Chapter 18: Marcus
Stefan reclined in his chair, the Perfect Replication ability now firmly ingrained in his mind. His focus shifted from finding Kai Parker to keeping tabs on Josette Parker, knowing she might eventually lead him to the 1994 Prison World Ascendant.
He picked up his phone and dialed a secure number. After a few rings, a voice answered, "Yes, boss?"
"It's Stefan. I need you to keep an eye on Josette Parker. She left the Parker family compound recently and is likely laying low. I want regular updates on her movements and any interactions she has. This is top priority."
"Understood. We'll have someone on her around the clock."
"Good. Report back to me immediately if anything significant happens."
Stefan hung up, feeling a sense of relief. With his team of vampires monitoring Jo, he could focus on his other plans without missing any crucial developments.
Stefan decided to revisit the system panel to explore his new ability further. He opened the panel and read the detailed description of Perfect Replication:
**Perfect Replication:** This ability allows the user to flawlessly replicate any individual they have seen or known. The replication includes physical appearance, voice, mannerisms, and most abilities of the person replicated if physical contact has been made. The ability can only be used once but grants an enhanced version of the replicated abilities.
"This ability is going to be a game-changer," Stefan thought, a smirk forming on his face.
The next morning, he received a call from his informant. "Boss, Jo Parker has left the state. She's heading to Atlanta. It looks like she's trying to start a new life there."
"Good work. Keep tracking her. I need to know every move she makes."
Stefan ended the call and considered his options. Atlanta was a busy city, and Jo could easily disappear in the crowd. He needed someone on the ground who could blend in and keep a close watch on her.
He called another number, this time reaching one of his trusted lieutenants, a vampire named Marcus. "Marcus, I need you to head to Atlanta. Jo Parker is there, and I want you to keep a low profile while monitoring her. Use our local contacts if necessary, but don't let her out of your sight."
"Got it, Stefan. I'll be on the next flight out."
With Marcus on the job, Stefan felt more confident. He knew Jo would eventually lead him to valuable information or even the Ascendant itself.
Stefan vividly remembered the day he met Marcus. It was the late 1800s, during a tumultuous period in Stefan's life. Stefan had been traveling across Europe, hunting Klaus Mikaelson, determined to find him at a cost.
In a dimly lit tavern in London, Stefan was nursing a drink, deep in thought. The atmosphere was charged with tension, as rumors of vampire hunters and supernatural skirmishes circulated among the patrons. He noticed a man in the corner, his eyes scanning the room with a sharp, calculated gaze. The man exuded an air of confidence and danger, though he was still human.
As Stefan observed, a group of rough-looking men entered the tavern, clearly looking for trouble. They seemed to be targeting anyone who appeared out of the ordinary. Stefan tensed, ready for a potential fight, but before he could react, the man in the corner stood up.
With lightning speed and precision, the man dispatched the attackers, moving with a grace and lethality that impressed Stefan. Once the fight was over, the tavern fell silent, and the mysterious stranger approached Stefan's table.
"Mind if I join you?" the man asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
Stefan nodded, intrigued. "By all means. That was quite a display."
The man extended his hand. "Marcus. I've been hearing about you, Stefan Salvatore. Word travels fast in our world."
Stefan shook his hand, sensing no immediate threat. "It seems my reputation precedes me. What brings you here?"
Marcus leaned back, studying Stefan. "I've been looking for someone like you. I know about your hunt for Klaus, and I know you're looking for allies. I have certain skills that might be useful."
Stefan raised an eyebrow. "And why should I trust you?"
Marcus chuckled. "You don't have to trust me yet. But consider this: I have a knack for strategy and a talent for remaining undetected. I want to help you take down Klaus."
Over the next few hours, the two men talked and found common ground. Marcus shared his history—how he had grown up in a tough part of London and honed his skills in combat and strategy. He was a skilled fighter and had a network of contacts throughout Europe.
As the night wore on, Stefan saw potential in Marcus. He needed someone who could navigate the human world and provide the strategic support he lacked. But he also knew that to fully integrate Marcus into his plans, he needed to make him one of his own.
"Marcus," Stefan said, leaning forward, "I think we can work together. But if we're going to take down Klaus, you'll need more than your current abilities. You'll need to become like me."
Marcus looked intrigued but wary. "You mean, become a vampire?"
"Yes," Stefan confirmed. "With your skills and my guidance, you'll be even more effective. But this is a decision you can't take lightly. Once it's done, there's no going back."
Marcus thought for a moment, then nodded. "I've been searching for a purpose, and I believe this is it. I'm ready, Stefan."
Stefan led Marcus to a more secluded part of the tavern. "This might hurt a bit," he said, before sinking his fangs into Marcus's neck, drinking deeply. As Marcus's life began to fade, Stefan bit his own wrist and let his blood drip into Marcus's mouth.
Marcus drank, and the transformation began. He convulsed and gasped, his body adapting to the new vampiric blood coursing through his veins. After a few intense moments, Marcus opened his eyes, now a newly turned vampire.
"Welcome to the new world," Stefan said, helping Marcus to his feet. "Now, let's get to work."
Over the years, Marcus proved to be a loyal and resourceful ally. His network provided Stefan with crucial information and support, helping him navigate the treacherous world of supernatural politics.
Now, in 1994, with the Gemini Coven and the 1994 Prison World Ascendant at the forefront of his plans, Stefan knew Marcus was the right person to help him keep tabs on Josette Parker. Marcus's skills and network would be essential in ensuring that Stefan stayed ahead of any threats and could act swiftly when the time came.
As Stefan sped through the city, he thought about the twists and turns that had brought him to this moment.
Stefan then turned his attention back to the 1903 Prison World Ascendant he had stolen.
"Time to go look for a Bennett witch to open it for me"
A/N
Good news, I'm back to updating my Fanfics once again but I won't be updating it frequently.
I will be able to only upload at most two chapters per week.
Thank you for your patience with me and also check out my novels and my other fics.
More importantly, I just dropped a new fic based on the Flash, you are going to love it.
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