A Cure

I stormed into the Salvatore Boarding House. Since Bonnie, Elena and Damon were gone to Whitmore College for the day and I was bored, I decided to hang with Stefan. He could be fun, sometimes. When he wasn't brooding, or hatching up a master plan.

Stefan came down the stairs, his eyes on his keys. He stopped in his tracks when he saw I was there.

"Lucy? What are you doing here?" he asked.

I smirked. "Why do you sound so disappointed?" I said. "I was bored, Elena, Damon and Bonnie are gone to Whitmore College and Jeremy's no fun, and we haven't really hung out in ages." I looked at his keys. "And it looks like you're going somewhere. Are you hatching an evil plan?" He didn't answer. "Stefan, what are you gonna do? Stefan?"

He rolled his eyes. "You don't need to be so nosy all the time."

"Oh, yes, I do," I countered. "Because you have a tendency of getting yourself in mucky situations. Not to mention, I have the ability to give people aneurysms, which is convenient when I want to get information." I shut the door behind me and crossed my arms.

He groaned. "Fine. I'm gonna break into Klaus' house and find Connor."

"What makes you think he has Connor?" I asked.

He shrugged. "It just matches up. Damon got you away from the exposion, Connor's remains weren't found and Klaus got away just after you and Damon got away. He probably has him tied up in his mansion."

"And why do you care?"

"Because he's one of the 'five', and I want to find out what that is."

"But he doesn't know either," I told him. "Connor has no idea what 'the Five' is, even if he is apart of it."

"But Klaus does," Stefan replied. "So, if you don't mind, I would like to leave." He opened the door and I followed him. "What are you doing?"

"Tagging along," I answered. He raised his eyebrow. "Hey, I'm curious. And you might need some back-up? Come on, we'll take my car."

We broke into Klaus' mansion. Stefan knocked out some hybrids.

We found Connor in one of the room, chained up to a piece of wood.

"Should we take him?" I questioned.

He shook his head. "Klaus needs him. And Klaus needs Elena. We might strike a bargain," he stared at Connor before his eyes widened in horror. "Klaus is coming."

He dragged me over to where he hoped Klaus couldn't see us.

Klaus came in and stood next to his hostage. "Looks like I'll have to beef up the hybrid security detail," he said.

Stefan walked out of the shadows, dragging me with him. Ugh, I hated being treated like a rag-doll.

"We were going to take him, but I figured you went through such trouble to truss him up in your red room of pain," he replied.

"Great torture-room, by the way," I said sarcastically.

"It's from the Inquisition. I thought it was a nice touch."

"What'd you get out of him?" Stefan asked.

"Not enough. He's about the Council fire and he's not saying anything about this greater evil we're all supposed to be shivering over. What brings you snooping?" he questioned us.

"Well, I can't say it in front of him. As I'm sure you've figured out, our friend here can't be compelled," Stefan told him.

"You're full of mysteries, aren't you?" he said to Connor.

"I told you, I don't know anything."

"Thankfully, I know plenty," Klaus replied.

He gestured for Stefan and I to follow him as he walked out of the room.

"Shall we?"

I nudged Stefan, edging towards the door. He was staring at Connor, until he finally got a grip and followed Klaus. Klaus shut the door behind us.

"So, what's with the home invasion?" he asked.

"Stefan's hell-bent on finding out about this guy," I answered. "And the 'five', whatever that is."

"I figured out that you were up to something when you healed Elena from the werewolf poison without asking for anything in return," he said.

I had figured that out as well. But since he promised that it was in my interest as well, I chose to play-it-by-year.

"I was feeling benevolent."

Even if it had something to do with what Klaus the Devil wanted. Which was never good.

"You're never benevolent. Who is this guy? What's the Five?"

"So many questions," Klaus said.

"And so many answers that you're going to give us," I replied.

"It's a good thing I have nothing to do today, except get answers out of you. And Lucy doesn't either, have you, Lucy?"

I shook my head. "Nothing at all."

Stefan sat down. "Fine," Klaus looked to Stefan. "You might actually be useful in persuading my sister to cooperate."

Klaus walked away from the door and approached us. I sat down on the chair beside Stefan.

"The brotherhood of the Five was a group of highly skilled vampire hunters. We crossed paths with them in the 12th century, Italy."

He told us of how Rebekah feel in love with a member of the Five, Alexander.

"So these hunters have been around for nine hundred years?" Stefan asked.

"Apparently. Though our friend in the other room is the first I've seen since then. Kind of makes you wonder what they've been up to all these years."

"And Rebekah had a thing for one of them?" I questioned.

"Oh, she didn't just have a thing," he said. "She fell in love with him. He told her all his secrets. Which I will gladly share with you provided you do one thing for me."

