A.N.- I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for taking a little while to get this up. I haven't gotten as many reviews as I would've liked and it's pretty discouraging, I have gotten plenty of follows and faves though. Anyway, it would mean so much if anyone who's reading this would please post a nice review if you liked this chapter or have any questions. I'm open to ideas and constructive criticism, so please tell me if you have any! Please review and I hope you guys enjoy :) Oh, btw Josh has a daylight ring (to avoid confusion)
They took Klaus's car down to the docks, apparently there was something there that needed to be dealt with. Belle couldn't really care less, but she went anyway. It's not like she had anything better to do.
As they walked down the boardwalk she looked out at the boats along the harbor, not listening to the words that Marcel and Klaus were exchanging. She was pulled into the memory of when she had first arrived in New Orleans over 300 years earlier.
1712 - New Orleans
Belle had received several letters from Klaus, going on and on about this colony he was helping to build. He encouraged her to visit as soon as she could. Finally, she gave in. She was stubborn and hardheaded at times, but she could never say no to him.
A large wooden ship dropped its anchor at the docks, it's sail swaying gently in the wind. Belle stepped out on the deck, looking out at the land.
Her eyes moved to search the docks for her friend. She smiled as she spotted Klaus standing with his hands behind his back, awaiting her arrival.
She had arrived alone, apart from two men she had compelled to steer and control the boat. There had been other passengers with her when they had first set sail, but they hadn't exactly lived to complete the journey, after all, she needed to feed. Their bodies were piled up in the storage space of the ship along with her belongings.
When she got off the ship, it took everything in her to not run into his arms and hug him. She knew Klaus wasn't a fan of public displays of affection anyway. They hadn't spoken face to face for five years and though she wouldn't say it out loud, she missed him. So, she walked carefully over to him, the small smile on her lips was mirrored on his. "It has been a while since I saw you last." It was an obvious thing to say, but she was at a loss for other words.
He chuckled, taking a step toward her with his hands still behind his back. "So it has."
She stopped, now just a few feet away from him. She took in a deep breath and looked around, taking in her new surroundings. "So, this is the infamous New Orleans."
He nodded. "There's still much that needs to be done." He turned around and gestured for her to join him, extending his arm to her.
She stepped forward and took it, looping her arm through his. They walked in perfect synchronization down the boardwalk and headed toward the newly forming city.
Belle looked around in awe at the work that had been done so far. Several buildings had already been built and many others were in construction. "This is wonderful, Nik." A wide smile graced her lips. She looked up at Klaus who too was smiling. It had been a while since she had seen him like this, proud and happy.
*Present*
Now when she looked over to Klaus, his expression was stern, he lips were pressed together in a hard line and his eyes had a subtle furry burning in the back of them. She missed seeing the kinder side of him.
"So, what exactly are we here for?" she asked, breaking the tense silence between the three of them.
Keeping his gaze straight ahead Klaus replied, "One of my men was killed last night while he was patrolling."
"So we're here to investigate?" She strode ahead a little more so she could keep up with them.
"Essentially, yes." His eyes flickered to hers for a moment.
"Killing another vampire in the quarter is forbidden, it's one of our most important rules," Marcel added.
Belle rose an eyebrow in question. "And what makes you so sure another vampire killed him?"
They rounded a corner around one of the large metal storage containers and the victim came into their view. He lay, one of his legs bent at an odd angle and his heart torn from his chest, just a foot or two away from his gray, dessicated corpse.
"Ahhh." Her voice was blunt as she eyed the body.
Marcel bent down to examine the body.
A young vampire with dark hair and brown eyes walked over to talk to Klaus. Not only was he young physically, but Belle could tell by his caution and fear around Klaus that he wasn't very old vampire-wise. Then again, even some older vampires were afraid of Klaus.
"Joshua, I hope you've brought me some good news." Klaus gave the boy an intimidating glare.
"Well, we don't have any leads yet. But don't worry, I'm working on it," he replied apprehensively, trying to stop his voice from shaking.
