Chapter 4: Recruiting Elijah
Adam stood in front of the dilapidated Mikaelson mansion in New Orleans, the afternoon sun casting long shadows over the worn, vine-covered walls. This place had once been the epicenter of power and chaos, but now it was eerily silent, abandoned since the Mikaelson family had disappeared.
He inhaled deeply, nerves tingling. This wasn't just any mission—it was personal. Elijah Mikaelson was Adam's favorite character from The Originals, and resurrecting him wasn't just about building his task force. It was about fulfilling a dream, albeit one with very high stakes.
<System Notification: Location suitable for resurrection ritual. Prepare to proceed.>
"Let's hope this works," Adam muttered. He reached into his coat pocket and retrieved the artifact he'd acquired from a local witch—a small bloodstone said to amplify resurrection magic.
He knelt down and began the ritual.
<System Notification: Initiating resurrection. Deducting one use. Target: Elijah Mikaelson.>
The ground began to tremble, a faint hum resonating in the air as the system's energy did its work. Adam stepped back as a faint light appeared, coalescing into a figure. Moments later, Elijah Mikaelson lay on the ground, disoriented but very much alive.
Elijah blinked, sitting up slowly. His suit, miraculously intact, was covered in dust. He looked around, his sharp gaze settling on Adam. "Who are you, and what is the meaning of this?"
Adam offered a hand, his expression calm despite his inner excitement. "My name is Adam. I've brought you back because I need your help."
Elijah ignored the hand, standing gracefully on his own. He brushed off his suit with measured movements, his brow furrowed in confusion. "You've brought me back? From what, exactly?"
"Death," Adam replied simply. "You and your family sacrificed yourselves to save Hope. I know everything, Elijah."
Elijah's expression darkened, his posture rigid. "If what you say is true, why? Why would you disturb my rest?"
"Because the world needs you," Adam said, meeting Elijah's intense gaze. "There are supernatural threats out there—threats even worse than your brother Klaus ever faced. I'm assembling a team to deal with them, and I need someone like you. Someone with integrity, wisdom, and strength."
Elijah's lips pressed into a thin line. "And you assume I would willingly involve myself in such affairs again?"
Adam sighed, stepping closer. "I know you're tired, Elijah. I know you've given everything for your family. But this isn't just about me or my mission. It's about protecting the world your family fought so hard to save."
Elijah's silence stretched, his mind clearly working through the implications.
Adam decided to play his ace. "I can bring them back too. Hayley, Klaus,humans, free of the curses that have haunted your family for centuries."
Elijah's head snapped toward Adam, his composure momentarily slipping. "You can do that?"
"Yes," Adam said. "But only if you help me. I can't do this alone, Elijah. I need you to lead with me."
For several long moments, Elijah remained silent, his face a mask of careful consideration. Finally, he spoke.
"If what you say is true, then you must know the weight of what you're offering. My family has brought more chaos than peace to this world. Why risk bringing us back?"
Adam smiled faintly. "Because I believe in second chances. And because the world deserves to see the man you truly are—not the monster your family's enemies painted you to be."
Elijah regarded him with a piercing stare, then nodded once, his resolve returning. "Very well. If you can keep your word, I will join your cause."
Adam extended his hand again. This time, Elijah took it.
As they walked out of the mansion, Adam couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. Recruiting Elijah was a huge win, both for his team and for his own fanboy dreams. But he knew this was just the beginning.
"You said you can bring back my family," Elijah said as they reached the car. "When will you fulfill that promise?"
Adam nodded. "Soon. But for now, we need to focus on the task at hand. I'll explain everything once the team is assembled."
Elijah's gaze softened slightly, and for the first time, Adam thought he saw a glimmer of trust. "Then let us proceed. I hope, for your sake, that you are a man of your word."
"I am," Adam said firmly. "Welcome to the team, Elijah."