Skipped We All Go a Little Mad Sometimes

Based on My Brother's Keeper

At the Lockwood mansion, the preparations for the Miss Mystic Falls pageant are undergo. Ariel is helping Caroline arranging the flowers. Kol and Jeremy are handling the alcohol from the delivery truck.

"So mom still won't tell you?"

"No, all she told me was that I would find out soon. But at least she's telling me about what my mom was like and that our bond reminds her so much of them."

"...Aunt Ria is really beautiful. I see who you got your looks from."

Ariel smiles. "It's nice to finally have a photo of her... Is it weird I kinda miss her?"

"No, it's normal that you want the chance to know her. I kinda miss her too even though I don't remember her. I could totally imagine sharing embarrassing stories with her about you."

"Shut up!"

Caroline giggles. "Okay, time for you to practice! Kol, get over here!"

Ariel groans. "Oh, come on!"

Kol joins them and offers Ariel his hand. "May I have this dance?"

"...I guess it's tradition."

"Aww, you guys are so cute!"

The trio hear Rebekah yelling. "Hey! The flowers go in the back! You've had plenty of time to memorize the chart, now fix it!"

The couple bursts out laughing but after a stern look from Caroline, they begin the dance. She feels arms wrap around her waist and smiles, knowing it's Klaus.

"Looks like they're doing well."

"Of course they are."

"Need help with anything?"

"Nope. Bex is helping me out plently since these workers can't even do their job correctly."

He chuckles. "What time should I pick up the reigning Miss Mystic Falls tomorrow?"

"You'll have to meet me here instead. My mom will be driving me, Ariel and Rebekah here. So two p.m. Black tie optional."

"I'll see you tomorrow, love." He tells her after kissing cheek.

After watching him leave, she notices Ariel and Kol staring at her. "Hey! Why did you two stop?"

"Well?"

"Well what?"

"When are you two making things official?"

"Just admit that you've fallen for him, it'll make things much easier for all of us. Niklaus never shuts up about you."

"G-Get back to the dance!"

The couple rolls their eyes and resume the dance. "So, have you learned new potential clues about your biological mother? Maybe your father?"

"...New Orleans, that's where my mom met my dad. But my current mom has no idea who my father is except his name is Devin."

His grip tightens on Ariel's waist. "New Orleans?"

"Sorry, I know that's a sore subject for you."

"It's quite alright, darling... Now what else?"

"The first year, they fell in love with each other. The second year later, she got pregnant and both my moms hadn't seen each other but they did keep in contact through letters and phone calls. Some time after she had me, she went to go see mom... Only one of them just didn't know it would be the last time."

"...I'm sorry."

"It's okay... I'm thinking of going there, I'm not sure yet."

"Well, I would gladly go with you but I don't think it's a good idea."

"Oh, I'm not going. Mom and Caroline are. I'll be heading to Portland."

"Portland? What's there?"

"Someone named Joshua Parker. Katherine's looking into him for me. Will you come with me?"

"Of course, my darling. How about I come over tonight and you show me a few more spells?"

"Sounds like a plan. But you can't be there in the morning. Sis, doesn't want you to see me until the pageant starts."

"Fine, wouldn't want to upset her. She's scary when she gets angry."

The next day, Ariel is sitting in one of the empty rooms of the Lockwood mansion while Caroline is doing her hair and Rebekah applies her makeup.

"You've got this, angelfish."

"Thanks, sis." Ariel touching her diamond golden heart necklace. "Disappointed that I can't wear my mermaid bracelet but least I get to keep on the necklace that Kol gave me."

"I've never seen you without it."

"Of course, it's the first gift he gave me... How is Kol doing?"

"He's too excited, he really wants to see you. However, I here threatened to stab him gouge his eyeballs out with a dagger if he tried to take a glimpse of you before the pageant started."

"...You're even more scarier than Caroline, I swear."

"Hey!" Caroline tries to hold back a grin when Ariel and Rebekah giggle. "We're all done now, let me get the shoes."

Caroline goes over to the closet to grab the shoe box as Rebekah helps Ariel remove her robe. After putting on her shoes, both the older women brightly smile at the younger girl.

"You're so beautiful." Caroline states while almost shedding tears.

"No crying, you'll ruin your makeup!" Rebekah scolds Caroline."

Ariel laughs before passing a tissue to her sister. "Come on, let's take pictures!"

