Kol arrived at the Garden District at dusk. It was strange to be back, but know almost no one. In the 20 years before he was gone, he was in various cities around the world so he hadn't connected with any witches here since 1912.
This had to be LaRue's house. He couldn't even step on the property as it must have been spelled against vampires. Kol stood there a minute thinking back to the days when he taught Mary Alice and Astrid Kemiya to make those dark objects. He wondered what happened to them after they were trapped in the cottage. He had never found witches powerful enough to wield that kind of magic again. Anything that powerful was dangerous and most coven forbade it on pain of death or banishment.
Kol senses picked up a being behind him. By the footsteps, he thought it was vampire. Three of them maybe.
"You shouldn't be here, friend," he heard a voice call out.
Kol turned to see a handsome African American vampire approach him. Two female vampires, one caucasian with red hair and an athletic build, and a latino one with a mohawk and leather jacket stood completely still behind him.
"I'll go where I like, friend," Kol replied.
"We have rules in this here city. Witches have this neighborhood and the agreement is for vamps to stay out," the vamp said glancing around.
"My family built this city. I will go where I like," Kol said vamping up to the man and grabbing the red head by the neck.
"I'll tear her head off. Don't move. Tell me what is going on, who is running the city now?" Kol compelled.
"Please don't kill her. I don't know what is going on. We can't tell you shit or our asses are on the line," the vamp said nervously.
"Are you on vervain?" Kol asked already knowing the answer.
"Every day. It burns like hellfire, but those are the rules. I think I now understand why," he answered.
The mohawked vampire hissed, "He's an old one. An original, they are the only ones who can compel other vampires."
The red head nodded and said, "This is why Marcel makes us take the vervain."
Kol's mouth opened, "Did you say Marcel? Is he your leader?"
"Yes, Marcel Gerald. He's the King of New Orleans."
For the first time in centuries, Kol did not know what to do or say. He finally spat out, "Take me to him."
Tyler woke up in a cold sweat panting.
"Dude, what's wrong? You look like you saw a ghost?" Jeremy said to Tyler as Tyler wiped the sweat from his face.
"I did, in a dream," Tyler admitted. "I think my Uncle Mason is dead."
"Man, it's just a dream. I still dream about my parents. I think it's normal," Jeremy said calmly.
"Jeremy, did your parents ever show you answers to questions you were asking?"
"No, dude, that sounds weird," Jeremy replied seeing if Matt was awake and listening to this. He was snoring deeply.
Tyler went on, "A few days ago, Kol came to me asking about that cave I fell asleep in on my family's old property. You know, the one with the wolf carving? I said I didn't know anything about it, which was true. I called my mom and she said that people don't like to talk about it because of slavery or something. Then, last night, Mason showed me how to get into the cave. He said it would answer all of my questions."
"But Ty, your uncle moved back to Florida, right?" Jeremy prompted.
"My mom said he promised he'd call, but he never did. She had the cops done there look for him. Nothing," Tyler announced.
"Well, let's go check it out!" Jeremy suggested lightly. He shook Matt to wake him up. He wouldn't want to miss out on this adventure.
Elijah and Rebekah raced back from Finn's after Klaus called them. He was panicked thinking that the witches would trap his brother in New Orleans as Kol as plotted to happen to Klaus. Klaus was also worried that Kol would lead Mikael back to them. It was true, they had properties all over the world, but the family had settled nicely here. He couldn't imagine ripping the boys from their blood relatives so abruptly.
"Any word?" Elijah questioned as soon as he entered the mansion.
"None, my contacts down there are sparse and unfriendly. I think one of us is going to have to go down there and find him," Klaus admitted.
"Let's take this conversation to the study," Elijah said needing a drink although it was early in the day.
"Rebekah, can you check on the boys please? They have been awfully quiet," Klaus asked, following his brother.
"Sure, Nik," Rebekah said quietly. She didn't know what to think of all of this. She had liked Nicole and now she was screwing both brothers? Setting one against the other. And Nik had forgiven her. It must really be love, she mused.
After Elijah firmly shut the door of the wood paneled study, he took a deep breath.
