Chapter 15: "Winchester Luck."
Eight months later
The morning sun filtered through dusty blinds, casting strips of light across the pages of Samuel Colt's journal.
Lucien's finger traced each line, his lips moving silently as he committed another passage to memory.
"European vampires can compel humans to forget encounters... blood consumption increases compulsion strength... daylight rings forged by witches enable sunlight immunity..."
The notebook beside him overflowed with his neat handwriting – observations, connections, and questions about Colt's encounters. Eight months of study had filled three such notebooks already.
Bobby's house had become home in that time. The room that had once felt temporary now bore Lucien's mark – bookshelves organized by supernatural classification, a corkboard mapping demonic signs across the Midwest, and a small collection of Star Wars figurines Adam had insisted he display "so they don't get lonely."
Footsteps approached – too light for Bobby or John or his older brothers, too deliberate for Adam. His mother, then.
"Lucien?" Kate's voice confirmed his guess. "It's almost noon. Have you eaten anything?"
He didn't look up. "I had some cereal earlier."
"That was yesterday," Kate said, leaning against the doorframe. "Sweetheart, you've been at this for hours."
Lucien finally glanced up, blinking as his eyes adjusted to seeing something other than yellowed pages.
Kate looked tired – not the bone-deep exhaustion of their first days here, but a softer weariness that came from constant worry.
"Sorry," he said, genuinely meaning it. "I'm trying to memorize Colt's notes on daywalkers. Did you know they can heal from almost anything except a wooden stake through the heart? And even then, you have to leave it in for five minutes or they'll recover."
Kate's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Fascinating. But maybe you could use a break? Adam's been asking when you'll play with him."
Guilt flickered across Lucien's face. "Maybe later? I'm almost finished with this section."
Kate sighed. "That's what you said two weeks ago. On your birthday."
The memory surfaced – Kate's chocolate cake with ten candles, Adam bouncing with excitement as Lucien unwrapped his presents.
The Star Wars figure Dean had found at some specialty shop, Sam's collection of mythology books with hunter notes hidden inside it, John's silver knife ("Every hunter needs one"), and Bobby's leather journal ("To record your own findings").
He'd thanked everyone sincerely, blown out the candles, and within twenty minutes had returned to Colt's journal, cake half-eaten on his plate.
"I appreciated everything," Lucien said quietly. "I really did."
"I know you did, sweetheart." Kate crossed the room and kissed the top of his head. "But I'm worried about you. When was the last time you left this property?"
Lucien shrugged. "It's safer here. Bobby's wards keep most things out."
"Most things," Kate repeated. "But they don't keep you in. That's your choice."
Before Lucien could respond, she turned and walked out, leaving him with an uncomfortable weight in his chest.
(He didn't want them to become worried, but wasting time with things he saw as childish when he could do something more productive took priority.)
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In the kitchen, the adults had gathered around Bobby's worn table. Coffee mugs scattered across the surface like chess pieces in an ongoing game of strategy.
"He's at it again," Kate announced, pouring herself a fresh cup. "Hasn't moved since dawn."
Bobby grunted. "Boy's determined, I'll give him that. Been through more lore books in eight months than most adult hunters."
"That's not normal," Kate insisted. "He's ten years old. He should be playing, making friends, skinning his knees – not memorizing ways to kill monsters."
John's jaw tightened. "He's learning what he needs to survive."
"Surviving isn't living, John," Kate countered. "He hasn't left this property in months. Adam goes to the park, makes friends with the kids in town when Bobby takes him for supplies. Lucien refuses to go anywhere."
Sam, who had been quietly listening, set down his coffee mug. "There's more to life than just surviving it," he said carefully. "Even with everything we need to know, we still need... experiences."
Dean nodded from his position leaning against the counter. "Even Dad let us go to the arcade sometimes, remember? Made us better hunters, having those breaks."
John raised an eyebrow at his sons' united front but didn't argue the point.
