5
Stefan stared out the window as Klaus drove them toward Mystic Falls. He was biting his fingernails. He was tired of the silence, so he reached for the radio. As soon as he turned it on Klaus turned it off.
"I'm not listening to any of your music." Klaus said while looking at Stefan. "Just play on your phone or something, we're nearly there."
"I just can't understand how you're actually listening to Damon. I mean, aliens, really? He must really want to see us." Stefan laughed.
"I've been around a while, Stefan. Even I don't know everything. I know a lot, mind you, but even I can admit that I don't know everything." He grabbed the steering wheel tightly. "If what Damon said is true, we'll have to get rid of him as soon as possible. I don't need anymore stupid vampires around that are too strong for their own good." With that, Klaus was done talking and Stefan knew not to say anything else.
Klaus pulled into the driveway and parked his car in front of the Salvatore house. Both Stefan and himself got out of the car and went ahead and went inside. Damon was walking down the stairs as they sat down by the fireplace.
"So, Damon. Tell me about this man." Klaus started with a dark gloom over his eyes.
Damon walked over to his bar cart and poured himself a drink. After he walked over and leaned on the mantle of the fireplace. "Like, I said he's an alien. I turned him, thinking it would be fun, but after he finished transitioning, he came and beat the crap out of me. He is way too strong! I have some theories as to why."
"Go ahead," Klaus said while motioning with his hands.
"Well, obviously him not being human is playing a role. Says he's a Time Lord, whatever that is. Claims to be over 900 years old. I'm wondering if he is gaining all the strength a 900 year old vampire would have." Klaus opened his mouth about to speak, but Damon cut him off. "There's more. I already told you on the phone how well he could smell. I'm still struggling to believe that is how he found me from so far away. When I first met him, he was able to read my mind. Said something about telepathic fields or whatever. I don't know, but he was able to hear what I was thinking and speak directly into my mind. Apparently he did the same thing with Caroline. She said he told her it was because they were vampires. That a normal human can't hear his mind speak or whatever. Oh, yeah, one more thing."
"What now?" Klaus rolled his eyes.
"He doesn't look the same as us in our vamp form. He has red eyes, like just his iris and he has fangs similar to your own. At one point fighting him, the air felt heavy. I have no idea what that was, and I don't think he did either. Maybe if we get rid of him before he figures out all his powers we'll have a chance." Damon gulped the rest of his drink before slamming it on the cart.
Klaus got up from the couch and went to stand right in front of Damon. He leaned in close, their noses were almost touching. "This best not be some game." Klaus threatened Damon.
Damon held his hands up in defense. "Listen, the last thing I want to do is make you an enemy. I do like living. Everything I said is true."
Klaus backed away from Damon. He stormed to the door, "Let's go. I need to see him myself." Without waiting on either brother he was out the door and in the car. He didn't wait for them. When they made it to the door, Klaus was peeling out the driveway.
Stefan and Damon looked at each other. "So much for your best friend." Damon sneered.
"He's not my best friend, Damon. He's a means to an end." Stefan replied.
"And what end is that? Your love for Elena? Emotions? Me? What are you after?"
Stefan glared at him and stomped back inside. Klaus didn't need or want their help. They would probably just get in the way. Damon stood at the door for a minute and joined his brother inside.
Liz and Donna listened closely as the Doctor told stories of his past travels. Donna had asked him about his home, but he turned the conversation around easily. The stories were fascinating, especially to Liz. He had been all over the universe. It was amazing. Donna was just as fascinated, even though she had traveled with him.
As the Doctor walked around the room explaining why you should always carry a banana with you, he noticed a pair of headlights coming into the driveway. He was able to see into the car. It was some man. He squinted his eyes and turned to Liz.
"Are you expecting anyone?"
Liz looked out the window as well. "No."
The Doctor sprung into action. He ushered Donna and Liz upstairs and had them lock themselves in her room. He walked back down the stairs and waited. Not long after, Klaus was at the door waiting. He knew the 'alien' was coming to the door. The Doctor opened the door and looked at the man in front of him. He was the same height as himself. He had blonde hair, and wore a leather jacket over a white t-shirt and jeans.
"Who are you?" The Doctor asked as he continued to size the man up.
Klaus smiled. "Klaus Mikelson. A little bird told me about you. I wanted to meet you myself."
The Doctor narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. "Did this 'little bird' tell you about me? Is that why you wanted to see me? Couldn't believe him, hmm? Not the first time I've had an admirer."
Klaus let out an actual laugh. "You misunderstand. He said you were dangerous, and I wanted to know if he was full of shit. I don't give a damn who you are."