Belle couldn't help but grin at his awkwardness. He seemed like a nice kid. She guessed that Klaus had been a little rough with him, so she stepped in to try to smooth things over.
"Hello, I'm Belle," she greeted with a friendly smile. She stuck her hand out to him. "Nice to meet you."
He smiled back and cautiously shook her hand. "Nice to meet you too. I've never seen you here before."
"I just moved back." She slipped her thumbs into the pockets of her jeans.
He nodded. "Oh, cool." His mouth quirked awkwardly.
"Sorry to interrupt, but I believe you have work to attend to," Klaus interjected.
"Uh, yeah. Right. See ya later." He walked away hastily, avoiding their eyes.
"Hey Josh," Marcel called. Josh turned to him. "Stop by the compound later if you find anything, okay?"
Josh nodded. "Sure thing." He turned around and walked quickly back to his car and drove away.
"Nice kid," Belle mused, turning back to the matter at hand: the dead vampire. After seeing so many over the years, it had lost its appeal. Dead is dead, what's so intriguing about it? She sighed heavily. "I'm bored."
"Oh, by all means don't let us ruin your day. Please, feel free to leave if you're displeased. You are the one who invited yourself after all." To most people it would've sound like he was being mean, but she knew he meant it in more of a playful, friendly way.
She waved her hand in his direction. "Don't be an ass. And yes, I think I will leave. I'll probably stop by the compound later." She turned to Marcel and grinned. "See you later, muffin," she taunted, laughing at his annoyed expression.
He rolled his eyes. "Just go, Belle."
She chuckled before turning and walking away from the docks. It wouldn't take her very long to get back into town. Maybe she'd stop by that little bar again, or maybe just look around. There were so many new things in New Orleans, mostly tourist attractions.
She strolled down the street and decided to stop by a bar where the town's nightwalkers hung out during the day. She was hoping the find someone there, someone who could help her.
The windows of the bar were boarded up, blocking out the sun's rays that could burn them to ashes. Belle was thankful she didn't have to live like that, always hiding from something as simple as sunlight. The room was lit with dull, low hanging lamps and some twangy country music played in the background.
She walked over to the bar, took a seat and ordered a glass of vodka. She took a sip of her drink and turned the man sitting next to her. He was blonde and wore a golf cap. "You wouldn't happen to know where I could find a vampire by the name of Samuel Rivers, would you?" she asked, not bothering to introduce herself.
He took a sip of his beer and turned to her. "Who wants to know?" He set down the bottle and looked her up and down suspiciously.
She rolled her eyes. "Someone who's old enough to easily remove your head from your shoulders." She took a sip of her drink and locked eyes with him.
He seemed slightly alarmed, but didn't give in. "Why do you want to know?"
She shrugged. "Old friend. I just wanna say hi."
He narrowed his eyes, not convinced, but not caring enough to question her further. "He's over there by the pool table." He pointed to a tall man with dirty blonde hair, tanned skin and green eyes.
She nodded. "Thanks." She downed what was left of her drink and strode over to the man.
He didn't look up as she approached him.
"Are you Samuel?" She put on her best sweet and innocent voice.
He glanced up from his game. "I might be. Who the hell are you?"
She rolled her eyes, her lips turning into a frown. "You're in no position to be asking questions, that'll be my job."
He stood up straight, towering over her. It didn't bother her, she was much more frightening. "What's that supposed to mean? Is that some kind of threat, princess?" He narrowed his eyes.
She grabbed his arm tightly, feeling the bones crack under her grip. He cringed. She pulled him down and looked him straight in the eyes. "We can do this the easy way, or I can kick your ass. It's up to you."
Despite her intentions being perfectly clear and frankly unfavorable, Samuel wriggled out of her grip. "You're crazy, lady." He turned around and went out the back entrance.
"So I've been told," she muttered to herself. She flashed after him out the door and came up behind him.
He heard her and turned around, but before he could say or do anything, she snapped his neck. He dropped and smacked the ground with a distinct thud. "I guess I'll have to kick your ass then."