Any readers who don't actually watch the Originals, Detective Kinney is played by Jason Dohring and to my surprise actually lived through the entire season!
For those that read the BTVS comics: This story does NOT follow the ridiculous comics in which Whedon worked out his boy fantasies with. Don't get me started on them. My story is written for the TV audience and although we are still dealing with the supernatural and mystical, I am not grossly inflating the BTVS characters abilities like the comics. My rule is if I can't believe it, I cannot write it. Buffy and Willow are powerful enough, I think!
Chapter 2: The Sire Line
*****A Few Days Later*****
Cami answered Vincent's call to join him at a crime scene. "What's going on?" she asked him when she arrived at the location he gave her. They were in a section of the French Quarter that she rarely ventured to, and cops were everywhere.
"I've been working as an expert in the occult for the department. I think you might be able to help with something. This is Detective Kinney, who I told you was investigating the murder," Vincent introduced.
Cami looked at the good-looking cop with interest. "Nice to meet you," she said, shaking his offered hand. "So why am I here?"
"I told the detective about your psychology background. This new murder is like the other, and we thought you might be able to give some insight into the killer," Vincent said.
"I've never done that sort of thing before," Cami said warily.
"It's a disturbing scene, but if you think you could give some insight into this psycho, I'd appreciate it," Detective Kinney said.
"Unfortunately, I've seen a lot of disturbing things the past few years, so I think I can handle it," Cami said.
"Come this way," Detective Kinney said. He led her to the mouth of the nearby alley.
She looked down at the dead body in dismay. The poor victim had his mouth sliced open like the Joker and propped up on strings like a puppet. "It doesn't look like the guy put up a struggle," she observed. Cami realized, but didn't say, that the person was probably compelled. Clearly, this was a vampire murder—not a human psychopath. "The murderer took his time. That much is clear. He enjoys the display. I'm sure he'll kill again."
"That was my instinctive thought, too," Detective Kinney said grimly.
"You need to be very careful with this one, detective," Cami advised.
"Thanks for your help," Detective Kinney said.
Vincent led Cami away. When they were out of earshot, Vincent stopped. "Vampire?" he asked.
She nodded. "It's obvious they were compelled," Cami said.
"We need to warn Marcel," Vincent said.
They got to the church, where Marcel hangs out. Cami flinched as she does everytime she sees the fight cage in her late uncle's church.
Rebekah, still in her witch body, was there watching Marcel fight someone.
"What's going on?" Cami asked her.
Rebekah smirked. "Marcel's been holding tryouts. Looking to recruit tougher vamps for his cause," she said.
"What cause is that?" Vincent asked.
"Why my insane brother, of course," Rebekah said in amusement.
"What?" Cami asked. "Klaus isn't insane."
"He's prone to actions that cannot be explained. Marcel feels that he is too vulnerable and wants to increase the numbers of vampires loyal to him and not the Mikaelsons," Rebekah explained.
"But you're a Mikaelson," Cami pointed out.
"Yes, but I'm not Niklaus. And Marcel loves me," Rebekah said with a smirk.
"Marcel, we need to talk to you!" Cami called out.
Marcel stopped and turned. He nodded at her and spoke to the group that was in or around the cage. When they left, he turned back toward them, stepping out of the cage. "What's up?" he asked.
"There's some new vampire in town," Cami said.
"We think," Vincent clarified.
Cami filled him in on what they knew.
"It is possible it's a human," Marcel said.
"Possible but unlikely. The body looked like the guy was compelled," Cami said.
"Leaving a body leads to headlines, which decreases tourism and, thereby, the food supply. All things that my guys know. The cops should question Klaus."
"Klaus didn't do this," Cami said confidently.
"No, my brother's been too distracted with the new witch. Besides, it's not his style," Rebekah said.
"I'll ask around. See if I can find out about any new players in town," Marcel said.
"Thanks," Vincent said.
"So, this cop. Can he be trusted?" Marcel asked.
"I think so," Vincent said. "He's a good man. All our human leaders have been killed. We need someone we can trust, so I'm feeling him out."
"If you care about him, you'll keep him away from Klaus," Marcel said.
