Small village in Africa / 5 years ago
Another two years passed since Klaus's first kill. Walker was thrilled to learn that his trainee had become one of the most respected men among the marines, and the secret company that Klaus and Elijah were a part of. All feared him, including his comrades who admired him as well. After each kill, Elijah worried if maybe Klaus had gone off the deep end. They still went on assignments together, and every time, without fail, Klaus would kill mercilessly. Sure, the targets always deserved it for some reason or another…but Elijah was becoming worried about Klaus's behavior.
The mission currently was to find a man who went by the name Kane Ashmore, also known as The Bloody Wolf. After they killed the top two assassins two years ago, the enemy had gone through all sorts of hell trying to find a suitable replacement. They had known it was Klaus who killed the men after he became a more renowned name, and they knew the replacement had to be top notch. Kane had often worked in groups before going at it alone, and everywhere he went, he left a bloody trail. He wanted people to know it was his work, so he never bothered covering his tracks. He was cocky, and the brothers knew that would be his downfall.
The last reports they had gotten had said he would be located in a small village about two hours from one of their bases. So Elijah and Klaus were hiding near the location, prepared to demolish the place. They were kneeling on a cliff that over looked the tiny village. Elijah agreed that their life would be easier with him dead, but there was one, very big thing about their orders that he didn't agree with in the least.
They were to bomb the entire village to kill Kane.
"Niklaus, this isn't right," Elijah said, concern etched in his voice.
"Come on, brother. We want this man dead, do we not?" Klaus asked, all too happy that he was out on another mission.
"Yes, but would you not rather kill this man yourself? Rather than the whole village?"
"Of course I do. However, orders are orders."
"I don't think you're aware of what you're about to do."
"Scared something will go wrong?"
"I'm afraid something already has gone wrong," Elijah said quietly. The two shared a look before Klaus turned away.
"I want your support, Elijah."
"You're not going to get it."
More silence. Klaus wanted his brother's approval. To know he had done well. Elijah didn't want to give it though.
"Are you not proud of me, brother?"
"I'm not sure, Niklaus. I'm not sure."
"Was it not you who wanted me to kill that man so many years ago?"
"You keep hanging that over my head. I've told you before that I regret it. Something has gone horribly wrong, Klaus. Horribly, horribly wrong. We did not join this company to become heartless killers."
"You didn't think we'd join the military and not kill people with the line of work we chose, did you?"
"Of course I knew we would kill people, but not like this. I believe Kane deserves to die just as much as our other enemies, but this is an entire fucking village, Niklaus. An entire…village." Klaus seemed to consider his words for only a few minutes, before shrugging.
"Orders…are orders."
"Klaus, there are innocent women and children in that village. If you bomb it, they will die," Elijah hissed. Klaus gave him a cold glare.
"I. Know."
Elijah inhaled deeply. Klaus didn't like upsetting his brother, but what was he supposed to do? They were on an assignment and it had to be completed.
"Have you been brainwashed or something? What have you become?"
"The best soldier these officers have ever seen," Klaus said confidently.
"That may be so, but you are no longer the brother I have loved. Where is that man? Because I looked up to him," Elijah said sadly. This got Klaus's attention. For a moment, he was that little boy who always sought approval from his family. His older brother had looked up to him? Klaus caught his brother's gaze, and he looked much older than he had remembered. His eyes held exhaustion and worry in them.
"I'm right here," Klaus whispered, rubbing his face, "Elijah, I'm right here."
"Then let us leave this place. We'll run, and never look back. You don't have to do this," Elijah pleaded. Klaus was stunned, but could see that his brother was being serious. His brother always kept his word, too. If he said he would run with him, then he would, no matter what the consequences would be for it. Klaus knew that it wasn't an option though. He was what people wanted him to be, even if his brother didn't like it. This had to be done, and he couldn't let Elijah talk him out of it.
"No. These people are unfortunate casualties, but Kane must die."
"This is wrong, Klaus. This is very wrong."
"Elijah…I need you to stand by my side," Klaus pleaded, "Be my brother."