"And what's that?" Stefan asked.

"Get Rebekah over here," he ordered. "She's being stubborn and hateful. I need to make peace with her." Klaus got up. "I want her to give me some very important information about the hunter which she won't do, unless she believes we've made up."

Stefan stood. "And what's in it for me?"

"Just get her here and I'll tell you," Klaus said. "Oh, and Stefan, trust me when I say this; that hunter in there holds the answer to all your prayers."

Stefan shot me a worried glance. "Oh don't worry, I won't hurt her."

I rolled my eyes. He was so damn cocky. But still, there was no way that I could take down an Original.

Stefan nodded and left.

"You know, I could have just gone with him," I said. "Then you wouldn't be stuck with me for the next few hours."

"I doubt they'll be more than an hour," he replied. "And I quite enjoy your company."

He poured me out some wine and offered it to me. I went to take it and he pulled back. "Wait, aren't you underage?" he asked, smirking.

"Yes, but that hasn't stop me before," I snatched the wine from him, "and its certainly not gonna stop me now. Cheers."

He chuckled. "Cheers," he said, raising his glass. "So, how's your sister getting on with her new vampire life?"

"She can't keep down any blood source except blood from a human's vein," I told him.

"That's odd," he said, puzzled. "I've never seen a vampire who's unable to drink from a bloodbag. Animals, however, aren't the best source of blood for a vampire. Few are able to keep it down."

Maybe it had something to do with her being a doppelganger before turning?

"But if my plan works out, she mightn't have to worry about blood sources anymore," he said, sipping his wine.

I stared at him. "Excuse me?"

He smirked. "Time will reveal all, darling."

I rolled my eyes and groaned. Why did he chose to be so mysterious all the time? He just wanted to get under my skin, which he always succeeded in doing.

"If I'm going to find out anyway, then why won't you tell me?" I asked, annoyed.

"I have admit, I'm enjoying teasing you," he said.

"Of course," I said, nodding. "Dick," I mumbled.

"Language, sweetheart," he scolded, chuckling.

I held my hands up in defense. "I'm only telling the truth."

He laughed. Klaus wasn't bad looking. He had an almost wolf-like face and reddish-pink lips and dimples. He had short, blonde hair and oceanic blue eyes. He was actually kinda handsome... Lucy Gilbert get a grip! He killed Aunt Jenna, he's the reason Uncle John is dead and he tried to kill your sister! Not to mention countless innocent humans. And you're calling him 'handsome'?

For some reason, I joined in with the laughter, despite my brain telling me to give him one heck of an aneurysm for killing Jenna.

"Why do you doubt that I fancy you? Other than the fact that I'm a raging psychopath..."

I snorted. I was actually having fun.

"So you admit it," I smiled.

"Don't dodge the question, love," he said.

I sighed. "I don't know!" I said defensively. "You're not exactly the easiest person to trust, after everything you've done."

"Oh, come on, love! Its been ages since the sacrifice! You can't be holding that against me."

I scoffed. "Oh yes, I can. God! You're so damn insensitive! Its been a couple of months since Jenna died, since the sacrifice. You tried to kill Elena, numerous times. You're the reason John's dead... You know what? I can't stand to be in the same room as you!" I stood up angrily.

Klaus rushed to get up and stood in front of me. "Perhaps that was a little insensitive," I tried to walked past him, but he just moved to the side. "And I didn't mean to offend you. None of this was meant to hurt you, Lucy," once again, he stood in my way of leaving. He planted his hand on my shoulder. "I do care about you."

I stared at his arms, as if staring could make him release me.

"You have an odd way of showing it," I growled.

He caressed my cheek with his left hand and I shivered in response to his touch. It felt good. Maybe this was real. No, no, no. This isn't real. He's playing you. Every inch of my body was telling me to fight back, but I didn't.

Then I remembered Jenna's limp, dead body and how he ripped out her heart. I took a deep breath and stepped back.

"Connor - the tattoo - we should ask him - I'm gonna..."

My breathing quickened as I swiftly walked to the torture room, followed by Klaus. I didn't look at him. I felt too ashamed. I fell for another one of his little tricks to get me to trust him so he could use me or just humiliate me for sport. My pride was damaged, and I hated when my pride was damaged.

Connor groaned. I'd say being chained to the torture device for more than at least an hour wasn't very comfortable.

"You feeling alright, mate? Are the shackles too tight?" he mocked. "Welcome home, sister."

I whipped around and saw Rebekah and Stefan entering the room.

"Is this a trick? How do you know he's one of the Five? Where's his bloody tattoo?"

"Oh, the tattoos aren't visible on this lot like they were on the last," Klaus explained. "Let's eat."