The first photo that is taken of the three of them. The second photo is of Ariel and Caroline. The third one taken is of Ariel and Rebekah. The last is of Rebekah and Caroline. 

"Where's mom? I want a photo."

"Right here." Liz says as they all turn to see her standing in the doorway. "You look beautiful, sweetheart."

"Thanks, mom."

"...If only Ria could see you now..." Liz says with a sad smile. "I brought you something."

"Pictures first!"

Liz laughs. "Okay, okay!"

Rebekah grabs the camera and takes two pictures, one of Liz and Ariel then the last being of the mother and daughters.

"I'm going to check on Kol and make sure he's not trying to sneak away."

"Tell foxy that I miss him!"

"Will do!" Rebekah says as she leaves.

"I'm going downstairs, make sure everything is going according to plan."

"Try not to be too mean!"

"Do you know who you're talking to?"

Ariel giggles after her sister leaves and turns to her mother.

"...How are you feeling?"

"The truth? It feels weird to be here without him. We made this whole getaway plan for him to get me out of this event. Now that he's gone..."

"...I think differently. I think he is here, watching over you. The other side, remember?"

"...Yeah... Did my mom participate in this event?"

"Of course she did and won. I was the next to win after her." She sighs. "If you could have seen her back then... Instead of wanting to participate, she would just want to sit back eating cotton candy. Like mother, like daughter."

Ariel does a fist bump making Liz laugh. "So what did you have for me?"

"This." She takes some photos from her purse and hands it to her. "I managed to find these. I'm still looking for the rest."

Ariel looks at the photos given to her and her eyes widened.

"...A baby photo..."

"Ariana loved you so much, you were her whole world. And if she were here right now, she'd be so proud of you."

"...Thanks, mom." Ariel says while trying not to cry.

"No need to thank me. And no crying before the pageant starts."

Ariel laughs as Liz wipes away her tears. "You sound like Rebekah."

In one of the other empty rooms, Kol has just finished putting on his tie when Jeremy ask him, "You ready for this?"

"Of course, anything for my girl."

"Now that you're her escort instead of me, she has better chances of winning."

"Please, my darling could easily win this all on her own. The other competitors don't stand a chance."

"...You really love her, don't you?"

"More than my own life."

"...Thanks, Kol."

"For what?"

"For loving my sister."

Kol smiles and pats Jeremy's shoulder. Someone knocks and yells, "Are you decent yet?"

"Come on in, sister!"

Rebekah comes in and nods. "You look good. Jeremy, you didn't let him out of your sight did you?

"Have you no faith in your own brother?"

"He behaved, Rebekah."

"Of course I did, you threaten to gouge my eyes out if I tried to go see her!"

"And for your reward for resisting the temptation, you'll be very happy with Caroline and mine's work."

"...I swear you're worst than Niklaus." Kol tells her, making Jeremy burst out in laughter.

Outside, Klaus is watching Caroline with a soft smile as she bosses the workers around. She berates the the bus boy for not bussing the tables and heads over to the orchestra.

"Will you guys pick up the tempo?!" She snaps her fingers at them. "This is a pageant, not a funeral!"

She turns around and sees Klaus approaching her. "And how am I doing?"

"You're...perfect." He smiles and walks up to her, kissing cheek. "Which is so beyond annoying, I can barely look at you. Why must you always be so perfect?"

He chuckles and offers his arm. "Show me to our table?"

She takes his arm and leads him to their table which include Liz, Katherine, Elijah, Rebekah, Finn and an unknown woman with red hair.

Seeing that it's almost time to join the other ladies, Ariel hears a knock on the door and turns around to see Stefan.

"You manage to amaze me every time you get dressed up."

"You know who my sister is, right?"

He grins and walks over to her to give her a hug.

"Something wrong?"

"It's nothing, it's just... Elena had the audacity to ask me if we could try again."

"...Are you serious? What for?"

"Well, her being a vampire now she thought we could give it another shot."

"Want me to smack her?"

"Thanks for the offer but there's no need to. I've moved on thanks to you... I met somebody else."

"...Excuse- How dare you!"

"What?"

"Who is she? Did you bring her to Mystic Falls?"

"...No."

"No?! How are you going to come back here and not tell me about your new girlfriend-"

"She's not my girlfriend yet-"

"And not let me see if she's worthy of you?! She has to get my approval by passing my test! She needs my blessing!"

"...I've missed you."