Elijah was silent for a few minutes while he considered Klaus's words. Even his brother was aware of the killer he had become, and Klaus could see the hint of fear in his eyes. Guilt surged through Klaus at the look, but he couldn't let it faze him. Elijah turned to him, and nodded hesitantly.
"I'm always with you, Niklaus."
Klaus clapped his brother on the shoulder once, acknowledging that it meant a lot to him that his brother was on his side. He opened his vest to reveal the numerous grenades attached to it. He plucked a couple from the vest before turning and looking out upon the village. They had no idea that it was about to rain blood.
"Time to kill a wolf," Klaus said almost happily. He knew that he shouldn't, but sometime over the years of service, he had come to enjoy his killings. This was no different. Ashmore was a threat and had to be terminated.
Klaus pulled the pin on both grenades in his hands before dropping them and pushing Elijah back along with himself, just for safety. The distance from the cliff to the village should have been enough to protect them, but he wasn't going to let anything happen to either of them. Klaus heard one, loud explosion, and then a second. Elijah closed his eyes and turned his head away.
"Come on, Niklaus. Let's get out of…what are you doing?"
Klaus kept facing in the direction that the village was. Before Elijah figured out what he was doing, Klaus had pulled two more grenades out from his vest. Like he had with the two before, he pulled the safety pins, and then threw them over the cliff.
"What are you doing?" he could hear Elijah ask urgently from behind him.
"Making sure the job is complete. Now I'm ready." Klaus faced Elijah with an indifferent expression. He began walking off, not waiting for Elijah to say he was ready. He hadn't become the best by leaving work unfinished. Elijah eventually caught up to him. Together, they left the scene. Klaus did his best to block out the bloodcurdling screams that could be heard from where he was. The screams that soon turned to silence.
Present Day
"Well you look like royalty!" Caroline said as her gaze lingered on Elena. She was wearing some green dress that looked like it could be from the fifteen hundreds. It was floor length and made of some velvety material.
"Thanks. I thought it'd be a good costume. I like yours too."
"Thank you!" Caroline twirled in her outfit. It was a red flapper dress from the twenties. She wore a long white, beaded necklace around her neck. A red flower was in her curled hair and long white gloves were on her hands.
"Is everything in place for the talent show?" Elena asked.
"I think so. I haven't seen Stefan, and Tyler said he wasn't going to be able to make it. He didn't think it'd be a problem since he hadn't planned on doing an act anyway."
"It'd be nice if he could make it, but I understand. He's right, too. He wasn't signed up to do anything, so it doesn't put me out."
"I'm sorry. I know his support would have been helpful for business." Caroline didn't understand what Tyler was doing. He was probably just embarrassed that he would be required to wear a Halloween costume. Wouldn't hurt him to get in the spirit, but he was set against it, that much she was sure of.
"I won't hold it against him. Stefan and Damon are going to be here, so their help will be just as good."
"Oh, Damon will be here, huh?" Caroline said, nudging Elena's arm with her elbow. Elena just looked at Caroline with an exasperated look.
"Just because I decided not to cut off certain man parts of his, doesn't mean I suddenly like him. He's still a jackass," Elena said, shaking her head. Caroline's conversation with Stefan earlier that month had been kept a secret. Elena didn't know about Damon's past, and that's how Stefan wanted it. He didn't want Elena to be nice to him out of pity.
Speaking of the Salvatore brothers, both walked in the coffee shop with their costumes on. Caroline noticed that Stefan was obviously a vampire, since he was practically Dracula incarnate. The girls chuckled a little at Damon's choice of costume.
"What are you supposed to be?" Caroline asked, looking him up and down. He had some sort of gas mask looking thing attacking his face, and all he had on was a vest and some baggy pants with combat boots. His eyes widened in shock.
"You don't know who I am?"
"Would I be asking if I did?" Caroline said, making a face at him. He sighed. Stefan started laughing, while Damon just spun around in place.
"I'm Bane! From Batman?" he said, spreading his arms out wide. She just crossed her arms. Who was that?
"I don't know who that is!" she huffed. Caroline looked at Elena. She was surprised to see her friend's eyes wandering over Damon's biceps though, instead of giving him the usual disgusted look. Huh.