The screen door banged open as Adam burst in, cheeks flushed from playing outside. "Is lunch ready? I'm starving!" He looked around the kitchen. "Where's Lulu?"
"Still studying, honey," Kate answered.
Adam's face fell. "But he said we could play catch later."
"Did he?" Kate asked gently.
"Well, he nodded when I asked," Adam admitted. "But he was reading that old book again."
Bobby exchanged glances with John. "Kid needs air that doesn't smell like old books and gun oil."
"This ends today," Kate declared, her voice voice hardening with determination. "He needs to remember he's still a child."
Dean straightened, a sudden idea appearing in his mind. "I'll take him somewhere. Get him out of his head for a while."
"Where?" John asked.
"There's a county fair three hours from here," Dean suggested. "Been seeing the signs all week. Games, rides, the whole deal."
John considered this, then nodded slowly. "Take protection. Salt, holy water, silver."
"Always do," Dean replied, already heading for the hallway. "And I'll take my gun."
(His gun is a standard .45 that Bobby had given Dean for his nineteenth birthday two months ago. It had beautiful engravings on it that Dean found badass so he liked it a lot.)
"Dean," Sam called after him, "good luck getting him out of that room."
Dean's grin flashed over his shoulder. "Watch and learn, Sammy."
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Lucien sensed Dean's approach before he heard him. He quickly closed Colt's journal, alongside the Star Wars comic next to it, preparing his arguments for why he needed to continue studying.
Dean appeared in the doorway, arms crossed.
"Pack it up, kiddo. We're going out."
Lucien didn't move. "I'm in the middle of something important."
"Yeah? More important than actually living your life?" Dean pushed off the doorframe and entered the room. "You've been buried in books for months."
"I'm learning," Lucien countered. "Besides the Force is way cooler than anything outside. Plus it's safer here."
Dean sat on the edge of the bed. "Safety's important, but so is remembering what you're staying safe for."
Lucien frowned. "I don't need to go anywhere. I've got everything I need here."
"That's what I thought too, once." Dean's voice dropped slightly. "Spent my whole life focused on the hunt, on keeping Sammy safe. Missed a lot of stuff along the way."
Especially now, after doing more normal things, the hunting slowing down because of Lucien, Kate and Adam now being around. Dean experiencing more normal.
"This is different," Lucien insisted, "I'm almost finished with this chapter!"
Dean stood abruptly. "You know what? We're done talking about this."
Suddenly he scooped Lucien up, throwing him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"Dean!" Lucien protested, squirming ineffectually. "Put me down!"
"Nope," Dean replied cheerfully, carrying him from the room. "Family intervention time."
"This is kidnapping!" Lucien's indignation echoed down the hallway.
"Can't kidnap family," Dean countered, descending the stairs with his struggling cargo. "It's in the big brother handbook."
In the living room, Kate waited with a backpack. Her eyes sparkled with suppressed laughter at the sight of Lucien draped over Dean's shoulder.
"I packed sunscreen, a change of clothes, and some snacks," she said, handing the backpack to Dean's free hand.
"Mom, you're supporting this?" Lucien asked, betrayal evident in his voice.
Kate approached, kissing his forehead despite his awkward position. "Completely. Have fun, sweetheart."
"But my studies-"
"Will be here when you get back," Bobby interrupted from his armchair. "Books don't grow legs, boy."
Sam watched from the doorway, amusement clear on his face. "Better give up, Luci. Dean's more stubborn than you are."
Adam bounced excitedly. "Can I come too?"
"Next time, squirt," Dean promised. "Today it's just me and the bookworm."
John appeared from the kitchen, pressing something into Dean's pocket – a small leather pouch that Lucien recognized as one of Pastor Jim's protective amulets.
"Back before dark," John ordered quietly.
Dean nodded, adjusting his grip on the still-protesting Lucien. "Yes, sir."
The screen door banged shut behind them, and moments later the Impala's engine roared to life.