"Yeah, yeah, I missed you. Now what what's her name? Do you have a picture?" He chuckles and hugs her once more. "Why did you give me another hug?"

"For my brother. If he could, he would probably hug you and wouldn't let go."

"...Thanks, Stef."

"You're welcome."

"Now are you going to tell me about this girl?"

"No time, the event is about to start." He says while leaving.

"Stefan!" She whines and suddenly feels someone kiss her forehead. She pauses for a moment and begins to smile. "...Dee Dee?"

On the other side, Damon is standing front of Ariel before walking away with his casual smirk.

Before Kol can join in line with the other escorts, Caroline taps his shoulder.

"My sister...she's my best friend. She's always been there for me and for once I want her to find her own happiness. I think you two are a good match so don't hurt her or I'll become your worst nightmare."

"You don't need to worry. She's my entire world, my reason for existing. I rather die than hurt her."

"...Thanks, Kol." She places her hand on his shoulder before heading over to the microphone to announce the contestants. "Hi, everyone. I'm Caroline Forbes. As the reigning Miss Mystic Falls, it is my honor to introduce this year's Miss Mystic Court!"

Everyone claps for the contestants as each girl's name is announced. Ariel begins to walk down the stairs when her name is called. She takes a quick look at her table seeing her mother holding Shadow, Jeremy, Stefan, Rebekah, Klaus, Elijah, Katherine, Finn and a familiar woman all smiling at her and smiles back at them. She continues making her way down the stairs and reaches her destination. When their eyes met, everyone else just disappeared. It was only the two of them in their own world. He holds out his arm for her and she takes it. They know what other is feeling at the moment that no words need to be exchanged. He leads her to the dance floor with the other couples.

Once the music starts, the ladies and their escorts bow to each other. They step forward and begin the dance. During the dance, Kol notices Ariel's hand slightly glows and suddenly a shower of flower petals fall on top of the competitors and audience, causing everyone to be amazed. He winks at her and she grins. Their families watch the couple, sincerely happy for them. 

Rebekah sighs. "I've never seen Kol so gentle and kind with anyone throughout my entire existence... It seems Kol found something truly worth living for. The love between them is truly great."

As Liz watches the couple, she thinks about Ariana. "Can you see her, Ria? I hope I did right by you."

Once the dance is over, the ladies and their escorts bow to each other once more.

Caroline and Klaus head over to the pond, with him carrying two glasses and a bottle of champagne. They both sit on a stone bench, enjoying the scenery until Klaus speaks up. "You looked like you were about to cry earlier."

"Can you blame me? My baby sister is finally thinking of herself for once, thanks to your brother. Plus it didn't help that she looked so beautiful. God, can you just imagine their wedding?"

"What about our wedding day?"

"You're getting ahead of yourself."

He chuckles. "Do you miss it?"

"Miss what?"

"The days of becoming Miss Mystic Falls?"

"...Maybe a little but that was during my human days. And I'm happy with what I am now."

"Hmm..." He stands up and pulling a piece of paper out his jacket. "The chair of the Mystic Falls beautification committee and director of policeman's yearly raffle."

She looks at him with wide eyes. "Is that my Miss Mystic Falls application?" She gets up trying to take the paper from him. "Where did you get that?!"

He continues smiling as she tries to take it. "When I am chosen I intend to redefine excellence. And above all I promise to aspire, inspire and perspire." He laughs. "Obviously we found a shortage of words that end with spire. Now I'm beginning to wonder what's on Ariel's application."  She tries to grab it but he holds it away from her. She finally begins to laugh with him.

After they calm down from their laughter, she asks him "Do you miss it?"

"What?"

"Being human?"

He gives her a fond look. "...No. If things had gone differently, I wouldn't had the chance to know you. I wouldn't change this life for anything."

Shocked by his answer and unable to reply for a moment. She finally breaks the silence by asking, "When are you going to ask me?"

"...Caroline Elizabeth Forbes... Will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?"

She slowly smiles. "...Okay."

Before they can kiss, their moment is soon interrupted by Ariel who stands there with her arms crossed and a smirk on her face.

"Care Bear, it's time to announce the winner."

"O-Okay, I'm coming!"

She gives him a apologetic look and rushes away. Before Ariel goes to follow her, she nods her head and gives him a thumbs up. "Nice work, Nicky. Nice work."