"Are you sure we can trust Nicole, Niklaus? What if she and her merry band of witches are holding Kol somewhere? How do we know he's in New Orleans?" Elijah said cautiously.
"Remember those mobile phones I distributed? Well, I put software on them to track them. Kol's mobile is in New Orleans. And you won't believe where?" Klaus went on pouring the drinks.
"Where?" Elijah said accepting his drink.
"Our old family home," Klaus sighed. "I don't know what is going on. But I am concerned. Please, brother, drag Kol back here before he brings this all to an end."
"Only if I have the pleasure of tanning his conniving hide first," Elijah said raising his glass.
"Salud!" Klaus responded downing his drink.
"Brothers!" Rebekah called from the door opening it suddenly.
"What's wrong?" Klaus asked.
"The boys are gone. It looks like they packed a bag," Rebekah breathed out in a huff.
"Gone? They didn't say anything?" Klaus said perplexed.
"Nik, check their cell phones," Elijah suggested standing up and pacing.
"Good thinking," he pulled out his device to check their locations,"It says that they are...in their rooms."
"Bloody hell!" Rebekah cursed.
"Bloody hell, indeed." Elijah agreed.
"Elijah, you head to New Orleans to bring back Kol. Rebekah, you stay here in case they come back. I'm going to drive around," Klaus ordered.
As Klaus was going to his SUV, Nicole asked, "What's going on?" She had been at the store and was unloading the bags.
"The boys are missing. Do you know where they would go?" Klaus asked eagerly.
"They were talking about that cave again when I left. Something about the Lockwood property, the old land? I'm sorry, that's all I know," Nicole admitted helplessly.
"That's wonderful, Cheri. Thank you. Would you like to come with me? Forget about the groceries," Klaus said.
"Oui. Let's go," Nicole said picking up purse back up. She smiled to herself, her plan was working.
Kol had to wait several hours for this Marcel to return to the compound. The vampires who found him led him to the courtyard and brought him a human to drink from. A rush of memories came back to him: all the Christmas parties, the celebrations, the arguing, and fun. They had been happy he once and he messed it up because he couldn't control himself. Guilt washed over him. Kol never used to feel guilty like this. What was happening to him.
Kol figured this Marcel was an imposter, someone posing to be Klaus' son and heir. He had heard how Mikael killed Marcel at the Opera House before burning it down in 1920.
Just when Kol was about to demand to see someone, he heard a voice behind him say, "If it isn't Kol Mikaelson, since when did they unstake you?"
Kol turned and was stunned again. It was Marcel.
"Marcel! We thought you were dead. What? How?" Kol sputtered.
"No, Kol, I was left for dead by your family. They never came back for me. So I took over the city," Marcel said bitterly.
"Marcel, they thought, they think, you were dead. They mourn you still. Mikael is still hunting us, through the centuries and continents. Why did you never find us?" Kol confronted.
"How is everyone? Rebekah? Is she still...Rebekah?" Marcel asked dodging the question.
"She's fine. She will be mighty surprised to find out you are alive. So will Nik, so will Elijah. I came to this city to save my friends, but instead I think you might save me," Kol said almost to himself.
"You can't tell them I'm here," Marcel pleaded.
"Well, maybe we can make a deal? Do you know a Josephine LaRue? I need to get out some of my old friends from the Fauline Cottage. Perhaps you can help?"
"The coven of sacrifice wanted to store your body in those caves to harness your power. They couldn't find the entrance though. There is an ancient spell that negates the power of vampires there. They thought with the dark object dagger and the cave, they could over power you," Nicole admitted.
"The only one who can over power me is Mikael. His thirst for vampire blood, his viking training, and his burning hatred for me do give him a slight advantage over me. That is, unless I'm in my werewolf form, then even he should cower before me. Did Kol really think he could convert that dagger again?" Klaus chuckled.
"I think he was angry at first, didn't feel like he deserved to be in that coffin the last 20 years. Then, we couldn't find a way out. He was feeling guilty and searching for other plans. I think he also started to tell Elijah about what he was up to one night. I never should have gotten involved in this horrific coven. I wanted to uncover Kol's body, but I didn't realize the cost," Nicole uttered.
"You could have just asked me," Klaus smiled.
"Look! Up there," Nicole alerted Klaus to the boys' truck.