"Speaking of Klaus, are you going to his art show tomorrow night?" Cami asked.
"I don't know," Marcel said.
"He'll be there," Rebekah answered for him, giving him a look.
Marcel stared at her a moment. Finally, he nodded. "Fine. I'll be there," he conceded.
*****The Next Evening*****
Klaus surveyed the people mingling at his art show. He didn't even have to compel them. Willow came up to him, putting her arm around his waist affectionately. "It's so amazing, Klaus!" she gushed. "Your work is beautiful!"
Klaus gave her a warm smile. "Thanks!" he said.
He saw a man staring intently at one of his paintings. "What do you think?" he asked him.
The man sniffed dismissively. "Some talent, but it's mostly derivative," the man said.
When Klaus clenched his fist in rage, Willow pulled him aside. "You can't kill everyone that doesn't like your work. Art is subjective," she said.
"This is why I rarely show my work to the public. I don't take criticism well," he admitted.
"Really? I'm so surprised," she said dryly. "But I can think of a more satisfying way to get back at the arrogant twit without bloodshed."
"What do you have in mind?" Klaus asked her, eying her with interest. She never failed to amuse the ancient vampire.
Willow looked at the man and waved her hand. Klaus' eyes widened in surprise when the critic turned into a rat and scurried off. Laughter burst out of him. "That was impressive!" he exclaimed in admiration.
"He'll turn back to himself in a few days," she said. "A friend turned herself into a rat in high school and didn't put a time limit on the spell. It took me years to figure out how to undo it. But now it's easy-peasy."
"Now that was something to behold," a man said.
Klaus looked up at the newcomer. "Lucien?" he said in obvious surprise.
The attractive, sandy haired newcomer smiled at Klaus. "In the flesh!" he said. He held out his hand to Klaus who took it and pulled him in for a hug and back slap.
"When did you get into town?" Klaus asked.
"A few days ago. I came on business and heard you were in town. Then my assistant told me about your show, and I decided that it'd be a perfect time to run into you," Lucien said. He looked at Willow. "Forgive my rudeness. Lucian Castle."
Willow shook his hand. "Willow Rosenberg," she said, sensing his nature right away.
"It's been a long time, Lucian," Klaus said.
"Too long," Lucian replied.
"Lucian is the very first vampire I created. He's almost as old as I," Klaus said to Willow.
"You would trust your secrets to a witch?" Lucian asked in surprise.
"Willow isn't like other witches, and I trust her completely," Klaus said.
Lucian gave Willow a look of interest but said nothing. "Does she turn all your enemies into rats for you?" he asked.
"That was the first time," Klaus said, smiling at Willow.
Willow waved her hand dismissively. "Not a big deal. It's harmless. The man will wake up in a few days with a strong fondness for cheese," she said.
"Is Aurora with you?" Klaus asked.
"We parted ways centuries ago," Lucien said, shaking his head.
Klaus nodded. "So why are you really here?" he asked.
Lucien glanced a moment at Willow, who quickly spoke, "I'll leave you two to catch up." She walked away before Klaus could protest.
"She got any real power or just parlor tricks?" Lucian asked, curious.
Klaus shrugged. "She's got a few tricks. She's not from New Orleans, so she's not loyal to the covens here," he said, trying to downplay her skill. No sense in letting Lucien know what weapon Willow really was.
"Well, we need all the allies we can get," Lucien said grimly. "There's a war coming."
Klaus looked at him with interest. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"The sire lines are at war," Lucien shared. "It's been made aware that the Mikaelsons are not as infallible or immortal as was once believed. Both Kol and Finn's line has been wiped out. You've come close a few times, have you not? All your sired children have felt it!"
Klaus grimaced as Lucien's point was hit home. "Things have been challenging lately, but I can assure you, my family is stronger than ever," he said.
"Really? I heard that your own aunt nearly ended you just a few months ago," Lucien said pointedly.
"As you can see, I am here, she is not," Klaus said coldly.
"Are you certain every splinter of the White Oak is gone? No weapon can kill you?" Lucien asked. Klaus was silent. He wasn't about to tell Lucien where his weapon was. Lucien continued, "I have someone I need you to meet. Come with me to my penthouse."
