Date: Tue, 16 Jul 1996 12:41:05 -0400 Disclaimer: This is the sequel to Beyond the Shadows. What's mine... the crazy idea to have Nat attempt to cure both of them, thereby affording me the ooportunity to reunite Nick, Victoria, and Barnabus, and the rest of the gang. What's not mine: Nick, Nat, Victoria, Barnabus, and the rest of the gang. they all belong to TPTB on both their shows. Hope you enjoy! Returning Shadows a Forever Knight/Dark Shadows Xover by Debbie Stevenson "Fleurette" Part I (Nat's place) Natalie Lambert stared blankly at the letter before her. Victoria wanted her to do what? She reached inside the manilla envelope and pulled out the documents Victoria spoke of-- the smudged, crumpled remained of Julia Hoffman's research. Looking at it, Nat's heart leapt. She thought. After a brief examination of the research material, Natalie resumed reading Victoria's letter. Reading the postscript, natalie felt a chill run through her. It read: By the way, I should remind you that Julia created two formulas. The original almost cured Barnabus. The second, however, made him age rapidly. I only hope I found the right formula for you. Nat sighed, knowing only too well the dangers of getting one's hopes up. She would just have to wait and see. The doorbell rang, and she jumped to her feet. It would be Nick. Stuffing the letter and research notes back into the envelope, Natalie hid them in her desk drawer. The doorbell rang again. "I'm coming, Nick," She called out, as she sprinted out of the bedroom. "And you ask why I always show up unexpectedly," Nick laughed as she opened the door. "It's easier than standing here feeling incredibly stupid." He leaned over to kiss her cheek. "You look lovely, Nat. Are you ready?" Nick was taking her dancing. Natalie picked up her coat. She'd been trying to decide which coat to use all evening. The day had been warm for early March, but now? Nick caught her indecision and laughed, giving her a look that said, "Wish I could help." "It's not that cold, Nat, really. The weatherman said it was near to 50 degrees out there tonight." Nick said, taking the lighter of the two coats and helping her into it. ****** (A fancy restaurant) Nick watched as Natalie played with her dessert... a rich, chocolate cake with thick fudgy frosting. He looked worried. "Are you okay, Nat? It isn't like you to overlook chocolate." "I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind, that's all." she replied. "Care to share it with me? I'm a good listener." Nick smiled gently at her, squeezing her hand to show he cared. But deep down, he was worried that she'd been so quiet all night. They'd only just now patched up the problems between them. It had taken Nat a while to understand why Nick had gone further with Victoria in a week than they had in all the years they'd known each other. As Nat shook her head, Nick stood, "Care to dance, then? That is what we came here for." he lead her onto the dance floor, pulling her into his arms. ********** ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part II (Same night) Urs walked the streets of Toronto, lost in memories she'd thought she'd put behind her long ago. Memeories of her life before becoming a vampire: her childhood, or the lack thereof, poverty, and prostitution. She fought back tears and wished the depressing thoughts would leave her. As she rounded the next corner, Urs found herself the witness to what appeared to be an abduction. Before her, two men in trench coats were dragging a badly beaten woman into a car. She gasped, unwittingly drawing attention to herself. One man drew a gun and fired a couple of shots at her. Urs felt a bullet pierce her skin, shattering ribs in her right side. The second bullet went clear through her left thigh, breaking the bone. As Urs stumbled to the ground, she saw the woman escape from her would-be captors. ****** It was late when Nick brought Nat home. They were laughing and chatting happily about the goings on at the precinct-- local gossip and that sort of thing. Nat had been surprised to find Nick in this sort of mood. It was a pleasant change from his usual somber, self-pitying attitude. The smiles died on their lips however, when the found Urs huddled by the door. She was unconscious, and it looked as if she'd tried to cut herself... or at least that's what came to mind when they both saw her wounds. Nick knelt by her side, shaking her gently. "Urs..." he whispered. Eyes fluttering open, Urs struggled to sit up straighter. "Urs, what happened to you?" Nick asked. "Are you all right?" was Nat's question. Urs blinked for a moment and then said, "Oh, sure, I'm fine. Just very stiff, considering what happened tonight. But fine, really. I just need Nat's help." Nick