Through the passenger window, Lucien's annoyed face was visible as they pulled away, dust billowing behind the black car.
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The first hour of the drive passed in stubborn silence. Lucien stared out the window, arms crossed tightly over his chest, while Dean hummed along to Led Zeppelin.
"Silent treatment, huh?" Dean finally said, turning down the music. "That's more Sam's move than yours."
Lucien said nothing.
"Come on, Lu. It's one day. The monsters will still be there tomorrow."
"That's exactly the problem," Lucien muttered.
Dean glanced over. "What was that?"
"Nothing." Lucien shifted in his seat. "Where are we even going?"
"Harrison County Fair," Dean answered, grinning. "Rides, games, food that'll probably kill you but tastes amazing. The whole American experience."
"Sounds thrilling," Lucien said flatly.
Dean reached over and ruffled his hair, earning a scowl. "That's the spirit."
As the miles passed, Dean's stories about hunts, memories of teaching Sam to play pool, and off-key singing gradually chipped away at Lucien's resolve.
By the second hour, he was reluctantly answering questions. By the third, he'd stopped pretending to be angry.
The Force tingled occasionally at the edge of his awareness – a sensation he'd come to recognize as a general warning rather than immediate danger.
He at first wanted to dismiss it as anxiety about leaving Bobby's protected property- but decided to keep it in mind just in case.
"There it is," Dean announced as they crested a hill.
The fairgrounds spread out below them – colorful tents, spinning rides, and crowds of people enjoying the late spring day. The Ferris wheel rose above it all, a slowly turning landmark visible for miles.
Lucien felt an unexpected flutter of excitement in his stomach.
His body's childish impulses were harder to ignore than he'd like to admit.
'Damn this body and it's childish effects on my emotions.' Lucien thought to himself, as the thought of getting into that Ferris Wheel, sounded very cool- despite he himself in his first life having been afraid of heights.
(Kids are quite fearless bunch.)
"Ready for some fun?" Dean asked, parking the Impala in a field serving as a makeshift lot.
"I guess," Lucien conceded, though internally he was already calculating how many hours until they could reasonably head back to Bobby's.
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The fairground was an assault on the senses after months of quiet study.
Calliope music competed with carnival barkers and screams from the rides.
The air smelled of popcorn, cotton candy, and the unmistakable grease of fair food.
Dean navigated the crowds with practiced ease, one hand firmly on Lucien's shoulder to keep them from being separated.
"Let's start with something easy," Dean suggested, steering them toward a row of game booths. "How about the shooting gallery?"
Lucien shrugged. "If you want."
The booth operator, a weathered man with a carnival barker's patter, handed Dean a rifle. "Three dollars for five shots, hit the moving ducks and win a prize!"
Dean paid and took aim, hitting four out of five targets with ease.
"Impressive!" the operator declared. "Pick from the middle shelf!"
Dean selected a small plastic water gun and handed it to Lucien. "Your turn."
"I don't know how to shoot," Lucien protested weakly.
"Sure you do. Bobby's been teaching you. Just like target practice, but with less chance of Bobby yelling if you miss."
Reluctantly, Lucien took the offered rifle. It was lighter than Bobby's shotgun, clearly designed for children. He raised it to his shoulder, aiming at the row of moving metal ducks.
Almost without thinking, he reached for the Force, letting it guide his aim. Five shots, five hits – each duck falling with a satisfying clang.
The operator's eyebrows shot up. "Well, I'll be! Perfect score! Top shelf prize for the young marksman!"
Dean whistled. "Damn, Lu. Been practicing when I wasn't looking?"
Lucien shrugged, uncomfortable with the attention. "Just got lucky."
After selecting a stuffed bear from the top shelf (which Dean insisted he carry despite his protests), they moved deeper into the fair.
Dean seemed determined to experience everything, dragging Lucien from cotton candy vendors to corn dog stands.