"Niklaus," Elijah called, having arrived with Buffy, who looked resplendent in a black dress.
Klaus grinned, happy to see his brother and the slayer. He moved from Lucien to greet them, embracing Elijah and Buffy.
Lucien noted that the supposed distance between the brothers was obviously exaggerated as the two brothers warmly greeted the other. The unknown woman seemed at ease in both their presence.
Elijah, of course, had noted Lucien's presence and faced him. "I see you have a visitor," Elijah murmured to Klaus.
"Yes, I was just speaking with him," Klaus said, turning back toward Lucien and gesturing him forward.
"Who's the new hottie?" Buffy asked curiously.
Lucien gave her a blinding smile. "Lucien Castle," he said, extending his hand to her.
"Buffy Summers," she said, shaking his hand. She dismissed him and looked at Klaus. "Your show is amazing, Klaus. I'm so proud!"
Klaus grinned at her. "You just missed Willow. She punished a critic in quite an amusing manner," he shared.
"Where is she?" Buffy said, not seeing her.
"She's around here somewhere. Probably with Freya," Klaus said, looking around.
"I'll go look for her," she said. Glancing at Lucien, she said, "Nice to meet you."
"You, too," Lucien said, smiling. He looked at Elijah. "Does she belong to you?"
"Buffy doesn't belong to anyone but herself," Elijah said. "But she and I are involved."
"She smelled human. Does she know what you are?" Lucien asked.
"She knows all my secrets," Elijah said easily.
Lucien looked surprised. "You would trust a human with your secrets?" he asked. When did this family become so trusting? It was against everything he knew about both brothers.
"Buffy is not like other humans," Klaus said with a grin.
"Why are you here?" Elijah asked bluntly.
"Business," Lucien said.
"He says that the sire lines are at war due to our close encounters as of late," Klaus shared.
"If you will come to my penthouse, I have someone you need to meet. There's a clear prophecy that has me gravely concerned," Lucien said.
Klaus looked at Elijah, who shrugged. "This is your show, after all," he said.
"Let me speak to Cami," Klaus said, stepping away.
Buffy came around the corner with Willow. Elijah smiled to see her animation as she shared information about her trip with Willow.
Lucien made note of Elijah's clear fascination with his lover. Interesting.
"I am going to go with Klaus to catch up with our old friend here. Will you be okay without me?" Elijah asked Buffy.
Buffy laughed. "I'm sure I'll be fine without you. I'll hang out here a bit before going home. See you there later?" she asked. He nodded and bent down to give her a kiss.
Klaus joined the two men and went to Lucien's very upscale penthouse.
"It seems you're doing quite well for yourself," Klaus said, looking at the spacious apartment.
"I've got my hand in a number of things. What's the point in living forever if you can't have everything you want?" Lucien said with a knowing smirk.
"Indeed," Elijah said.
A young woman greeted Lucien when they arrived.
"This is my witch, Alexis," Lucien said to them. "She's the reason you're here. She's a cipher, and she has a prophecy concerning your sire lines. It's not good."
"A cipher?" Elijah asked, looking at her curiously.
"If you feed on her, she'll show you her vision," Lucien said.
When Klaus gave Elijah a questioning look, he gestured, "By all means, do what you will. I'm sure Willow won't mock you too much."
Klaus grimaced and hesitated.
"I'm deadly serious, Klaus. There is a dire threat to all of us," Lucian said sincerely. "Please trust me on this. In fact, I'm the only one of yours that you can trust. If you die, so do I and all my line."
Klaus knew that he had a point, so he bit into the neck the witch offered him. When he did, he went into her mind. She whispered into his head:
Drink deep but beware,
What you broke is past repair
All your oaths you betray
Your sacred vows you sever
And now you see that nothing lasts for always and forever
Three yet remain, two already crossed
Yet in one year's time you'll all be lost
As your family is undone
You will cede to the beast that is to come.
Her words were accompanied by images of each of his siblings suffering and crying out in pain. Jerking away from her, he pushed her far from him.
"What is it, Niklaus? What did you see?" Elijah asked him.
"Our doom," Klaus said. "Or is it?" He glared at Lucien. "What insanity do you bring to me?"