"As long as people leave my friends alone, there will be no problems. I already told Damon that."
"You did more than tell him. He says you easily overpowered him. How is that possible? You're brand new."
"I'm far from brand new. I've been around longer than you, and been all over the universe."
"I'm 1,000 years old, mate. Nobody is older than my family. We are the original vampires."
The Doctor widened his eyes. "You got me beat. I'm 900. I will tell you though. There are a lot of people older than both of us."
Klaus looked confused. "I would have run into someone by now if they were older than I."
"There are people on other planets you know. Billions of galaxies, with billions of planets full of people all over the universe. Plenty of those people have long life spans. Even humans after a while."
"What are you babbling about?"
Raising his brow. "He didn't tell you? I have a time machine. I've been all over the universe. Been to a couple other universes too, but that was a mistake." He waved his hand like it was nothing.
Klaus didn't know how to respond to that. From what he could tell, the man was telling the truth. He didn't seem dangerous though. He was going to have to rile this guy up to see what he could do. He probably wouldn't just show him.
"And you take mere humans with you? They must look at you as a god. It would be a shame if something happened to them."
The Doctor's eyes glowed red for a split second and he stepped over the doorway and got in Klaus's face. "I don't take well to threats, Klaus."
Seeing his eyes, Klaus smiled and made his glow yellow. He wanted to put the Doctor in his place, so he quickly grabbed the Doctor's wrist and threw him off the porch into the lawn. He landed with a thud and groaned as he pulled himself up. The Doctor crouched down, waiting for another attack, but none came. Klaus just slowly walked down to stand in front of him again. Gold eyes met red. Klaus could see the Doctor's teeth as he seethed at him. Klaus bared his teeth right back.
"C'mon Doctor, I know you want to hit me. I just attacked you. Don't you want to get me back?"
The Doctor growled, deep within his throat. He sounded like a wild animal. He scrunched his eyes shut and balled his fists. "You're just trying to rile me up. It won't work Klaus. You just want an excuse to kill me."
"I don't need an excuse. If I wanted you dead, you would be dead. But, before we continue. How are you standing in the sun without a daylight ring? I don't need one because I'm a hybrid. So what about you?"
"How am I supposed to know?" The Doctor hissed.
"Interesting. I like you Doctor. I'll leave you alone for now." Klaus held his hands up to show he was done fighting. This only made the Doctor more tense. The hair on the back of his neck stood up. Something wasn't right here.
WHAM! He felt a fist fly into his gut. He coughed up some blood and grunted from the attack. Klaus was fast. He bent over grabbing his stomach. Letting out a yell, he slammed his body into Klaus. They both fell back onto the grass in a heap. The Doctor was on top of Klaus, but that didn't last long. Klaus rolled them over and grabbed onto the Doctor's neck. Unlike Damon, Klaus had a vice-like grip. The Doctor could not breathe. Without thinking he reached his hands up and grabbed either side of Klaus' head.
"LET GO!" He screamed in his mind. Klaus scrunched up his face and pried the Doctor's hands from his head.
"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" Klaus was furious. Having free hands he was able to punch the Doctor in the jaw. It made his head snap violently to the side. Some more blood flew from his mouth. The Doctor groaned as Klaus then began to press his knee into his gut. It was a slow steady pain, not a quick kick, but a continuous pain. As he continued to be attacked by Klaus, his body took over. Without thinking he wrapped his legs around Klaus' waste and heaved him up over his head, flipping him onto his back. This confused Klaus for just enough time for the Doctor to get to his feet and get into a ready position. He put his fisted hands up in front of his chest and bent his knees, ready to run or fight. Klaus got down into a similar position. They were both breathing hard and blood stained their fists and clothes.
"How did you do that!" Klaus spat.
"I can tap into low level telepathy fields. I've noticed that ability is stronger now that I'm a vampire." The Doctor loosened his fists, but was still ready for an attack.
"Stay out of my head." Klaus threatened while jamming his finger toward the Doctor.
"If you don't like it, then don't attack me. It's normal to defend yourself. I'm sure you've learned that in all your years." The Doctor's eyes seemed to glow even brighter and the air around them began to grow thick.
Klaus straightened himself, pushing back against the pressure. His body shook from the effort, but quickly it was too much. The Doctor, seeing him struggling, began to walk closer. Each step closer he got, the heavier the air became. Klaus grunted and growled trying to get back up, but was glued to the ground. Once the Doctor was standing over him he felt as if the world was literally on his shoulders. The weight was too much, it was too hard to breathe. Then, out of all the things that could be done, the Doctor just rested his hand on his shoulder. It felt like fire and ice at the same time. Klaus could practically taste the rage coming from the Doctor. He knelt down to be eye to eye with him.