"You gotta try this," Dean insisted, handing him a funnel cake drowning in powdered sugar. "It's basically a heart attack on a plate, but worth it."
The sweetness exploded on Lucien's tongue, momentarily overwhelming his objections to this excursion. "It's... not bad," he admitted.
Dean grinned triumphantly. "See? Fun isn't so terrible."
As they navigated through the crowd, Lucien felt it again – the Force tingling, more insistent this time. His eyes scanned the fairgoers, searching for the source of his unease.
That's when he saw her.
A young woman with long dark hair stood by a balloon dart game, watching them. When their eyes met, she smiled slightly before turning away.
"Dean," Lucien said quietly, "I think someone's following us."
Dean's posture shifted subtly, hand moving closer to where Lucien knew he kept his gun. "Where?"
"By the balloon darts. Dark hair, leather jacket."
Dean scanned the area, then relaxed. "The hot girl? Pretty sure she's just checking me out, kiddo. Happens all the time."
Lucien frowned. "No, it's something else. I can feel it."
Before Dean could respond, a group of teenagers pushed between them, momentarily separating them. When the crowd cleared, the woman was gone.
"See? Nothing to worry about," Dean said, though his eyes continued scanning the area. "Come on, let's try the ring toss."
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An hour later, Dean had accumulated an impressive collection of cheap carnival prizes, most won through skills honed by years of weapons training.
Lucien found himself relaxing despite his initial resistance, even laughing when Dean's exaggerated victory dance after winning a plastic sheriff's badge drew applause from onlookers.
"Admit it," Dean said, draping an arm around his shoulders, "you're having fun."
"It's... not as boring as I expected," Lucien conceded.
"High praise from the boy who'd rather read about monsters than ride a roller coaster."
As they turned toward the midway, someone collided with Lucien, nearly knocking him over. Strong hands steadied him.
"I'm so sorry!" a female voice exclaimed.
Lucien looked up into dark eyes that sent a jolt of recognition through him. It was the woman from earlier – now up close, he recognized her.
His blood ran cold.
Katherine Pierce (this wasn't Elena, this wasn't human, The Force whispered it to him.)
The 500-year-old vampire doppelgänger.
Here, inches away, touching him.
"No harm done," Dean said, his voice taking on the slightly deeper tone he used when talking to attractive women. "You okay, Lu?"
Lucien nodded mutely, reaching instinctively for the Light Side of the Force to calm his racing heart.
"I should have been watching where I was going," Katherine said, her voice carrying the perfect amount of embarrassment. "I'm Sarah, by the way."
"Dean, and this is my brother Lucien," Dean replied, extending his hand.
Katherine – "Sarah" – shook it, her eyes flickering to Lucien with subtle interest. "Brothers out enjoying the fair? That's sweet."
"Trying to show this one that life exists outside of books," Dean explained, ruffling Lucien's hair.
"A reader?" Katherine's smile widened. "I love a boy with an intelligent mind."
Lucien forced himself to breathe normally. "Just... school stuff."
"He's being modest," Dean said proudly. "Kid's a genius. Reads college-level material for fun."
Katherine's gaze intensified, studying Lucien with new interest. "Is that so? You seem... special."
The Force screamed warnings now, though Lucien kept his expression neutral. He tried to signal Dean with his eyes – danger, we need to leave – but his brother was oblivious to the supernatural threat before them.
'Fuck! Is this what they call the 'Winchester Luck'? Why the hell is she here? What is a five century year old hag vampire bitch doing here???' Lucien cursed internally, but forced himself to calm down more.
The only reasonable explanation he could think of was that she was moving between the big cities, and made a stop here. Probably for a snack- or who knows fun, whatever a vampire woman her age would find 'fun.'
"We were just heading to try some more rides," Dean said. "Want to join us?"
"Dean, I don't think-" Lucien started. But Dean wasn't listening, immediately charmed by the vampire succubus.
(19 year old guy and the thinking with the lower part- especially when Katherine mastered the art of appearing as normal as possible, and not giving anything supernatural away.)