"He's going to kill you," Stefan said quietly, still recovering from all his laughing.
"No…her punishment must be more severe," Damon said in some weird voice. Caroline just raised an eyebrow at him.
"Never mind," he sighed.
"Um, are you ready for your reading, Stefan?" Elena asked, shaking herself from her bicep stupor.
"I think so. I actually found one that I think is something I want to get out," he said softly.
"What? You didn't write it?" Damon asked.
"No, I just found it, and I think they put it into better words than I would have been able to," Stefan replied.
"Well, everyone's here, we're just waiting to see who wants to go first. Would you like to?" Elena asked. It was true; the place was probably the most crowded tonight compared to any other night. Caroline and Elena weren't going to count the money until the night was over. She looked over at the jars on the counter that were there to decide who won. There was a jar for each contestant. Unfortunately, all anyone could win were bragging rights, but the money dropped in all the jars would go toward the coffee shop. It was a fun way to do things, and a great way to get donations.
"Sure, why not?" Stefan shrugged, slowly walking toward the small stage. The three took a seat at a nearby couch and waited for Stefan to begin. He was obviously a little nervous, which was kind of cute. He cleared his throat before speaking.
"Hi, I'm Stefan. I found this poem and thought it would be worth reading here tonight," he began, "It's about growing up, and I feel it applies to my life right now. It's called 'Inside,' and it's by Nikki L. Rench."
Stefan cleared his throat again before beginning.
"Bottled up inside
Are the things I never said,
The feelings that I hide,
The lines you never read
You can see it in my eyes,
Read it on my face,
Trapped inside are lies,
Of the past I can't replace
With memories that linger,
And won't seem to go away,
Why can't I be happier?
Today's a brand new day
Yesterdays are over
Even though the hurting is not,
Nothing lasts forever,
I must cherish what I've got
Don't take my love for granted,
For soon it will be gone,
All you've ever wanted,
Of the love you thought you won
The feelings I have now
Won't disappear overnight,
But somehow, someway everything will be alright
I'm leaving now
To slay the foe
Fight my battles
High and low
I'm leaving parents
Hear me go
Please wish me luck today
I've grown my wings, I want to fly
Seize my victories where they lie
I'm going guys, but please don't cry
Just let me find my way
I want to see, and touch, and hear,
Though there are dangers, thoughts, and fears,
I'll smile my smiles, and wipe my tears
Please let me speak my say
I'm off to find, my world, my dreams,
Carve my niche, sew my seams
Remember as I sail my seas,
I'll love you all the way"
The audience clapped as Stefan took a bow and walked off the stage. Caroline and Elena were rubbing their eyes, and then both turned to Damon at the same time. His face was stunned, in awe at what he knew the poem probably meant, and whom it was directed at. Caroline and Elena shared a look, knowing that it had to be for their father. Maybe even Damon.
Stefan walked up to them, asking silently with his eyes how he did. Caroline got up and gave him a hug.
"That was wonderful. Your jar is already filling up, too!" Caroline said, pointing to his jar. He smiled after he saw how many were dropping bills into the glass bowl.
"That was…a great reading, Stefan. I think I owe you at least a ten dollar bill for that," Damon said sincerely. Stefan's face lit up as he brought his brother in for a hug. Caroline and Elena looked at each other before the blonde walked off toward the stage.
"Wish me luck!" she said to her friends.
"You don't need it, Care," Elena said warmly. Caroline beamed as she got up on stage. She took a quick glance around the room. This was her time to bring her plan together, and of course, he wasn't there. Her stomach flipped anxiously as she thought of what she was supposed to do next. He wasn't going to be there to hear her.
As hope began to drain completely from her, a blonde head poked itself around the corner where the stairs were located. It was Rebekah. Accompanying her was a man with dark red hair, and…one with dirty blonde hair. Caroline had no idea who the dark red haired man was, but she recognized Nik as soon as she saw him. Rebekah looked like some under-dressed eskimo, but sexy as hell. Why couldn't she wear an outfit like that? The dark haired man was dressed as some Greek god, toga and all.