Caroline takes her place at the microphone, holding an envelope. "This year's Miss Mystic Falls is..." She opens the envelope and looks at the result. "Ariel Forbes!"

The audience applauds and Caroline quickly heads over to her sister, hugging her tightly. Ariel looks over at her family and friends, mouthing "Save me!" 

Liz, Kol Jeremy, Stefan and Rebekah all laugh while Klaus, Katherine, Elijah, Finn and the unknown woman give her all amused expressions. Caroline pulls away to take the tiara and gently place it on Ariel's head, then slips the sash over her head. Ariel wipes away the tears on her sister's cheeks and goes to hug her once more. Kol stands up from his seat, while holding a bouquet of white peonies and heads over to the sisters. "Congratulations." This time Ariel pulls away and he holds the bouquet out to her. "Your favorite."

She takes the bouquet and makes a bold move by kissing him in front of the audience. Everyone cheers for the couple.

"I love you."

"I love you."

Shortly after, they return to their table. Ariel pets Shadow and looks at Finn.

"Finnie! I missed you!"

"Finnie?"

"Enough of the ridiculous nickname."

"Whose this?"

"This is Sage, my fiancée."

"Ah, so you're Sage. I've heard a lot about you."

"It's nice to finally meet you." She offers her hand but Ariel brings her into a hug instead.

"We're going to be in-laws someday so we might as well start hugging."

"So Stefan about this girlfriend of yours..."

"She's not my girlfriend, we're taking it slow. But I will introduce to her to you before we become official."

"You better." She looks at Elijah and Katherine with a mishevious smile. "So Eli... Kat... Did you come here as each other dates?"

Katherine shrugs. "...Maybe."

"Then there's hope?!"

Klaus snickers and whispers to Caroline. "I see she likes to play matchmaker."

"Where do you think she got it from?"

"Mom, how did I do? ...Wait, don't cry!"

Caroline passes her mother a tissue. "I'm sorry! Didn't I tell you not to grow up so fast!"

"Mom!"

"...Is that cotton candy cake?!"

"Sis!" 

'Gimme!"

Jeremy passes her a plate of cake and she digs in. Caroline shakes her head and scolds her sister. "Don't get it on your dress!"

Liz begins to laugh, ceasing her cries. Ariel smirks while continuing to eat her cake.

"Works every time." Kol chuckles and kisses her cheek.

"...Yep. You definitely take after her." Liz thinks to herself.

After finishing her cake, she asks to speak to Katherine alone. They head into one of the empty rooms and Ariel asks, "Did you find out anything else? Other than him living in Portland?"

"Joshua Parker? He's leader of the Gemini Coven."

"Gemini Coven?"

"They're powerful witches and every generation a leader is chosen through a set of twins. How do they choose their leader? When a pair of twins reach the age of twenty-two, they undergo the merge. The strongest wins, they absorb their twin, doubling their power...but the weaker dies as a result. The survior becomes leader to the Gemini Coven."

"Are you serious? That's sick!"

"There's a lot of sick things in this world, shortcake... There's something that you need to know."

'What is it?"

"...Joshua Parker... He's might be your grand uncle."

"...What?"

"He had a twin brother who died. Jacob Parker. His wife's name? Eliane Williams."

"...Huh?"

"So there's a chance...that she might be your grandmother."

"...Is she alive?"

Katherine shakes her head and Ariel takes a moment to process this information. Noticing Ariel becoming to quiet, she walks over to her and places a hand on her shoulder. "Ariel?" Suddenly, the windows shatter. Some kind of monstrous insects fly into the room. "What the hell are they?!"

Ariel turns around and Katherine notices her eyes glowing red...

The woman who met with Liz previously is walking with a man by her side down the halls of the New York Institute, leading to her office.

"Patience, what do you mean you told the shadowhunters to stand by? You know we put them there for her protection!"

"Because I sent demons after her."

"Why would you-"

"She sent me a message... She is beginning to awaken. Magnus, my brother."

Ariel releases a powerful wave of energy which completely annihilates all the monstrous insects, shocking Katherine.

"She'll be returning to us soon... Noelle, she is our reason for living."

Ariel breathes heavily as her eyes continue glowing red.

Lee Ji Eun as Patience Bane

End of Act II

Published: February 29, 2020

Completed: June 4, 2020

This was more of a calming chapter but I hope you all enjoyed!

Did I do good with the plot twists? And what about that ending, huh? Weren't expecting that were you?