"They can't be far from here. I should be able to track their scent, then I shall dust their britches for them," Klaus quipped.
"Well, wait until you get them home. I need to whip up some more salve. I feel like it is going to be needed," Nicole admitted.
Klaus led Nicole to the cave opening. They saw the wolf carving and entered. The tunnels were damp and dark. Klaus had brought several flashlights, but they barely cut through the depth of the tunnels. They walked for several minutes until Klaus heard something.
"They are up ahead," he whispered.
In an opening, they found Jeremy, Matt, and Tyler with their hands tied behind their backs. Several witches were guarding them. Two were chanting in a foreign language that even Klaus didn't recognize. He felt a chill.
"What is the meaning of this?" Klaus' voice boomed, his eyes flashing yellow.
"Oh, there is the hybrid! Shall we quake in fear? You have no power here. If you want your so-called sons to live, give us what we want," a man in a black hooded cloak cackled.
"I could tear all of you into pieces before you can lift your hand to hex me. But I will give you what you want, to spare the lives of my children," Klaus raged.
"Cher, non, please. Don't turn yourself in. Those boys aren't even yours. Kill them all and we can start over," Nicole pleaded.
Tyler heard her betrayal and growled. There was something about this cave that made him feel powerful. His hands were tied, but he pulled against the rough ropes.
"Oh, love, I'm not turning myself in. You see, you betrayed me once and I forgave you, but to want my boys to die... That, I cannot forgive," Klaus said vamping her forward and into the arms of the coven leader.
Tyler lunged and tried to tear out her throat with his teeth. Klaus was faster and able to pull him back. As the boy howled in rage, Klaus knew why Tyler had anger issues. He put that thought aside and grabbed his other two sons.
Nicole fought and screamed but the coven leader put the cursed shackles on her negating her magic and restraining her.
Klaus sneered at Nicole and said, "I really did love you, but no one threatens my family and gets away with it. Let's go boys, you have a lot of explaining to do when we get home."
As they left the caves, they could hear Nicoles screams echoing through the cave.
"Oh thank goodness, you're all okay!" Rebekah said fawning over her nephews as they got out of their vehicles.
Klaus had asked Tyler to join him on the ride home while Matt drove Jeremy in the other truck. When they were alone, Klaus shared that he though Tyler's family was cursed with the werewolf gene. Tyler wasn't surprised as he said Mason Lockwood had told him that through a dream.
"Boys, you're all covered with the filth of that cave. Have something to eat and then I want all of you to bathe. I'm going to be up to have those talks with you soon. I love you," Klaus said, kissing each one on the head and then cracking them on the backsides to get them moving. They all had been kidnapped by evil witches, but Klaus knew that he couldn't let this slide. The outcome could have been far worse.
"Where's Nicole?" Rebekah asked innocently.
"If she is lucky, dead," Klaus admitted.
"What?" Rebekah asked in shock.
"The boys took off to investigate the caves prodded in turn by Nicole. The coven was searching for a place to store my body to siphon power from me. I guess Nicole had told the coven to follow and kidnap the boys so I would turn myself in. Then, she would be freed and could take off and fly off into the sunset on her bloody broom," Klaus spat in disgust.
"So she was also going to leave Kol?" Rebekah wondered aloud.
"I'm not sure we will ever know. Any word from him or Elijah?"
Rebekah shook her head in disappointment, "I'm worried, Nik."
"Me, too, love. I thought about making a deal with that coven to help protect us, but it would be like making a deal with the devil himself. The evil just radiated off of them. Nicole then tried to tell me to let the boys die and kill off the coven. She betrayed everything she touched. I am ashamed that I thought she could be a mother to my children," Klaus snarled.
"Nik, can I be honest for a minute?" Rebekah whispered.
"Yes, sister, what?" Klaus asked.
"I never liked French food," Rebekah admitted as Klaus laughed.
Klaus went to get the paddle out the drawer and it was gone. He was tempted to take a wooden spoon, but those reminded him of Nicole. He vamped down to the garage and found something that may work.
"So I guess your ass isn't safe tonight either, Lockwood," Matt mocked snapping his wet towel at Tyler's behind.