"You may have started this fight, but I'm putting an end to it. Leave me and my friends alone." The Doctor's eyes glowed red and he bared his fangs. Klaus was actually terrified. That hasn't happened in a while. There was just something about this man.
The Doctor stood back up and headed back to the house. "Oh, and Klaus. Go back to where you came from. Damon and I's business is none of yours." Once he closed the door to Liz's house the pressure was gone.
Klaus took in a huge breath of air, begging for his lungs to be filled once again. He fell to the ground as he did so. Slowly he got up and looked back at the house before getting in his car and driving back to the Salvatore brothers. He would need help if he wanted to get rid of the Doctor.
The Doctor slammed the door shut as he stepped inside the house. He could hear that Donna and Liz were still upstairs. Good. He made his way upstairs and when he got to the door he spoke. "It's me. He's gone." He could hear some shuffling and then the door was open to reveal a worried Donna. She looked him up and down, checking to make sure he was alright.
"What happened? We couldn't see you guys from the window." Donna said and Liz walked up to stand beside her.
"Doctor, what did Klaus want? I heard him scream." Liz said.
"He just wanted to gauge my strength. It was pretty obvious. Damon must have told him that I was 'dangerous'." He air quoted when he said dangerous.
"Well, I hate to say it, but you are Doctor. More so than ever." Donna said in a serious tone.
Liz spoke up, "They want you gone. You're ruining their daily… activities."
Donna scoffed, "Murdering people is not an activity."
"Donna!" The Doctor scrutinized. "Try and imagine living as long as they have and all the urges they have. As a vampire your main thought is to kill."
Donna looked kind of scared as he said that. Did he want to kill her? Was he just holding himself back?
"I know that's not an excuse though. That's why we haven't left yet." His face became serious and he squinted his eyes at Donna. She subconsciously backed away. The doctor noticed this and backed away as well.
"Donna?" He was worried. Even though she said she wasn't scared. It was obviously a lie. He sighed and looked down at his feet.
Donna noticed how his entire persona changed. He looked like a little kid that didn't get any Christmas presents.
He held his hands together in front of his hips. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to scare you."
"No, Doctor, you don't need to be sorry. Just don't attack me again." She joked. The Doctor gave a sad smile and looked at Liz.
"Do you care if we stay here again? I can go to the TARDIS if you don't feel comfortable." He patiently awaited her answer.
Liz paused before answering. "You can stay here. You're already invited in." Liz wanted to say that there was nothing she could do to stop him if he wanted to kill her. A vampire only needed to be invited in once. After that they could come and go as they pleased.
The Doctor leaned back against the wall. "I know you're lying." He was staring right at her. Liz took a step back. The Doctor sadly laughed. "I can stay in the TARDIS. It's fine."
He looked at Donna, smiled and then walked down the stairs. Donna ran after him and grabbed one of his arms. "WAIT! Doctor, please. We're just trying to understand what is going on."
"I understand, more than you know, Donna." He glanced up at her eyes and then to Liz. "It doesn't take much to understand your fear. It's best for me to stay away from you for now. I already hurt you once. I don't want to be in that situation again." He squeezed her hand and left. Donna stood on the stairs, not knowing what to do. He was right about her being scared, but she was his friend. She was supposed to be there for him. Making up her mind she ran after the Doctor, "Sorry Liz, I can't leave him alone."
She ran out the door, but the Doctor was already gone. So she did the next best thing, head back to the TARDIS. She ran as fast as she could, worried he would get himself into trouble.
The more she ran the more worried she became. He looked so defeated back there. She didn't mean to be scared. There was just this sense about him now, made you want to get away. She would just have to deal. He would never hurt her on purpose.
The TARDIS was just over the next hill. As she reached the top, there it was, in a small opening from the trees. Good, he didn't leave. She walked up to it and ran her hands along its surface. It felt like forever since she had seen it, even though it had only been a couple days.
She carefully reached up and pushed the door open. She stepped inside and saw the Doctor with his head in his hands leaning his back against the console on the ground. He didn't move when she walked up and sat next to him. She pulled her legs to her chest and leaned up against his side. He still didn't move.
"You shouldn't be here, Donna. I could hurt you."
"Oh, c'mon Doctor. I know you won't."
He lunged toward her, grabbed her hands and pinned them to her sides as he straddled her waist. She gasped in shock and stared wide eyed at him. Her mouth moved up and down, like she wanted to speak, but nothing came out.