We followed him into the dining room. I sat in front of Stefan while Rebekah sat in front of Klaus, beside me and Stefan. A pretty girl with little clothes on served us food.

"Thank you, my lovely."

She had no clue what was going on. Klaus had compelled her.

"I could kiss the Council for burning up all the vervain in town. They made my life so much easier. Rebekah, love, eat your veggies."

"I'm not eating until you apologize," Rebekah stubbornly declared.

"For which indiscretion? There have been so many," Klaus replied.

"You broke my neck," Rebekah said.

"You threw away Elena's blood so I can't make any more hybrids," Klaus countered.

"Because you took me for granted!" Rebekah exclaimed.

"That's what big brothers do, sweetheart!"

"Let me just name the million other people I'd rather be having dinner with right now," Stefan drawled.

"Alright, fine. I'm sorry. I often forget how delicate you are. Forgive me?"

"I'll take it under consideration," Rebekah said.

"Good. Now that you've solved your familial issues, why don't you tell us about Rebekah's hunter?" I suggested.

"Right, Alexander. Nice chap foregoing the obvious issues," he began. "He was looking for creatures of the night which is why we felt quite safe around him wearing our daylight rings."

The Five was a group of five men. (Shocker!) They were created by a dying witch who wished for the destruction of all vampires. They had a weapon that no vampire could survive.

"So, that's what this is about? A weapon," Stefan said.

"Not just any weapon," Rebekah replied.

"Rebekah, love, don't get ahead of the story," Klaus scolded.

"How is a weapon going to help Elena?" I asked.

Rebekah and Klaus stared at each other, not saying anything.

"Okay. Why don't we just skip with the theatrics and get right to the point?"

"Not quite yet, because in order to find this weapon, we need to solve the puzzle. Which seems to have disappeared," Klaus said.

"What's the puzzle?" I inquired.

Klaus raised his eyebrows. "The tattoo. What is it?" Stefan asked.

"A map. Leading us to its treasure," Klaus said.

"Fat lot of good a tattoo's gonna do, if we can't see it," Rebekah stated.

"We can't, but someone else can," Klaus turned to a girl. "Why don't you tell the hybrid to bring him in, love?" The girl left the room to get the only person who could see the tattoo. Jeremy. I was scared. I didn't like the idea of Klaus using my brother, bringing him into it. "You see, the hunter was so eager to get to the bottom of his mystery tattoos that he mentioned there was only one other person that can see them."

A hybrid, with Jeremy in his grasp, entered.

"Jeremy," I whispered.

I glared at Klaus and stood up. Stefan vampire-sped towards Jeremy and Klaus rushed past Stefan, standing between him and Jeremy. I moved to stand beside Stefan.

"I wouldn't. Lucky for us, young Jeremy here, is a bit of an artist," Klaus said.

"Leave Jeremy out of this," I said angrily.

"Now, now, love, I just want Jeremy's help," Klaus grinned.

"I'm not helping you with anything," Jeremy stated defiantly.

The hybrid grabbed Jeremy's hand and took his ring off. He threw it to Klaus who caught it and held it up for Jeremy to see.

"Oh, I'm afraid you are."

"So, tell me more about this tattoo," Stefan said.

We were still in the dining room, talking about the Five.

"My sister's suitor was unwilling to tell us anything. Rebekah, however, was more than willing to investigate. Isn't that right?"

Rebekah looked down, ashamed.

Klaus told us how Alexander betrayed Rebekah and stabbed her with the White Oak Ash dagger in the heart. He seemed to be enjoying telling us about Rebekah's foolishness and naivety. I felt sorry for Rebekah for having to deal with Klaus for a brother.

"My sister's boyfriend threw a slumber party that night. He and his brothers put us all down in our sleep. Elijah, Kol, Finn, and me," Klaus said.

"How was I supposed to know?" Rebekah asked rhetorically.

Klaus raised his class. "Cheers, to my sister's uncanny ability to choose men."

"I thought the daggers didn't work on you because of your werewolf side," Stefan noted.

Klaus smirked. "They don't."

Klaus had undaggered Rebekah, and Alexander, Rebekah's lover and the vampire hunter, promised her something.

"Go ahead, Rebekah. Tell him. Tell him what the hunter told you the tattoo leads to. What is this great weapon that could bring about the end of the vampire species?" Klaus said.

"A cure. He said there was a cure."

Klaus got up and Stefan followed him.

"There is no cure for vampirism," Stefan stated.

"He's telling the truth, Stefan," Rebekah said.

"Then why wouldn't you have searched for it, found it?"

Rebekah and I got up as well. We followed the boys into the other room. Klaus was pouring himself a drink.

