The Boy King's Journey in TVD/TO As A Mikaelson

The rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed through the dense, shadowed forest as a lone carriage meandered down the narrow dirt road. Moonlight barely pierced the canopy of intertwined branches above, leaving the path ahead cloaked in a dim, ghostly glow.

The driver, a wiry man with a patchy beard and sunken eyes, gripped the reins loosely, his tired hands occasionally adjusting his seat. He hummed a fractured, off-tune melody, the low notes punctuating the eerie silence that enveloped the night.

Crickets chirped sporadically in the underbrush, but even their song seemed subdued, as if the forest itself were holding its breath. A cool breeze stirred the leaves, carrying with it a faint, unsettling metallic tang. The driver wrinkled his nose but shook off the feeling, chalking it up to the odd humidity of the air.

As the road curved sharply ahead, the man slowed the horses, squinting into the dark. His eyes widened when the shape of an overturned cart emerged from the shadows, its jagged wooden edges illuminated faintly by the pale moonlight. Something about it felt wrong -- out of place.

He pulled the reins sharply, bringing his carriage to a halt with a heavy creak of wood and a soft whinny from the horses. Muttering under his breath, he dismounted, his worn boots crunching against the gravel and loose dirt.

The hairs on the back of his neck prickled as he approached the abandoned cart, its eerie stillness amplifying the unsettling quiet around him.

As he neared, the metallic scent in the air intensified, sharp and nauseating. His stomach twisted, the melody he'd been humming now an unspoken thought as unease took hold. He stepped closer, his lantern trembling slightly in his grasp, the flickering flame casting fleeting shadows over the broken wood.

Peering over the edge of the cart, his breath caught in his throat. The far corner of the wooden planks was soaked in dark, sticky blood. It pooled thickly, dripping sluggishly down the side.

His stomach churned violently at the sight, and he stumbled back a step. "What in the-?" he muttered hoarsely, his voice barely more than a whisper, as if speaking louder might awaken whatever horror this scene concealed.

He edged closer again, against his better judgment, leaning forward to get a better look. The stench of blood was overpowering now, making his eyes water. The man reached out cautiously, his fingers trembling as they brushed the edge of the blood-stained wood.

Before he could process what he was seeing, a shadow moved -- a blur too fast for his mortal eyes. A cold, iron grip closed around his arm, and he was yanked backward with impossible force.

The lantern fell from his hand, shattering against the ground in a burst of light and sparks that illuminated his wide, panicked eyes for just a moment.

The forest exploded into chaos. His scream was cut short as he was slammed into the ground, his head cracking against the earth. Blood gushed from his mouth as a dark figure loomed over him, fangs gleaming in the faint moonlight. Nearby, the horses reared and whinnied frantically, their hooves striking against the ground as they tried to flee.

The man's body went limp as another figure emerged from the shadows -- a long-haired, methodical Elijah, dragging the driver's discarded carriage further into the forest, his calm efficiency contrasting the violence unfolding mere feet away.

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Elijah stood a few feet away, pulling down branches to cover the man's abandoned carriage. His long hair framed his face as he worked swiftly and silently, his motions meticulous. Nearby, the grotesque sound of slurping filled the air.

"Honestly," Kol groaned, wiping blood from his chin as he pulled back from the man he'd been feeding on, now laying bisected on the ground. "Was this really necessary?"

From behind him, Vali stood over a bisected corpse as well, the precision of his telekinetic slash evident in the clean cut. Kol threw his hands up in exasperation. "Seriously, brother? Can't you interrupt someone else's dinner with your experiments? Like Nik, perhaps?"

Vali smirked, flicking his wrist as a nearby branch snapped cleanly in two, floating lazily to the ground. His tone was light, almost teasing. "You've already been gorging yourself, Kol. Besides, I'm refining a skill. Call it efficiency."

Vali has the last weeks been experimenting with his telekinetic powers, to replicate an ability he once saw in an anime. He's been cutting people apart with a flick of his wrist, and becoming preciser and deadlier with it by the day.