helped Urs to her feet. She could walk, albeit with a slight limp. "What kind of help? Urs, what *did* happen tonight?" She told them about the scene she'd witnessed that night. "It didn't hurt particularly, but I need Nat's help getting this bullet out of my abdomen. I tried it myself, but it didn't work out too well." That explained the still-gaping would in Urs's side. ****** "I don't normally do this sort of thing in my own home, Urs." Nat said as she spread sheets over the couch. "You'll have to take off your blouse, at least, and lie down," Nat indicated to the couch as she went to get her medical bag. All the while she was wondering why Toronto's vampires always came to her with their problems. Nick had gone to the Raven to get Urs something to drink. Nat kept a bottle of cow for Nick in the refrigerator, but Urs had refused it. Now he returned, swearing under his breath. "You shouldn't say such things about your master, you know." Urs commented quietly as she stared longingly at the bottle in his hand. Silently, he handed it to her. He and Nat waited in the kitchen while Urs's wound regenerated. "I suppose I should offer to take Urs home," Nick said forlornly. Nat nodded. "I'm sorry tonight got spoiled for you, Nat." "It wasn't spoiled, Nick. I did have fun. Sometimes I just wish your friends would leave me out of their problems. But, I don't mind helping Urs, really." But her tired sigh told Nick that she wasn't really happy to render services all the time. Nick was about to hug her when Urs appeared behind them. Sensing her, Nick turned around. "Would you care for a ride home, Urs?" He asked. Urs began to protest, but Nick interrupted her. "No, I want to, really. Come on." Once outside, Urs said, "I can get home on my own. Why don't you go back to Natalie?" Nick opened the passenger door of the caddy. "Get in, Urs. I said I didn't mind taking you home. I meant it." The drive to the Raven was deathly silent. ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part III (The Raven, a week later) Urs had just finished telling Nick, LaCroix and Vachon about her second encounter with the mysterious woman from the night before. "It *was* the same woman, I just know it. I just can't figure out why she ran away so fast when the cops showed up. I wish I knew." "What I can't figure out is why you're so obsessed with this woman," said Javier quietly. "What gives, Urs? This isn't like you." Urs looked sad. "I knew you wouldn't understand... she... she reminds me of myself. I don't know why; it's just a feeling I have." Urs's faraway look drew each man into his own separate flashback. Javier saw himself leading an expedition to rescue five young woman who'd been captured by slavers-- no doubt to be sold into prostitution. They'd boarded the boat in the dead of night, disguised as pirates... It was a grand adventure. Nick remembered his reaction to the beating of a young black woman by her master in South Carolina, sometime just before the Civil War. He'd wanted to kill the man, but LaCroix had stopped him. Later, when Nick helped slaves from that planation escape via the Underground Railroad, he learned that the woman had died from the beating he'd witnessed. He always regretted not doing something to stop it from happening. LaCroix... well he thought back to his time as a Roman general. He'd taken many prisoners, including woman. Many of those woman were raped or killed. The survivors were sold as slaves to be dealt with as their owners pleased. He'd never really thought about his actions as being wrong, at least not at the time. Now he knew that it probably was a tad unethical, but it wasn't as if he could go back and fix it now. All three men shook off their memories. "Why does she remind you of yourself, Urs? There must be a reason?" Nick asked. Urs sighed. "I tried to speak with her. She wouldn't look me in the eye and she wouldn't discuss those men. She said she didn't know them, but I think she did. Like I said, it's just a feeling I got when I spoke to her. I remember how I felt when..." She began to cry. "What would you have us do about it?" LaCroix asked. "Find her... save her from those men. It seems to me that her life is in danger." Urs looked pleadingly into each of their eyes. ****** (Nat's place) Nick paced the room as he told Nat about Urs's surprise request. Then he stopped short when he realized that nat wasn't even listening to him-- being engrossed in the report she was reading. "Nat! Weren't you listening to me?" He asked. "Umm, yeah. Urs wants you to find the girl from the alley for her. So go do it." Nat resumed her study of the contents in the folder. "Nat!" Nick exclaimed. "What?" She asked absently. "Don't you think this whole thing is