble Elijah, how can I be but the lesser brother, a liar, a manipulator, a bastard."

The two brothers stood at a surprising distance, glaring at one another.

Hayley picked it as a moment to perhaps indulge the only other person in that standoff who might be able to advocate. "What about you Maeve? Aren't you a werewolf too? Do you believe this?"

Maeve had her brows furrowed, arms crossed. Her eyes glazed from Elijah to Hayley, "two things..." she said, holding up two fingers. "Number one, don't insult me by calling me a werewolf. I am a Lycan sweetheart, stronger, better and all of that. Number two...about this Hybrid theory...here is where I stand or what I believe in." Maeve pushed herself off from leaning on the pillar of the shed and walked into the middle of the face off.

With a brief look at Elijah, she took a few fast paced strides and stood by Klaus's side and faced Elijah and Hayley. While Hayley gaped in shock, Elijah held a relatively cold look, masking whatever it was that he felt well from everyone.

"He is capable of a lot of things. I give him absolute and complete credit for that. He can kill, maim, hurt and torture and everything in between but──he is not capable of abusing a child let alone his own that you're carrying." She paused for a moment before continuing further,

"I do not think Nik knew about this theory. Even if he did, he would not have acted upon it at any point in the child's lifetime." Maeve said assertively. Her eyes that burnt into Elijah momentarily flickered to Hayley, "she came yesterday, I get it. I understand that." Maeve's eyes once again were deadly set upon Elijah, "but you──you have been here since Adam, Elijah and yet you believe he is capable of doing this?"

"You don't know what he's..." Hayley began but Maeve abruptly cut her off,

"I know he's not been welcoming enough. I am sorry about that. He has a tendency to sabotage things before they can get a hold of his heart. It's a toxic defense mechanism. Moving on," she took a few strong steps forth, standing right in front of Elijah but maintaining a formal distance.

"You know a lot and yet here you stand taking the side of this stranger. One word and suddenly you have just assumed that Nik is decidedly going to be like him towards that child. Who are you?" asked Maeve, taking a pause to take a breath.

"Where's Elijah I met in Mystic Falls. The one who would fight tooth and nail for the family. The one who looked at me straight in the eye and said a part of his hopes Klaus hasn't done or is incapable of doing what he knew then. Where is he? After everything that you know you still think this man...right here would ever harm, or abuse them let alone his own child?"

"Brother I──" Elijah began but Klaus cut him off. The words and actions that followed were the very things Maeve hoped she would be able to avoid but obviously that particular wish had always fallen of deaf ears of the universe.

Klaus responded to his brother, well hiding the fact that his brother, the one he was the closest to, was siding against him. "That's all I am to you, isn't it, and to Rebekah and judging by the way Hayley hangs on your every word, it's clear she feels the same way. No doubt my child will as well." 

"Brother, if I-"

"We've said all that needs to be said, brother. I'll play the role I have been given." Klaus sped over to Elijah and bit into his neck. Elijah grunted in pain, losing his balance as pain coursed its way through his body. Klaus moved away from Elijah and wiped away mouth. "You two can keep each other company." he said before looking at Maeve who simply stared at Elijah with a wide open mouth.

"This family!" she shrieked with frustration. "You and your band of siblings need therapy. Group therapy...years of therapy." A short shriek left Hayley's mouth seeing the wound on Elijah's neck. She felt her heart burn at the closeness between the two that seemed to have grown. Maeve offered a tight smile to Elijah, "I'm sure your new girlfriend can keep you company."

Maeve walked silently behind Klaus, her eyes staring at the forest floor. Although it was an attempt to watch her step, it helped hide the anger that slowly turned her face red.

"Maeve." Klaus called her name, his voice softer than usual. She glanced at him raising a single brow, "thank you."

"For what?"

"What you just did. Defend and take my side." Maeve smiled stepping closer to him,

"I know you're new to the whole Friendship business but friends support each other. And I meant what I said. You can never be Mikael and that child is going to love you so much!"

"It's a girl." Klaus told her. A proud smile appeared on his face as he did so. Maeve squealed, jumping in place.

"Oh, she's going to be so spoiled!" she stopped dancing suddenly a shocked look appeared, "whatever will the boys of her generation do?"

"That's simple, die or take an oath of Priesthood." Klaus deadpanned. Maeve looked at him dead serious before she burst into laughter.

"Okay but seriously...I call dibs on Godmother. I've been sucked in this family drama for a relatively long time to not get that title.

Klaus laughed before resuming to walk to the car again. This time Maeve walked alongside him, a grin plastered across her face as well. "I'll have you know you're not my first friend."

"Oh really? Then who does that honor go to?"

"There was one when we were all human. She was almost five years older than me. She was like an older sister. I — I don't remember much about her, just that we were close."

Before Maeve could get a word out, her phone buzzed in the back pocket of her jeans. She picked up the call, slightly surprised to see it was Onyx who had phoned her.

"Dude, I'm so sorry I left."

"Not important...listen Council and the three musketeers and the supporting Alphas are on their way to HQ. They want to talk. Now."

Maeve stopped in her tracks, fear engulfing her like a blanket. "What the fuck? I thought we had time."

"Clearly we don't. I called Ezekiel, and he said we have enough to go about our original plan. Get here quickly."

"I'm on my way." she ended the call and turned to Klaus.

"I have to go." she said frantically. "The council...they are coming now."

"What? I thought you said there was time." even Klaus looked shocked. With being the conspirant himself, he had planned time for the elaborate plan to work out perfectly. Clearly, both of them had not anticipated the true extent of the situation.

"Look, it's fine, Ezekiel said, we have enough to go on with our plan. I just have to get to the office. Could you drop me off?"

"Ofcourse. Get in."

************************************
Hey guys! How's it going?

Hope you like the chapter, hope you are liking this new version too.

This time around, Maeve is not going to rekindle her relationship with Elijah, so quickly. I'm giving them some time. Hope that's okay...

I know the closeness between Maeve and Klaus is too much in this chapter, but guys please, they are best friends & I've got an explanation for it. [find the easter egg in the chapter ;)]

Please do comment your thoughts, comments anything...it helps a lot to keep me motivated to write. I request you to do that. Please

Take care everyone!

Raven :)