Forgotten Dreams - Klaus Mikaelson

six

Alaric stood in the middle of the living room, demonstrating a sleek device he had recently acquired. The flickering candlelight illuminated his focused expression as he held it up.

"This works with compressed air. The trigger mechanism is up here. I have two of these in different sizes, but for you, I recommend this one. It fits nicely under the jacket sleeve. You just use the trigger when you're ready." He grinned mischievously and aimed the device at an imaginary target, faking a dramatic movement as if he were killing a vampire. Damon and Stefan exchanged glances, a mix of amusement and skepticism evident in their expressions.

Alaric shrugged. "You wanted me to show you how to kill a vampire."

Just then, the door creaked open, and Kara stepped inside, her presence instantly commanding attention. The warm light from the candles framed her figure, and the tension in the room shifted as she caught their gazes, particularly Stefan's.

She raised a brow. "Well this is an interesting way to meet someone"

Alaric lowered the weapon, a slight smirk on his face. "Sorry, just a little training session. Thought it would be useful considering the circumstances. You know, with Katherine around and all. I'm Alaric."

Kara raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorframe. "And you think training to kill is the solution?"

Stefan stepped forward, trying to gauge her mood. "We need to be prepared, Kara. Katherine is dangerous, and we can't underestimate her. Alaric's right; knowing how to defend ourselves is essential."

"So what's the plan? Just go in guns blazing? I've faced Katherine before; she's unpredictable." Kara said.

Alaric nodded, appreciating her perspective. "Exactly. It's not just about the weapons; it's about how we use them. We need to outsmart her. That's why I wanted to show you this." He gestured to the device in his hand. "But I'd rather use it as a last resort."

Stefan stepped closer, his eyes meeting Kara's with sincerity. "We need your help, Kara. You know her better than any of us. You can be our advantage."

Kara felt a mixture of anxiety and determination. "Okay, I'll help."

She turned her attention to Bonnie, who had been quietly listening, her expression a mix of curiosity and wariness. "I realise we haven't properly met yet. I'm Kara."

Bonnie looked up, surprise flashing in her eyes as she met Kara's gaze. She hesitated for a moment, assessing the vampire standing before her. "Kara? I've heard about you. It's... nice to meet you."

Kara gauged that Bonnie was already not her number one fan and so moved the conversation elsewhere. "Right, Katherine back in 1864 was a lot kinder than what I hear she is today. You are right, I do know her best. Maybe better than most." 

- 

Mystic Falls, 1864

In the flickering candlelight of a lavishly adorned chamber, the air was thick with tension and the scent of exotic flowers. Katherine Pierce reclined gracefully on a plush chaise, her dark hair cascading around her shoulders like a waterfall of silk. She wore a gown of deep crimson, a color that accentuated her allure and concealed the darkness that simmered beneath her surface. Across from her, Kara stood with an air of quiet confidence, arms crossed, a slight smirk playing on her lips.

"Your theatrics are becoming tiresome, Katherine," Kara remarked, her tone laced with a mix of amusement and condescension. "Do you really think you can manipulate those boys without consequences?"