a bit odd? I mean, how does Urs know that this girl is going through anything remotely similar to what she went through in her youth? I mean... Urs's story *is* pretty tragic, but her suppositions about this girl can't be right. Those kind of things don't happen anymore." "Sure they do, Nick. You just don't read about it in the newspapers everyday. People don't want to think about what really happens to a majority of those listed as missing each year. The truth is, black market slavery still exists." Nat put down her report. Nick could see that she looked really annoyed with him. "Look, Nick... I have a lot of research to do right now, and I really don't have time for this. Why don't you just humor Urs and go find the girl. It will give you something to do while I'm busy with this project I'm working on." Nick was surprised to hear the snippy tone in her voice. this wasn't like Nat at all. "What kind of project?" He asked. "I'm sorry, Nick. It's top secret." She stood, and taking him by the hand, led him to the door. "Good-bye, Nick." She kissed his cheek gently as she closed the door on his bewildered face. Turning back to her reports, Nat sighed. She thought ruefully. ********** ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part IV (The loft) The buzzer rang, cutting into Nick's thoughts. He'd been thinking about Nat's strange behavior of late. "Niiiicky... may I come on up?" A sultry voice asked. It was Tina. He'd asked her to come over, to see if she knew anything about the mystery woman. "Sure," Nick replied. He truly had no desire to conduct this interview at all, let alone in his home. But what could he do, she refused to meet him anywhere else? As she stepped out of the elevator, Nick said, "and don't call me Nicky." "Sure thing, lover... you said you needed a favor... what kind would you like?" Her voice carried a myriad of sexual innuendos. "Not *that* kind," Nick stated firmly. "I called you here on police business." This was technically a lie, unless she proved to have some useful information. "Well, hey! No problem, sugar. I've had cops give me that excuse before. It'll work just as well for you." She started to take off her leather jacket, revealing a skin-tight satin top. Nick winced. This was going to be a painfully long night, it seemed. "No, Tina. I really mean business. I need some information about a girl." Nick began describing the girl Urs had seen. "Have you noticed her around?" He asked. Tina pouted for a moment. "I had been hoping you wanted a different kind of favor, sweetie," she cooed. "But, I suppose I can answer your questions... at double your usual fee." She generally charged Nick $100 for any information she had. $200 must mean she knew something. Nick nodded. "What do you know?" He said. "There were two creeps hanging around all the best haunts, asking questions about the same girl. Said they ran an operation in Quebec, and she was one of their girls. Said she got it into her head to steal some cash and some..." She paused, looking at Nick, reading his expression. "... merchandise from their business. They were lookin' for her to take back what was theirs." "By merchandise you mean drugs, right?" Nick asked. "You didn't hear it from me, honey. *And*... I never saw her." Tina took the cash Nick held out to her. "If you did see her, you'd let me know, right?" Nick asked. "What's in it for me?" Tina asked. Nick sighed. He hated to do this. "Another two hundred, and... if you can bring her to me... a date. One date, mind you." Tina's face lit up. "In that case, darlin', I'll tell you a little secret. I know a lot about reading people's faces, and I'm sure those guys were lying to me." Then she smiled, a slow, evil smile. "Now, I hated their faces... but yours... I could just eat you up, sweet heart." She blew him a kiss as the door closed behind her. ****** (Later that Night) Nick hung up the phone after another dead-end conversation with Natalie. She just didn't seem in the mood to talk to him at all. He thought, going over all stupid things he'd done recently. Shrugging he settled down to rest. He was just drifting in to sleep when the phone rang. Nick picked up the phone with lightning speed, hoping it was Nat. "Nick? Is that you? It's me, Victoria..." The voice on the other line said. "Victoria?" The vision of a dark haired beauty floated through Nick's mind. "How are you? It's been a while!!!" He smiled broadly. "Where are you calling from?" Victoria was laughing. She always laughed at him. "The airport... you wouldn't mind coming to pick me up, would you?" Nick frowned. He thought. "Sure, it's not like I have other plans." He paused, then asked the question burning on his mind. "Why are you here? Is every thing okay with Barnabus?" "Can't a girl visit old friends without a reason, Nick?" Victoria asked with a laugh. Nick suddenly felt stupid. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. Have you had dinner yet?" "Are you going to take me out to dinner, Nick?" She asked. Nick looked around the kitchen, taking stock of what all he had in the food department. "No... I'm offering to cook for you, if you wouldn't mind?" He replied. Victoria laughed. "Something simple, I hope." ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part V (Nick's loft) Victoria Winters pushed her plate away, unable to eat another bite. Nick had done a simple meal, consisting of home- made chicken and biscuits and a tossed salad with a red wine vinaigrette dressing. The rich, chocolate mousse came from an all-night bakery he'd passed on the way to the airport. She was impressed, considering Natalie'd warned her never to let him cook for her. Seeing the question in her eyes and her unspoken comments on his cooking, Nick said, "I've gotten into the habit of cooking for Nat. Or... at least I was..." He paused. "She doesn't seem to want my company much these days." "Again!?" Victoria exclaimed. "Nick!!! You really have bad luck when it comes to her, don't you?" Nick shrugged. "She says she's got some top-secret project to work on and can't be bothered by me right now. I miss her a lot. And I think I'm beginning to annoy her." "How's that?" Victoria realized that the top-secret project must be Julia Hoffman's research notes. Apparently Natalie hadn't told Nick about them. "Well..." He looked sheepishly at her. "I can't seem to stop myself from calling her... or showing up unannounced. I only want to be with her, I just can't help myself." Victoria laughed. "At least this time she isn't seeing someone else." "True... now, you've heard enough about my love life to write your next novel... what about you and Barnabus?? How's that going?" Nick asked, returning her laugh. Victoria sighed. "It isn't going well at all. Nick, do you think I'm expecting too much from him? He says he doesn't want to be a vampire. He says he feels guilty about what he's done in the past... but he doesn't want to try and redeem himself." "And he's still drinking human blood, right?" As Victoria nodded, Nick sighed. "It *is* hard to give up human blood. It is our natural food, after all. And the taste is far superior to any other kind of blood." "But you don't--" "I used to. And sometimes I do backslide. Giving it up is like trying to kick a bad addiction. You have to do it a little at a time, and just being around it is maddening. I..." He looked away from her. "I used to have to fight really hard to control my hunger when I was around mortals. Now, I guess I've controlled it... but there are still times when I can't." Now he looked directly at her. "I told you that it may take a long time before Barnabus is ready for a lifestyle like mine. Please be patient with him." "But he doesn't really *try*, Nick!!! He doesn't want to try alternatives in blood. He's still killing people mainly... except when he manages to get to one of those bars your kind frequent so much. Which isn't very often. And he still scares me." Victoria protested. Nick thought for a moment. He and Barnabus were so different, as were the ways in which they were brought across. his was a choice, albeit one made rashly. Barnabus had been brought across by trickery and force. The witch's curse. "Did you ever wonder about why he doesn't try as hard?" he asked finally. "No, why? I just thought it was because he really didn't want to be cured. Or maybe he was disappointed with what happened with Julia." "Victoria... I hesitate to tell you this, but I think you need to understand a few things." She nodded, urging him to continue. "I *chose* to be brought across. At the time, I was a very disillusioned Crusader. I'd lost my faith in humanity and God. Now, I'm willing to admit that the chose was stupid one, and.." he thought back to Janette and the first time they'd made love. "it was partly lust that drove the decision." He sighed. "It is customary that no one is brought across against their will. It must be a lifestyle of choice. Barnabus never got the choice I had. And I'm sure he resents that, but..." "But? But what? You can't be trying to tell me that he may actually *like* this sort of life?" Victoria was flabbergasted. "Is that too hard to believe? I think... had he been given the chance to see what it could *really* be like... he may have turned out more normal. But... locked in a coffin for two hundred years? He's just now getting to see what the world is like. It's far easier to accustom oneself to a new world order if you don't try and make too many changes at once. He