"Because when the hunters drew their final breath that night, the marks disappeared from their body, the map was gone, the brotherhood of the Five extinct. For nine hundred years, there was not a whisper of another hunter, until our friend in there showed up in town," he explained.

"Well, now we have the map, what do we do next?" Rebekah asked.

"We don't do anything," Klaus said. "You can't be trusted, little sister. You'll be blabbing this secret to the first boy who calls you pretty. I mean, it's pathetic, really, isn't it? How she continues to hand her heart to any man who shows her a hint of affection. You'd think she would have learned by now from the endless cycle of disappointment and deception."

"But, I haven't," Rebekah said. "Instead I stayed with you and let you leech every moment of happiness from my life! You know, at least I fared better then Finn, Klaus left him daggered because he was tired of his judgment."

"No, Finn was a dullard. He was more interesting lying in a box."

"You want the cure for Elena, don't you?" Rebekah accused. "So you can go back to mass producing your hybrids. That's why you brought Stefan and Lucinda here, because you knew that they'd help you even though they hate your guts! You know what? You can shove your cure."

Rebekah stormed out of the house. Klaus smirked.

"That was unnecessary," I said. "Did you really have to be such a dick to her?"

"Of course, love," he replied, his smirk growing. "That's what brother's do."

"Well, I hope you got what you wanted out of her before you chased her off," Stefan said.

"She never would have told me what I needed to know," Klaus said, looking at Stefan. "But she'll tell you."

"What do you need me to find out?" Stefan asked.

"The map is useless without the tool to decipher it."

"The sword."

"She knows where it is. And you're gonna get her to tell you. You have a chance to save Elena from the very thing that is going to destroy her. You can call it a deal with the devil, if you like. But you know you won't walk away from it."

I opened and shut the front door and entered the house. I had left with Stefan, though he decided to walk home, or wherever it was he was going. Klaus promised me that Jeremy would return home safely, so I left. I was worried now though, it was stupid of me to leave him there with Klaus of all people.

I was barely home for two minutes when my phone started ringing. Klaus. I was tempted to ignore it, but considering what we talked about today, I answered it. Just to be safe.

"Hello, love."

"Klaus. What do you want?"

"Stefan's with Rebekah and after I deal with her, I want to have a team meeting."

"Since when were we a team?"

"We all want the cure for your sister. We all have a common goal. Why not work as a team?"

I sighed. "Fine. Where?"

"The Salvatore Boarding House. Be quick."

I groaned and hung up. Could there ever be peace?

Stefan and Damon's front door was never locked, so anyone could go in whenever they pleased. Because, since they're vampires, they didn't have to worry about burglaries.

When I entered the house, I saw Klaus dipping the dagger in the ash, Rebekah trying to speed away and Stefan stopping her.

"I'm sorry, Rebekah," Stefan said.

Rebekah looked hurt and she turned to face Klaus.

"Go right ahead. Laugh at the girl who loved too easily. But I would rather have lived my life than yours, Nik. No one will ever sit around a table telling stories about a man who could barely love. Who pined over a girl who was repulsed by him. Look at her, Nik. She could never love you. She thinks you're a monster! Do it. Look me in the eye and do it, you coward!"

Klaus avoided Rebekah's eyes.

"Do it!"

Klaus stabbed her with the dagger and she started to desiccate.

But she went classy and proud, and I had a newfound respect for Rebekah Mikaelson.

I sat on the chair and watched as Stefan cover Rebekah's body with a blanket. I glared at Klaus when he came into the room.

"I have a plane waiting," Klaus said. "I'll get the sword. My hybrids will keep an eye on Connor. You put Rebekah somewhere where no one will find her and make sure Jeremy forgets everything he heard today."

He gave Jeremy's ring to me.

"I'll take care of it," Stefan said.

I wasn't too happy about my brother being compelled yet again by a vampire, but this time, it was for his own safety.

"No one must know about the cure, do you understand? Not Damon. Not Elena. Nobody. If this gets out, it could mean all our deaths. So, if you tell anyone, I'll erase each and every memory from the lot of you…"

"I won't say anything," Stefan promised.

He looked to me. "Love?"

I rolled my eyes. "Sure. Whatever."

"Good," Klaus said. "It's just us three in this. Some secrets are stronger than family."

Family didn't mean much to Klaus anyway.

I drove Stefan to our house. He wanted to wait for Elena. Of course, Damon was there with Elena when we arrived. I was done with this love triangle drama. It was tiring, seeing someone string two guys - brothers - along. She was my sister and I loved her, but neither of them deserved it.

I changed for bed straight away, finally being allowed to relax. I hoped and prayed that no one would call me. All that I wanted was sleep.

#4#

A/N: What did you think? Is Klaus a bit Ooc? I'm trying to write him as best as I can.

Please review!