"I am only trying to help!" Lucien said quickly.
"What have I to fear? I am the thing that lesser men fear!" he exclaimed angrily.
"That is why I am here. To remind you of the beast that you are. I fear that you have grown soft. Too many people who cross you yet live," Lucien said. "That is not the Klaus I know."
"I am as strong as I have ever been!" Klaus said hotly.
"He is now a father and sees no need to slaughter indiscriminately," Elijah defended.
"Alexis predicts that the bond between you and your siblings will be broken," Lucien warned.
"I have broken things in my family many times. They always forgive me," Klaus said. "Our vows are sacred."
"So you've said," Lucien said grimly. "Always and forever? Too bad it doesn't work so well for your friends."
Klaus felt a flash of guilt as he looked at Lucien. He had used him most grievously. "We did what we did to you so that we all could survive. It was the only way to escape our father," Klaus said.
Lucian gave him a cold look but quickly dispelled his anger. "The sire lines are at war. Tristan I'm sure will be here soon—along with the Strix," Lucian warned.
"Let them come. Tristan wants to stir up trouble, I'll deal with him," Elijah said sternly.
"Do not think we have allies only within our lines," Klaus warned. "We have resources that will hold up against anyone who comes against us. I assure you that your line is safe."
"I hope so," Lucien said grimly.
"I must return to my lady," Elijah said.
"As do I," Klaus said. "We should meet up tomorrow for drinks. Catch up."
"I look forward to it," Lucian said.
A short time later, Klaus and Elijah were back home, sharing the bad news Lucian brought with the women in their lives. Klaus recited the poem.
"So is this like a real prophecy?" Willow asked with interest. "I'd like to meet this Alexis."
"It's best if Lucien does not know how powerful you are. I am positive he is up to something," Klaus said.
"Isn't he always?" Rebekah said, rolling her eyes. "What Aurora ever saw in him is beyond me!"
"Prophecies have a way of working out sometimes. Other times, they can be easily misconstrued or have loopholes," Buffy said knowingly. "When I was sixteen, it was prophesied that I was to die at the hand of a master vampire."
"It was wrong?" Freya asked.
"No, the vampire killed me. I drowned," Buffy said grimly. "But Xander came along and revived me with CPR. It's how the slayer line was broken into two, and it's the first time I defied a prophecy."
"But not the last!" Willow said with a grin.
"Are you worried?" Buffy asked Elijah.
"Not really. But Lucien's appearance is disconcerting," he admitted.
"Why is that? Don't you guys go way back?" Willow asked.
"We each turned a person for the first time in 1000 A. D. in southern France," Elijah said. "Lucien was the servant of a count. He advised us on how to act like the noble people we weren't by birth. With his help, we managed to gain an invitation to a gala the count was throwing. It gave us a taste for the world of nobility that we found we loved."
"We'd been on the run from Father for years already, and I was bloody sick of it!" Rebekah added. "The Count's sister Aurora was gorgeous and befriended me and fell for Niklaus. Nik turned Lucien. I turned Aurora, and the Count's son Tristan was turned by Elijah."
"Of course, we didn't know that Aurora was more than slightly insane. Tristan hid that fact quiet well," Elijah said.
"Oh, so you created your own Drusilla," Buffy said in understanding.
As Elijah was now familiar with all Buffy's stories, he answered, "Not quite. Aurora wasn't driven insane the way Angelus did to the innocent. She was just obsessive as a human. Our vampire nature makes traits amplified as a vampire."
"When Father came for us, we compelled them to believe they were us and sent them running in the opposite direction," Rebekah said.
Freya looked surprised. "You convinced them that they were you?" she asked.
They nodded. "Yes. We shared our memories with each of them, and they became us," Klaus explained. "It was quite effective."
"How long?" Buffy asked.
"A long time. Several decades at least," Elijah said.
"I'd be royally pissed," Willow said.
"I'm sure they were," Elijah said.
"I'd want revenge," Buffy said.
"Whatever they have planned, we'll be ready for them," Elijah said.
"If it's a fight they want, it's a fight they'll get," Klaus warned.
*****To Be Continued*****