may just not be ready to be cured." "Nick... I... I can't accept that. He's had time to adjust. In fact, he seemed to have adjusted right away. There's got to be more to it... " Nick sighed. There was no point in arguing with her. "Perhaps you're right. but I still think you should be patient. It will take a while. It's taken me 800 years..." he stood and left the table. "Do you have a hotel room yet, Victoria?" He asked. "No... I don't." "Then you are more than welcome to use my spare room." he indicated to the door at the top of the stairs. "I'm" he yawned. "a bit sleepy. There's the tv, if you'd like to watch it. You can use the phone anytime you'd like. I suppose you'll be wanting to call a cab and the hotel." he thought a moment. Nat's number is on the fridge." He grinned when he realized he'd been rambling. Victoria laughed and returned his grin. She wished him a pleasant rest and took her things up to the spare room. ********** ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part VI Victoria had been in Toronto for a week and hadn't really seen too much of Nick since that first evening. He always seemed to be at work, or busy helping a friend. When she asked about it, he didn't seem to willing to give information. He did, however, say that the friend he'd been helping was Urs. Now she sat on Nat's couch, the two of them busy going over Dr. Hoffman's notes. "I'm really glad you're making progress with this, Natalie." "So am I... though I have to admit it's putting a strain on my relationship with Nick." She grinned at Victoria. "And we both know how strained our relationship was to begin with!" Both women laughed. "So... what is Nick's big secret project?" Victoria asked suddenly, a conspiratory look on her face. "I know it has something to do with Urs... but he's being awfully tight-lipped about it." Nat related to Victoria Urs's seeming obsession with the woman whose life she'd saved by accident. "It seems now that Urs has saved her life, she keeps running into the woman all over the place... only to have her disappear suddenly." "And Nick's helping Urs find her? To do what once they find her-- kill her? Bring her across?" Victoria asked, amazed. "I don't know really. I've been so busy working on *this* that I'm afraid I haven't been keeping track of Nick's activities." Nat handed Victoria a revised copy of the notes. "What do you think?" Victoria whistled in appreciation. "You salvaged all this!?" The once crumple, burnt notes had been translated and recopied in Nat's neat hand-writing. In the folder rested a printed copy of the manuscript in Victoria's hands. "Wow! This is more than I could have hoped for, Nat!" Nat tried to sound modest as she thanked Victoria for her compliment. Unfortunately, she too was proud that her efforts were paying off nicely. "I only need to get a few fresh samples of Nick's blood and run a few more tests. I sincerely hope it works, Vicky..." Victoria met Nat's hopeful gaze with one of her own and both women crossed their fingers for luck. Both knew all too well what a disappointment it would be if this attempt failed. "I suppose you'll be going over to Nick's as soon as it gets dark, right?" Victoria asked. Nat nodded. "Tonight's his night off. I asked him to wait for me before he went off on this quest for the mystery woman. I only foresee one problem." "What's that?" "Nick hates it when I stick him with needles." Nat grinned wickedly at Victoria, who laughed. "Well, it's true! He whines worse than a child!" They both laughed again as they began making plans. ****** (Nick's loft) Nat showed up later than she'd expected, or told nick, for that matter. Nick looked as if he'd been worrying himself sick over her. The thought was flattering. "Nat!" He exclaimed as she stepped out of the elevator. he rushed to her side and hugged her fiercely. "Oh, Nat! I've missed you so much." He lifted her off the ground and spun her around in his excitement. "Uh, Nick? You ok?" Nat asked, barely able to recognize the glowing man before her. And Nick *did* glow. The joy of seeing her radiated from him like an inner fire. He seemed to realize he was making a spectacle of himself and set her down. Stepping away a bit hesitantly, he said, "I'm sorry, Nat. It's just that I've missed you so much." He made as if to hug her again, but she walked past him into the kitchen. As Nick stood blinking dumbly, Nat called back to him from the kitchen. "You've been drinking a lot lately, haven't you?" She'd counted the bottles in the fridge. "Sorry, Nat." Nick apologized again. "I've just been so busy with work and helping Urs... I guess I just needed the extra blood to get me through the night." He joined her in the kitchen. "Would you like something