Indeed, one of the best parts about having regained the memories of his past life, is that not only did it give him knowledge about this world, but also the blueprint on how to take more creative liberties with his abilities.

"Kol, if anyone here can complain it isn't you. You've had more than your fill. You are after all more gluttonous than us all, save Vali, of course." Klaus stated as he dragged the bodies of the driver's companions toward the overturned cart, his lips curling into a grin. 

Vali looked down at the three drained corpses by his feet and raised an eyebrow. "I take offense to that."

"Do the bodies say otherwise?" Klaus quipped, smirking.

Rebekah sighed, stepping around the bloodied mess as she carried Henrik in her arms. "Must you always bicker like children? This is why we can't have a normal meal."

Elijah, who had finally concealed the carriage, straightened and brushed dirt from his hands. "Enough," he said firmly. "We've fed, we've prepared. It's time to move."

As they gathered themselves to continue their journey, Rebekah turned her thoughts to more ambitious desires. "You know, there are nobles with castles just waiting to be taken over. Why should we be hiding in the woods like common thieves?"

Elijah frowned, ever the voice of caution. " Rebekah, we have discussed this-"

"You and father discussed this! None of us had any say in the matter! This lot were traveling somewhere-- their cart is full of silks and finery. Nine of them, nine of us. Wherever they were off to, why could we not simply go in their stead? It would be good for Henrik as well. All this traveling can't be good for him."

"Rebekah, don't try to use Henrik as backing for your words. We cannot simply take over a noble's estate. It would draw far too much attention." Elijah countered

Vali, however, had a different perspective. "Why not use a little compulsion? We have the means to make things happen go our way." He hadn't entered into the conversation the last time, because he was waiting for the right moment, this time it being so.

Rebekah brightened instantly, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "See, Elijah? Even Vali agrees with me. Imagine the luxury, the power. We'd be treated like royalty."

"Seriously Vali? Brother, I expected more wisdom from you. You truly agree with our sister to masquerade as nobles from a land we do not know and whose customs we cannot begin to understand? It is nothing short of ridiculous!" Elijah stated in retort.

Before Rebekah who opened her mouth could say anything in retort, Mikael spoke up.

"Be silent," he commanded, his voice low but firm. The bickering that had flared between his children moments before ceased instantly. Mikael closed his eyes, tilting his head as though listening to the whispers of the wind itself. His breathing slowed, and the others exchanged glances, recognizing the tension that had settled over him.

Kol raised an eyebrow, stepping closer to Elijah and Klaus. "Father's doing that thing again," he murmured under his breath, though his tone was laced with genuine curiosity.

Rebekah, cradling the compelled to sleep, Henrik, leaned in closer. "What is it now?"

Vali's hand shot up, silencing her before she could say more. Also having closed his eyes. They soon enough snapped open, their dark depths piercing the darkness. "There's someone nearby," he said, his tone certain.

Vali began to approach the carriage, and as he did, he immediately pulled away the blanket, revealing a young, dark-haired man who is terrified to see them. He, breathing eratically, jumped away. He attempts to flee, but Kol and Rebekah vamp-speed in front of him and block his way.

"Well, aren't you a handsome one?" Rebekah comments with a smile.

"Looks like dessert to me..." Kol states as he begins stalking towards the man.

"Wait, wait, wait! I can help you!" Lucien states, terrified, raising his hands in a non-threatening manner attempt to stop him.

As everyone looked towards another at his words, Tatia spoke, "Could we please hear him out? I know we wish to remain cautious, but I have to agree with Rebekah on this one."

"Thank you dear sister. It seems finally someone other than Vali is wise enough to see things correctly," Rebakeh stated, a hint of smugness in her tone at another one agreeing with her.

Lucien seeing his opportunity continues nervously, "Now, I am- I am the personal servant to the Count de Martel, and the barriers that you just mentioned...? I was sent to escort these guests to his home for a lengthy stay.

I know their customs, as well as the Count's habits. If you mean to pose as the family you've slaughtered here, then you'll need my help to carry out your ruse."

Lucien looks nervously at Elijah and Mikael who are standing next to each other, them and Kol the only ones still looking like they want to eat him.