"Ouch, fucker!" Tyler snarled.
"Do I need to go get a bar of soap, young man?" Klaus threatened stepping into the room. Tyler was rubbing his butt and scowling at Matt.
Jeremy was snickering as his pulled on his pants until he glanced at the paddle in Klaus' hand. He paled and he glanced meaningfully at Matt. Earlier the boys had chucked the paddleball paddle in the recycling bin, hoping Klaus would just use his hand.
Klaus noticed Jeremy's surprise. "Do not worry, we have lots of game sets in the garage with racquet sets. This old paddle is a mite heavier and older than it's replacement, but shall do the trick. You know in times past, we used to have to amuse ourselves with games and cards and...Dare I say it, books."
"Very funny, Dad. Can we get this over with?" Tyler pleaded.
"Of course, Son. Since you are fresh from the shower, you can be first, it will save you from needlessly putting on trousers," Klaus quipped.
Tyler glanced at the other two, Klaus seemed to be in a good mood.
"Ah, Dad, are you okay after all that happened?" Tyler risked asking.
"As long as you three and the rest of my family is fine, I am fine. Thank you for asking," Klaus said pulling him near.
"Jeremy and Matt, you may stand in the corner," Klaus said. Klaus put his left foot on the chair rung in front of him and bent Tyler over his thigh.
Tyler had a white towel wrapped around his waist and no shirt on. Klaus unwrapped it to bare Tyler's behind.
"Oh, Son, you really should have dried off better. This is going to smart," Klaus said bringing the heavy round paddle down on the center of Tyler's backside.
Pop!
Tyler bucked and tried to raise up. Klaus pushed him down and tucked him in closer with his arm, pinning Tyler into position.
"This is for taking off to explore that cave without permission," Klaus said smacking him again hard more to the left. Crack!
"Ouch! Please Dad, this really hurts. I can't take it," Tyler moaned.
Cracked. Klaus swatted his left cheek hard.
"I'm sure it stings more on a wet bottom, hmm?" Klaus chided as he popped the paddle down once on each of Tyler's sit spots. Whap! Whap!
"No. No! NO! Stop. Oh my god," Tyler wailed pushing up with all his strength and stomping his feet.
Crack. Crack. Crack! Crack! CRACK! CRACK!
Klaus paddled Tyler's behind hard in a random pattern for the last six. Tyler was sobbing loudly and his backside was coloring wildly in some spots.
"That spanking was for leaving without permission. This one is for your behavior in the cave," Klaus lectured as he put the paddle down and sat in the chair. He stood Tyler up and Tyler was torn besides rubbing his torn up backside and protecting his modesty. He settled on rubbing.
He pulled Tyler between his legs and held his arms to his side.
"I want you to let this burn sink in. I know it hurts but maybe the sting will make you think twice the next time you almost murder someone. Do you realize that if you had ripped out Nicole's throat, you would transition every month? That's why they call it a curse," Klaus shook the boy a little as he lectured.
Klaus put the white towel over his lap and pulled Tyler over his knee. Tyler was panicking and fighting him.
Klaus turned him to the side and swatted his upper thighs twice sharply.
"I know it stings, but if you try to fight me, you're getting another spanking, too. Now, over my lap," Klaus ordered.
Tyler wiped his eyes and reluctantly let himself be dragged over Klaus' knees. Klaus draped his left arm over the boy's back and pulled him in tight.
"Keep your hands on the chair or on my leg," Klaus said steeling himself to continue the spanking.
Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!
Klaus gave Tyler five firm spanks over his sore bottom. Tyler's legs were pinwheeling and he immediately threw his hands back.
Klaus lifted his arm to pin Tyler's hands back.
"I can't! I can't!" he cried as Klaus continued to spank every spot on his rear.
"You have no idea what you could have done tonight, young man. You need to start thinking and obeying me, or you will find yourself in this position a lot more often," Klaus promised. He was spanking Tyler a lot harder than he ever had but he forced himself to think of him triggering his werewolf curse. The boy had to learn to control himself.
"I'm sorry. Please, Daddy. I won't do it again. Stop," Tyler begged again.
