Chapter 4: Chapter 4: The Spell of Power (modified)
Chapter 4: The Spell of Power
Let me tell you something about being reborn as Elijah Mikaelson: it's not all dapper suits and wine by the fire. Sure, I've got the looks, the charm, the je ne sais quoi that screams "sophisticated immortal," but being the world's most honorable Original doesn't mean much when you're constantly surrounded by chaos.
Witches, in particular, are a nightmare. They're like the annoying sibling you never wanted—always meddling, always overreaching, and always convinced they can fix the world with a few Latin chants and some sage. To make matters worse, their magic? It's the great equalizer, a wildcard that even someone like Klaus has to respect.
And me? I've got one ace up my sleeve: the ability to absorb magic and make it mine. Pretty cool, right? But here's the catch—it's not as easy as snapping my fingers. Absorption isn't automatic; it requires strategy. I can't just siphon power from every stray spell like I'm a magical vacuum cleaner. I have to find sources of magic—artifacts, rituals, or people—figure out how to channel their power, and then take it.
Here's the kicker: I can't just hoard magic like a dragon hoards gold. There's a limit. The voice in the void—whoever or whatever sent me here—was very clear: three abilities to start, carefully chosen, because my body and mind need time to adapt before I can absorb more.
Why Nullify Magic?
It started with a rumor. There's a little shop tucked away in the French Quarter, the kind you'd miss if you blinked. "Rousseau's Emporium," it's called, run by a woman named Seraphine Rousseau—a witch with a talent for collecting magical odds and ends.
I'd heard whispers about the place. Artifacts, talismans, and charms that could make even the most seasoned witch pause. One item in particular caught my attention: a ring known as the Cercle Brisé. Supposedly, it could nullify magic within its radius, making spells unravel and curses fade.
I walked into the shop pretending to browse. The air was heavy with the smell of herbs and wax, and Seraphine, a wiry woman with sharp eyes, watched me like a hawk.
"Looking for something specific?" she asked, her tone polite but guarded.
I offered my most disarming smile. "I've heard you deal in the extraordinary. I'm looking for an artifact of particular... utility."
Her gaze narrowed. "Utility, huh? Well, I might have just the thing—but it's not cheap."
The moment she brought out the ring, I knew it was what I'd been searching for. Its magic was potent, a ripple in the air that made my senses hum. Negotiations were... tense. Seraphine wasn't about to let something so powerful go without a fight, and I wasn't about to tip my hand and reveal why I needed it. Let's just say the Mikaelson charm has its limits when dealing with a shrewd businesswoman.
Eventually, I walked out with the ring, lighter in gold but heavier with potential. Back at the estate, I focused on the artifact, channeling its magic into myself. The process wasn't pleasant—it felt like trying to swallow lightning—but when it was done, I had the ability to nullify magic.
Why did I choose nullification? Simple. Magic is the one thing vampires can't fully counter. It's what makes witches dangerous and alliances fragile. With nullify, I can level the playing field.
Witches? Powerless. Vampires enchanted by spells? Disarmed. Originals? Let's just say even Klaus wouldn't enjoy being on the receiving end.
Why Harden Magic?
The second ability came from necessity. After acquiring nullify, I realized that offensive powers weren't enough—I needed a defense. That's where hardening magic came in.
Imagine this: a vampire immune to wooden stakes, werewolf bites, and other supernatural weaknesses. Harden doesn't just protect me; it turns my very body into a fortress. No stake, no blade, no claws can pierce me. It's the ultimate insurance policy.
This ability came from an artifact Marcel had been keeping hidden: an obsidian dagger blessed by a witch to make its wielder invincible. Of course, I had to convince Marcel to "lend" it to me, which involved a combination of subtle threats and careful diplomacy. After all, he's no fool—he knows better than to cross me outright.
Absorbing its magic was just as painful as the first time, but the result? Worth it. Klaus may think himself indestructible, but with harden magic, I've raised the bar.
Why Tracking Magic?
The third ability was about precision. In a world full of hidden agendas and cloaked threats, the ability to find anyone, anywhere, is invaluable.
This one wasn't an artifact. It came from a witch—an unfortunate soul who tried to ambush me in the Quarter. Her magic was designed to track and trap her enemies, and I figured, Why not make it mine?
Absorbing power from a person is... different. It's intimate, almost invasive. The magic fights back, resisting the transfer, and the process leaves both parties drained—me with a new ability and her with a very bad day.
Now, with tracking magic, no one can hide from me. Wards, cloaking spells, even running halfway across the world—it doesn't matter. If I want to find you, I will.
Three abilities. Three tools to rewrite the rules of this game.
Nullify. Harden. Track.
Are they enough to keep me alive in this chaotic world? Maybe. But here's the thing about power: it's never enough. There's always another threat, another battle, another challenge.
For now, though, I've evened the odds. Let the witches plot, let Klaus scheme, let the wolves snarl—I'll be ready. And if anyone dares to question my methods?
Well, let's just say I'll have no trouble finding them.