"Please, can we keep him?" Rebekah asks, her tone hopeful.

"No, daughter. Have we you already forgotten what our most important rule is?" Mikael questioned, his tone, harsh and cold.

Rebekah flinches for a moment until she softly begins, "Never leave anyone alive-"

"-- Who has seen what we are." Finn, Elijah, Kol and Niklaus finish for her.

"Thank you very much. A practice that has served us very well indeed." Elijah states as he leaves his father's side and attempts to begin his approach towards Lucien, before Vali appears at his side, holding him by the arm.

"You know, I personally enjoy following your lead, Elijah. Your strategies have never failed us before, but on this one, I have to side with our sister. He may very well be of use." Vali states.

'Especially with what I've seen him accomplish,' Vali thinks to himself. 

Lucien has proven himself quite the resourceful fellow in the show. Able to even plan well enough to nearly bring the Mikaelsons to ruin. One would expect Vali to kill him for this, before he becomes a threat, but why should he do so? When he can be so much more useful alive.

"Ah, a proper family squabble!" Kol remarks.

"Perhaps we should put it to a vote." Niklaus begins as he leaves the side of the horses. "All those in favor of letting him live?" 

Rebekah, Tatia, and Vali raise their hands.

"Those inclined to gut him?" Kol questions as he raises his hand.

Elijah raises his hand like it is the most obvious thing in the world, with their father, Mikael following him.

"So it comes down, to you two," Vali states as he looks at Finn and Klaus who are the only ones left to vote.

"I vote to let him live," Finn states after a moment of thought.

This causes everyone's eyes to draw towards Klaus, "Oh, Nik. What shall it be?" Kol questions.

Klaus sighs and pauses for a moment before walking toward Lucien, who still looks terrified.

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The Mikaelsons, led by Lucien, have arrived at the castle in the fine clothes of their earlier victims, where some sort of celebration is underway. Rebekah, Henrik, Finn, Elijah and Niklaus look the most nervous as they take in the grand interior of the castle, while Mikael alongside Vali and Tatia are the calmest.

The former two because of their warrior mentality, ready to slaughter everyone there if they became threats, while the latter, because of her own experience with compulsion, having complete trust in it, unlike the others who have not yet truly made full use of it.

Lucien fills them in on the details they need to know to blend in effectively as he gestures toward the Count, who is sitting on his throne at the far side of the room.

"There. See the Count de Martel? You address him as "Your Grace." All the other nobles as "my lord." And, when you speak to the Count, you should speak of hunting. He loves his horse and his hounds." Lucien states as he respectfully looks sideways at Rebekah, who is so anxious she looks as though she may throw up.

"And, bow deep, Lady Rebekah. The Count relishes a... healthy cleavage." Lucien whispers, earning a growl from Vali, and a murderous glare from Mikael.

"You will do no such thing," Vali commands with a harsh glare towards Rebekah, who immediately deflates from any retort she had on her tongue as she saw his furious expression.

The demon with swiftness walked next to Lucien, and gently wrapped his hand around the back of his neck as he whispered, "Do keep that kind of advice to yourself next time if you wish to still have spine. Another like it and I'll strangle you with your own intestines." his tone now more casual and nonchalant as if talking about the weather.

"Blink twice if you understand," Vali orders, his grip on the human keeping him from nodding.

Lucien with haste blinks twice, nervous and terrified.

Vali smiles, as he let's his neck go and slaps his back twice, with enough strength to make it hurt, but not bisect him in two. "That wasn't so hard now was it?"

The group after this, finally makes it to the throne of Count de Martel, and Lucien bows dramatically in front of him before making introductions. 

"Lucien, you were sent to fetch the Count de Guise!" The Count de Martel states, his tone cold.

Before Lucien can say anything, Vali comes to the forefront as he looks the Count in the eyes, "The Count de Guise is indisposed, your Grace. Dead. But you don't mind us, who have come this long way to stay in your home, do you? You should treat us as you would have treated the Count and his family shouldn't you? We promise that we will truly make your life a lot more interesting." 