After twenty more lighter swats, Tyler finally went limp and wore himself out with his sobbing and kicking. Klaus sighed and took a deep breath. He gently rubbed Tyler's deeply red backside and patted it until the crying slowed.
Trying to protect Tyler's modesty, he wrapped the towel back around him and lifted him into his lap. He rocked him and held him whispering that he loved him and wanted him safe. Klaus wanted to cry himself, but he had two more naughty behinds to deal with. He helped Tyler belly down into his top bunk with the towel forgotten on the floor. He left the sheet peeled down as Tyler did not seem to care about that anymore.
"Jeremy, you're next," Klaus said quietly. Klaus had planned to spank Jeremy and Matt harder for their misbehavior today and the fight yesterday. However, his fear at Tyler's near triggering of his curse caused him to be extra firm with Tyler.
Klaus decided to just spank them a bit longer and not necessarily harder. He feared that Tyler's backside was already going to bruise from the heavier paddle.
Klaus pulled Jeremy over his knee with his pants up. Klaus swatted the seat of Jeremy's pajamas twenty times before asking him, "Did you move the other paddle, young man? Tell me the truth."
Klaus could usually tell if someone was lying if their heartbeat sped up. Jeremy started crying, "Yes, I'm sorry. We thought you might use your hand if you couldn't find the paddle."
Klaus swatted Jeremy's sit spots back and forth until the boy was kicking and rocking his hips to escape the sting.
"I guess Tyler didn't tell you that we have his childhood helping hand paddle, as well the bats from the ping pong table, and this fun racquet from a lawn game?" Klaus inquired bringing his hand down lower on Jeremy's thighs.
"Ahh, sorry. It was a joke," Jeremy whined kicking and squirming.
"Well, the joke is on you, Son, because this paddle really packs a punch. Stand up and let's see how you like getting swatted on your bare bum," Klaus asked patting his cheeks as he stood him up.
"Can't I keep them up, Dad?" Jeremy begged.
"Do you think it's fair that your brothers get spanked on their bare seat and you get to keep your trousers up? If so, by all means do so," Klaus offered.
Jeremy sobbed and yanked down his pj bottoms. Klaus looked at his boxers and Jeremy huffed and pulled those down. Klaus had him step out of them. Jeremy's behind was pink and he started to rub it quickly.
"No rubbing. I want you to look at me and tell me why I am having to paddle your bare rearend again?" Klaus said looking into Jeremy's eyes.
Jeremy cried, "I left without permission and got kidnapped-again." Klaus picked up the paddle and turned him to swat his sore behind hard.
Jeremy wailed and clamped his hands on his backside.
"Hands at your side and let's try without the sass," Klaus prompted.
"I left the house without permission which was dangerous. I also said something really mean to Matt and didn't stop until he punched me. I'm sorry!" Jeremy yelled with his face flushing.
"Okay, now get over my knees. It's time for you to get the paddling I promised to young men who fight," Klaus said flipping him into position.
Klaus wasted no time popping the wooden instrument down all over Jeremy's backside. He kicked and tried to get up immediately but Klaus just dragged him in closer and kept swatting.
Jeremy barely made it to the twenty swats Klaus was aiming for. He was breathing hard and still fighting.
"Did you think you deserve some extras for trying to hide the paddle?" Klaus said sternly.
"No, please. I can't take it. I really can't, Dad," Jeremy shouted.
"You can get five with my belt or a spanking before breakfast tomorrow," Klaus said offering a choice.
"Tomorrow, please. Spank me tomorrow," Jeremy begged.
"Okay, Son. You're done for tonight," Klaus said lifting him into a hug. Jeremy seemed to pull away, resisting the comfort. Klaus was hurt as none of them had every done that.
"Shh, are you angry with me?" Klaus asked quietly.
Jeremy shook his head and returned the embrace. He had been angry at Klaus for a moment because this was by far the hardest spanking he ever got. He didn't know how he was going to face two more punishments over the next time days.
"I don't want to get spanked two more times," Jeremy admitted.
"I know, Jeremy, I don't want to have to be doing the spanking but when I give you my word, I will keep it. I need to do that even when it's hard to do. I love you and that's why I need to teach you how to behave properly," Klaus said carrying him to the center bunk and putting him down on his stomach.