Lucien though knew there was possibly something deeper at play- Vampires he's read can manipulate the minds of people, even without direct compulsion or touch, her having affected Dean this way, wasn't too farfetched.
The question though was BLOODY WHY?
"I'd love to," Katherine interrupted smoothly. "If your brother doesn't mind."
All Lucien could think about was how easily this vampire could snap their necks – how she'd survived five centuries by being ruthless and cunning.
"Great!" Dean said, completely missing Lucien's distress. "Where to first?"
"How about the house of mirrors?" Katherine suggested, stepping between them and placing a hand lightly on Lucien's shoulder. "I've always found them... revealing."
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The house of mirrors was a maze of reflections, distorting their appearances in amusing and sometimes disturbing ways.
Dean laughed at his stretched and compressed reflections.
"Easy to get lost in here," she commented, her voice echoing slightly.
Lucien stayed close to Dean, drawing on the Force to maintain his composure. "That's the point, I guess."
"You seem tense, Lucien," Katherine observed when Dean had moved slightly ahead. "Afraid of getting lost?"
"No," he replied carefully.
Katherine smiled, leaning closer. "What are you afraid of, then?"
Before he could answer, they rounded a corner and found themselves facing a wall of mirrors.
For a split second – so brief Lucien almost thought he imagined it – Katherine's reflection distorted, showing something darker beneath her human facade.
(He internally wondered, was the Force showing him the monster beneath the innocent girl look- more personality than physical appearance?)
Dean's voice called from ahead: "You guys coming? I found the exit!"
Katherine straightened, her mask of innocent charm sliding back into place. "We'd better catch up with your brother. He might worry."
As they emerged from the house of mirrors into the sunlight, Lucien's mind raced. She knew he'd seen something. The question was, what would she do about it?
"The Ferris wheel next?" Katherine suggested, pointing to the massive structure dominating the skyline. "The view is supposed to be amazing."
"Hell yeah," Dean agreed enthusiastically. "What do you say, Lu?"
"I don't think-" Lucien began.
"It'll be fun," Katherine interrupted, her eyes holding a challenge.
Lucien wanted to protest that he was afraid of heights, but Dean leaned in subtly whispering, "Come on Lu, we'll be able to enjoy two beautiful views. Do it for your big brother."
Trapped, realising nothing he could do right now would convince Dean, Lucien shook his head. "Fine."
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The line for the Ferris wheel moved quickly.
As they approached the front, Katherine deftly maneuvered herself so that when the operator opened the gate, she and Lucien were ushered into one car while Dean was directed to the next.
"Wait-" Lucien started to protest.
"It's weight distribution," the operator explained gruffly. "One adult, one kid per car."
Dean shrugged, though internally disappointed a bit. "See you at the bottom, Lu."
As their car began to rise, Lucien pressed himself against the far side, putting as much distance between him and the vampire as possible (acting like he was nervous around a pretty stranger.)
Katherine smiled warmly. "First time on a Ferris wheel?"
"Yes" Lucien answered, relaxing slightly at the normal question.
Katherine's smile remained perfectly pleasant as they ascended above the fairground. "Well, good that you are experiencing it now at least. I love them. There's something magical about seeing everything from up high, don't you think?"
Lucien nodded, internally still wary, but keeping casual. "It's pretty cool."
"So your brother mentioned you like to read?" she asked, seeming genuinely interested. "What kind of books?"
The wheel stopped with their car at the very top, suspended high above the fairground. Far below, people looked like colorful ants moving between attractions.
"History mostly," Lucien replied, sticking close to the truth without revealing too much. "And some science fiction."
She nodded appreciatively. "Smart kid. I was the same way at your age. Always had my nose in a book while other kids were running around outside."
"My mom says I need to get out more," Lucien admitted.
Katherine laughed, the sound light and carefree. "Moms always say that. But there's nothing wrong with being the thoughtful type."