"I... I indeed do not mind. You are all welcome in our home and shall be treated with utmost respect." The Count de Martel states, the compulsion taking effect, everyone save Tatia watching in awe and wonder. 

Lucien the most. 'Oh, Lord, what kind of creatures have I gotten myself tangled with?'

"We are very thankful, your Grace. If you do not mind, we wish to excuse ourselves. Our journey has been a long and perilous one. We wish to rest." Vali continued with a bow.

"Of course!" The Count de Martel exclaimed, his voice steady yet filled with enthusiasm. He turned to Lucien with a pointed gesture. "Lucien, escort our esteemed guests to the quarters at the far end of the hall on the top floor. Ensure they are made comfortable."

"At once, my lord," he said, his tone respectful, yet still reeling. Without hesitation, he straightened and gestured for the Mikaelsons to follow, his steps purposeful as he led the way.

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"Why?" Lucien suddenly questioned.

"Hmm? Why what?" Vali questioned in response, as they all made their way, his siblings still looking in wonder at the exterior.

"Why did you even spare me if you could do that?"

"Because I wanted to." Vali answered, his tone nonchalant as he walked with his hands crossed behind his head.

"That isn't an answer. There is always a reason for want." Lucien retorted as he then licked his lips nervously. He knew it may not be wise to continue, not wishing to overstep, but he simply needed to know.

Vali became silent as they all still continued to walk, his family who were earlier speaking also following his example, also wishing to know what he was thinking. They could guess, but hearing it from him, himself, would make things more clear.

"A couple of reasons, I suppose. Even though we can compel people to do whatever we wish, it still would've been a bit annoying since we do not know all the customs of this place.

But as you already probably can reason, it would simply have been a minor inconvenience since, we could still compel another besides you to teach us. No, the true reason is because I see potential in you, little warrior." Vali explains as he with a sideglace, looks him in the eyes.

"Me? A warrior? I am sorry my Lord, but you jest. I have not a warrior's bone in my body." Lucien states in disbelief.

"No, I am quite serious. You may not have the greatest physical might, nor the vastest amount of understanding of the art of battle, but you are quite quick on your feet.

With the knowledge you had at hand, from merely listening to us bicker, you were able to convince more than half of us to allow you to live, by which the others became forced to tolerate your presence, because of their desire to not cause in fighting. 

You have potential, and I am willing to nurture it, so long as you promise to serve me." 

And there it was, his offer. Lucien himself at first was too shocked to respond, but he immediately gained understanding and dropped to his knees, hand on his heart, head lowered, bowing. 

"It would be my greatest honor to be of service to you my Lord." Lucien states, his tone full of respect, and wonder at the opportunity. He, a mere stable boy, now offered the backing of a mighty king among men. One who wherever he goes, people would submit to, simply by consequence of his own might.

The other Mikaelsons also stopped, Lucien and Vali blocking their way, though they did not truly mind, what Vali was doing was quite interesting. This is the first time, Mikael and the siblings saw him showing remotely any form of interest in anyone's capabilities. Always seeing anyone save family as either food or inconsequential gnats.

"Good, now rise, and continue leading the way. I have quite the plans for you." Vali states with a smile as he puts his hand on Lucien's shoulder who raises his head, and looks at him in awe. Never having anyone in his life truly see anything worth noting in him, save the lady Aurora.

"Of course, my Lord! I shall do my utmost to never disappoint!" Lucien stated as he hastily rose and walked foward once more, causing Vali to chuckle.

"You better, Lucien. You better." the Knight of Hell stated as they all followed him, his tone at the end full of promises of malice.

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(Author note: Hello everyone! So, hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

How did you find Lucien? 

How did you find the interactions between the charachters, is there life in it, or is it monotone? Do tell me, so that I can improve if it is the latter. 

Also, how did you find the small bit about Vali's experiments, because man can one do a lot with Telekineses. Like its insane. But of course, Vali won't be able to do the truly nuts stuff, cause that takes far more control than he has. But still Sukuna like dismantles I find something reasonable.

So yeah, do please comment and review if you haven't. Like please do so, the more engagement, the more I upload.

Well, I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)