Matt was still facing the wall. Klaus realized that this was a long time to stand in the corner and his nerves were probably taunt.
"Okay, Matt, it's your turn," Klaus said feeling tenderness for the boy.
"Uncle Elijah told me that he gave you your first spanking the other night. Is that true?" Klaus asked the boy trembling in front of him.
"Yes, sir. My mom swatted me a couple of times on the butt when I was little, but I had never got a real spanking or really any kind of punishment. She just let us do whatever," he said wondering if that is why his sister ended up on drugs.
"Matthew, that doesn't mean she didn't love you. I do this to keep you safe and out of danger, but that doesn't mean our way is right way for everyone," Klaus tried to comfort him. Matt nodded, he tried not to think about his mom anymore.
"Come on, I'm going to warm up the seat of your pants with my hand. Then, I'm going to bare your behind and give you about twenty swats with the paddle. I expect you to cooperate and behave or you must get a few good licks tomorrow before breakfast, too. Over," Klaus demanded.
Matt seemed to flinch with the first few swats though they couldn't have stung much through his sweats. Crack! Crack! Crack! Klaus raised his hand a little higher to make the spanks count through the layers of fabric. Whap!
Finally, after a minute or two of steady swats, Matt began to moan and start to shift his behind. Klaus spanked him harder until he was kicking his legs and gripping on hard onto the chair rail.
He rested his hand on Matt's behind.
"Matthew, tell me why you are over my knee getting a spanking right now?"
Matt's face colored at the words and sight of himself looking like a baby. He hoped that Jeremy and Tyler weren't watching.
"I lost my temper and hit Jeremy and smashed up the room," Matt blurted, trying to contain his emotions.
"And?" Klaus said spanking him firmly when he didn't answer. Crack! Crack! Crack!
"I took off and went to look for the cave. You said we had to ask to use he truck and we left," Matt cried, his voice ragged.
"And?" Klaus said swatting him right in the center of his behind hard.
"We hid the paddle! It's in the recycling bin. I'm sorry," Matt said starting to cry softly.
"Thank you. It's not easy to admit the truth, is it?" Klaus said standing Matt up and yanking down sweats. His bottom was bare underneath.
Matt added, "I figured we didn't need underwear."
"We'll talk about that later," Klaus said flipping Matt back over. He left Matt's pants at his knees thinking maybe it would prevent him kicking so much.
"This is going to hurt. Grip on the chair rails or my leg. You can kick but any reaching back is earning you that extra spanking tomorrow morning, okay. Ready?" Klaus asked. Matt nodded. Klaus tightened his grip around the boy's waist.
Spank! Spank! Spank! Spank! Spank! Spank! Spank!
Matt was kicking and biting his lip to keep from shouting out. Klaus was swatting lightly and flicking his wrist to not spank Matt too hard.
"I know this paddle really hurts," Klaus cooed at the writhing boy.
Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!
Matt was rocking and kicking as much as he could with the sweats bunched around his knees.
Crack! Crack! CRack! CRack!
Klaus dropped the paddle and gave him the last four spanks with the flat of his palm on his sit spots.
Tyler raised up his head and howled.
"You are going to learn to behave if you have to sleep on your stomach all summer, Matthew! Do you understand?" Klaus asked.
"Yes, sir!" Matt sobbed out. He rubbed Matt's back and then cradled him gently rocking him as he cried out that he was sorry. Klaus assured him that he did well as he inspected his crimson behind. Klaus thought he might keep this paddle for other the worst infractions, it really did a number on the boys' behinds.
Klaus put Matt to bed on his stomach. He would have to check to see if there was any more salve. They needed it tonight more than ever. What he didn't need was Nicole, the betrayal. Klaus was worried for Kol, but wondered if maybe he could retire the heavy paddle for the boys and employ it often on his little brother's lying behind. I knew he was hiding something, he always confessed more freely over my knee, Klaus thought. But Klaus had been too busy being in love to focus on Kol. No much of that, he was going to keep that boy on a short leash when he got back...Elijah would find him. He had to.
Klaus said goodnight to the boys and told them he loved them. He was exhausted and needed a drink, or three. At least his boys were safe and sound for tonight.