The wheel jerked into motion again, beginning its descent.
"I'm just passing through town," Katherine said conversationally. "I travel a lot for work."
"What do you do?" Lucien asked, genuinely curious about her cover story.
"Freelance photography," she replied smoothly. "It lets me move around, see new places. I get bored staying in one spot too long."
"Sounds interesting," Lucien said, trying to sound like a normal kid talking to a normal adult- not too difficult to fake with him actually feeling nervous despite constantly trying to lean into the Light Side to keep calm.
"It has its moments," she replied with a smile. "Freedom comes with its own challenges, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Their car approached the bottom of the wheel. Katherine suddenly leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Lucien's cheek.
"You're a special kid, Lucien," she said simply. "Don't let anyone dim that light. I look forward to meeting you when you're older. You have... quite the potential. I can feel it."
The operator opened the gate, and Katherine stepped out, still the picture of a normal young woman. Dean was waiting, his car having already emptied.
"Have fun up there?" he asked with a grin.
"Your brother is delightful company," Katherine replied with a warm smile. "Such smart and kind kid."
Katherine made her exit soon after, claiming she needed to get some sunset photographs. Lucien watched her disappear into the crowd, a strange feeling lingering after their encounter.
"You okay?" Dean asked as they walked toward the parking lot. "You got quiet after the Ferris wheel."
"Just tired," Lucien said truthfully- he'll tell everyone when he gets back that she was probably a vampire, and use the excuse that the Force warned him.
"Can we go home now?"
Dean studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, buddy. Had enough fun for one day?"
The drive back was quieter than the journey out. Lucien stared out the window, arm against it, head in his palm, still thinking about Katherine, and how helpless he felt right then.
He couldn't help but clench his right fist next to him tightly.
"You had fun though, right?" Dean asked, breaking the silence. "Even if you won't admit it."
Lucien turned from the window. Despite everything- Katherine and her danger - he realized with surprise that he had... enjoyed parts of the day. Particularly the time with Dean.
"Yeah," he admitted. "I did."
Dean's smile was worth the admission. "Good. 'Cause there's a demolition derby next month I'm thinking we should check out."
They arrived at Bobby's after dark. Kate, John, Sam, and Bobby waited on the porch, relief visible on their faces when the Impala pulled in.
Adam burst through the screen door. "Lulu! Dean! Did you bring me anything?"
Lucien found himself genuinely smiling as he handed over the stuffed bear Dean had won. "Here. He needs a good home."
Adam hugged the bear tightly. "What was the fair like? Did they have clowns? Did you ride the scary rides?"
As they entered the house, Lucien found himself recounting the day's events with more enthusiasm than he'd expected. Kate's eyes shone with happiness seeing him animated and engaged.
Later that night Lucien threw himself face first into his bed, tired. Debating what exactly to say tomorrow about them meeting a vampire- whether to even tell it or not, since Dean will get quite the earful, perhaps even be shouted at by dad.
He didn't want Dean to feel guilty, and for his mom to be sad that she put him into danger.
He sighed as he closed his eyes, deciding that he'll think about it in the morning.
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(Author note: Yep- Lucien met Katherine coincidentally, Winchester Luck and all that.
She, of course doesn't what makes Lucien special, nor could she read Dean's mind about Lucien nature- the Force protected it. She simply thinks Lucien is quite the powerful psychic, one she can have... uses for in the future.
Yeah, Katherine is quite the groomer, for those with potential use.
Seducing a powerful boy psychic, one that gives off a very, very bright power signature, is most definitely something she'd want.
Well, tell me, do you think Lucien will tell them about Katherine being a vampire? Put aside him not wanting to make Dean and Kate and everyone feeling sad and guilty?
Or will he keep it to himself, cause they honestly couldn't do much about it, and more focus on becoming stronger, and hint at them getting more protection.
I'm interested in you guys' thoughts.
Hope to see you all later,
Bye!)