What surprised her was that Nik was dressed up too. He didn't look like he was enjoying it much, but he was still dressed. Caroline was sure it had something to do with Rebekah. She didn't care that he might very well be whipped beyond belief. All she could focus on was how he looked like the hottest marine she had ever seen.
"Hi, I'm Caroline," she began. Her gaze never left his, and she saw his head shoot up at the sound of her voice. Their eyes met, and she continued.
"Today, I'll be singing a song I felt was appropriate for tonight. 'The Way You Look Tonight' by Frank Sinatra." Caroline had been thoroughly researching songs by Sinatra once she realized that she was going to sing something of his on this very night. She watched as Nik began slowly moving toward the stage as she began to sing, his eyes never once leaving her.
"Some day, when I'm awfully low. When the world is cold. I will feel a glow just thinking of you…and the way you look tonight." She sang, watching Nik intently. The constant scrutinizing expression his face always held was nonexistent tonight. He stared at her in a daze, his hands clasped behind his back.
"You're lovely, with your smile so warm, and your cheeks so soft. There is nothing for me but to love you…and the way you look tonight." Caroline tried to remember to look at the rest of the people in the shop, but it was hard to tear her eyes away from him.
"With each word your tenderness grows, tearing my fear apart...and that laugh that wrinkles your nose, it touches my foolish heart." Oh how she wanted to see him laugh. Nik never smiled, never laughed. Hell, he never showed any emotion. Ever.
"Lovely ... never, ever change. Keep that breathless charm. Won't you please arrange it? 'Cause I love you ... just the way you look tonight." The words in the song almost caught her off guard, but she kept her cool. No, obviously she didn't love him. She barely knew him. That attraction for him was only growing though, as he walked closer to where she was on stage. Her voice sang barely above a whisper into the microphone.
"Mm, Mm, Mm, Mm…just the way you look…tonight." She finished, her eyes settling on Nik's. From where he stood, she could see the blue in them, and just how breathtaking they were. As the song ended, the crowd roared with applause. The noise seemed to snap Nik out of his trance, as he looked around, his expression showing just how confused he truly was. He gave Caroline one last, bewildered look, before moving away from the stage, and toward the staircase. Apparently, he didn't want to be in the shop any longer.
Before leaving, she saw him look at the jars, more specifically hers. He reached into his pocket and grabbed his wallet. After throwing a bill into the jar, he put his wallet back, gave her one last look, and then walked back upstairs. Rebekah noticed him leave, quickly following behind him, and leaving the Greek to fend for himself.
Caroline inhaled deeply, trying to shake herself from what had just happened. She hurriedly left the stage after giving the crowd a quick wave. Her first stop was to her jar. When she reached it, she could feel Elena standing behind her, looking at the jar as well.
"Someone enjoyed your performance," she said quietly. His twenty-dollar bill was the only one in her jar so far, but others were beginning to come up and throw money in, praising her as they did. She thanked them, and then excused herself to walk with Elena back to where Stefan and Damon were.
"I guess so," she said breathlessly. Elena wrapped an arm around Caroline's shoulders, resting her head on Caroline.
"I know you, Care. I know you've never listened to Sinatra in your life," she said knowingly. Caroline just gave a small smile. She had told Elena about what she had seen through his window, and she knew her friend was only watching out for her. Caroline didn't care at this point if Elena agreed with her attraction to Nik or not. At this point, it couldn't be stopped, and Caroline knew that Elena was aware of this.
The important thing was that Nik had heard her. Now, she had to wait. For him to come to her, or for her curiosity to get the best of her and she went to him again. Something had happened just then. Her singing hadn't been for nothing. The look on his face had proven that. She knew she shouldn't be feeling this way about a taken man, but she couldn't help it. Something about him kept drawing her in…even if he did talk to walls.
A/N: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I saw a guest in the comments say they thought of Walker as Giancarlo Esposito, and I just wanna say that I could see that. It's a better person than who I had originally imagined (which is of no importance now, shh).
I would also like to thank my new beta, Yana (queenofklaroline). She is an absolute sweetheart, and I look forward to working more with her! =)
Next chapter...a scene everyone has been waiting for ;)
Until next time! Don't forget to review. I love reading them!