"But, the fact is Donna. I could hurt you." His eyes glowed. "It's all I can do to not kill you right now." He leaned down and smelled her neck. "Not only is your smell intoxicating, but I can literally hear the blood pulsing through your veins." He caressed her neck feeling the blood beneath his fingertips. She flinched at the touch, but steeled herself.
"I believe in you, Doctor. I know you can control it." She placed her hand over his own on her neck.
He scrunched his eyes shut and got off of her. Laughing nervously, "You put too much trust in me, Donna."
She sat up as well. "Anyone that has seen what you do, would be acting the same way. You save people, that's what you do. I have nothing to fear when it comes to you."
He just looked up at her, staring into her eyes. She wasn't lying. She was too good to him. He leaned back on his hands and sighed as he threw his head back. "Donna, what am I to do? I can't just go and attack people day in and day out."
She didn't respond. After a bit he looked back to see her staring at her hands in her lap.
"What?" he asked.
"Um, well. I guess… I suppose you could drink from me." She finally looked right at him determined.
His mouth dropped open in disbelief. "As long as you don't drain me dry!" She aggressively pointed at him.
The Doctor laughed and crawled toward her. She was still sitting on the floor from before. He was face to face with her now. The smell permeated his nostrils and he breathed it in. Donna didn't move. He looked to her neck and then back to her eyes, asking for permission. She abruptly shot her arm out, stopping him. He looked shocked for a moment.
"Here." She showed her wrist. He looked at her wrist and carefully grabbed her arm. He sat down next to her and brought her wrist to his mouth. He opened his mouth, showing his teeth, but paused. Once again, he looked to her, asking for permission. Donna nodded her head slightly.
He squeezed her arm a little tighter, and bit down abruptly. Her blood tasted amazing. The warm liquid flowed down his throat causing him to shutter.
Donna closed her eyes and looked away. She couldn't stand to see him looking like that. Eventually, curiosity got the best of her. She peaked and saw his red eyes and his mouth wrapped around her wrist. Some blood dripped down his chin and onto the floor. Quickly, she shut her eyes again. It didn't hurt, so much as shock her. It was too different to see the Doctor this way. Almost like an animal begging for food. Not the brilliant spaceman she had come to love. Love as her best mate of course.
The Doctor was in heaven. He was slightly moaning as he continued to drink. He bit down harder trying to get as much as possible. Donna's arm flinching brought him back to the present. He opened his eyes and let her go. Blood was dripping from his mouth, so he wiped it away with his sleeve.
His sudden release made Donna gasp. There he was, blood red eyes, protruding fangs and her blood dripping from his mouth. She winced and looked down at her wrist. Not as bad as she thought, but still looked awful. She held her opposite hand over it to help stop the bleeding. Seeing this the Doctor frowned and grabbed her wrist again. She slightly pulled back, but he was much too strong for her. Without thinking he licked the wound. A second later the wound began to close shut. Donna was amazed! That must be what he did the last time as well. The reason there was no mark on her neck. He leaned in close to her once more and laid his forehead on her shoulder. She leaned her head against his own and slowly rubbed his back.
"It's alright, Doctor. We'll work this out."
He started to dry heave as he thought about what he just did.
"NO! Doctor keep it down!" She pulled him back to look into his face. When she saw his face she noticed he wasn't going to throw up, he was crying. "Oh, Doctor, don't cry. You didn't do anything wrong. I gave you permission."
"You might have now, but what about next time, Donna!. I can't live like this!" Tears were streaming down his face. She didn't know what to say. She had no idea what he was going through. All she could do was be supportive.
"We'll find a way. I'm sure we can ask Caroline for help. She has to have some type of system."
The Doctor didn't respond. He just pushed himself farther away from Donna and got himself up. He grabbed onto the center console, and yelled, pushing some random object from the top and kicked the bottom.
Donna just sat there, unsure of what to do. He put his hands on his head and ruffled his hair as he paced back and forth. He was baring his teeth and had wide eyes. He was panicking. Donna got up and headed over to his side. She tried to block his path to get him to stop, but he just went around her.
"Doctor, please. Calm down. It's alright." Her words brought him out of his trance. His cheeks were stained with dried tears, and his eyes were puffy as well. He stopped pacing and plopped down in a chair.
"Sorry, you had to see that. I'm so sorry."
Donna only responded by walking over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. She rubbed her thumb there, and he leaned into her touch.
"Get some rest, Doctor. We can go to Caroline for advice tomorrow." He just nodded his head in response.