to drink, Nat? Water, tea, a Coke?" Nick indicated to the pitcher of tea and the 2 liter of Coke in the fridge. He'd had time to make a dash to the convenience store before she arrived. "Would you like to watch a movie? I rented two new ones to watch tonight." He asked as he followed her back into the living room. So far, Nat hadn't said a thing, just listened to Nick ramble on. Catching the titles of the movies, "Don Juan DeMarko" and "Bed of Roses", Nat shot Nick a puzzled look. "You were going to watch *these* by yourself? Not your usual choice, Nick." "I was kind of hoping you'd care to join me, Nat. I miss doing stuff with you." His eyes begged. "Actually, Nick," Nat began, knowing that her next words would shatter his hopes completely. All ready she could see a droop in his happy expression. "this isn't a social call. I came as your doctor." She lifted the medical bag he'd obviously been ignoring all this time. "I'm not sick." Nick stated, picking up the two movie cases. "Which would you acre to watch first?" "Nick... I'm not here for a night in TV land with you." She opened the medical bag. "Roll up your sleeve, Nick." "Why?" He turned to see her holding a needle and tubing. He turned pale. "Nat, I told you.. I'm not sick. Can't we enjoy a night together without you sticking a needle in me?" He looked longingly at the movies she took from his hands. "I'm sorry, Nick. I really need a few blood samples from you... for your cure. I *am* working on it still, remember?" Since Nick wasn't rolling his sleeve up, she started doing it for him. After she took her samples, Nat tried to console him by promising to come back later and spend the day watching movies with him. Nick just shook his head and said, "I don't know if I'll be in later." Nat thought as she rode the elevator down to the ground floor. ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part VII (That same night) Nick approached the corner hesitantly. One of the three working girls there was offering herself to a man in a black sports car. The other two hung back nervously as they saw Nick approaching. He was well known to them by sight and reputation. He was Tina's Untouchable. Nothing the local girls did or said ever seemed to move him-- either to anger or desire. Seeing him, the woman backed away from the man she was speaking to. He in turn, drove away as quick as he could. "I wasn't doing anything, detective." She lied. "I don't care, Sherrie," Nick said, flashing her a warm smile. "I'm not on duty tonight anyway." "You'd still turn us in, though. Most cops do." Sherrie insisted. Nick laughed. "Sherrie darling, if you want to go down town that badly, I *could* arrange it for you. But not right now." He motioned for the three woman to come closer to him. As they did, his smile widened. "That's it... make things look natural here. I don't bite, you know." Well, ok... so that part was a lie. But Sherrie'd lied to him, so now they were even. One of the women, a tall red-head, narrowed her eyes. "What do you want exactly, Knight?" She asked. "I need to know where I can find Tina. Do you know where she is?" The women looked uncomfortable. They became silent and began to move away from Nick. It was obvious that they thought Nick was there to cause trouble. "Come on, ladies... I don't mean any harm. Tina trusts me... so can you." Nick pleaded to their sense of loyalty. He knew Tina had fosters all three of these younger women when they first came to the streets. Tina was respected and well-like among them... which was rare in this line of work. "Is Tina in some kind of trouble?" The youngest of them asked him. She'd been this district's newest addition-- only working in Toronto for a month now. "No, Ellie. Tina's not in any trouble that I know about." Nick's voice had turned soft and almost fatherly. He reached out an touched her cheek gently, smoothing her skin with his fingers. "I just need to see her, that's all. Can you tell me where she is?" While Nick spoke to Ellie, the other two women watched with disgust as several cars slowed down as if to stop, but drive away when they saw Nick. Finally, he turned away... a slip of paper in his hand. "Thank you, ladies... *try* and stay out of trouble." He executed a brief bow to Ellie. "Thank you, Ellie- dear. I am most grateful to you." As Nick walked away, Sherrie turned to Ellie with a frown on her face. "You gave him her address, didn't you?" The girl looked a bit confused for a moment. "Yes... I did... only... only I know why... I never meant to. He was talking all nice and sweet to me, and then I told him when he asked again. It seemed like the only thing I could do." ****** Nick smiled to himself as he pulled the Caddy up in front of a mediocre apartment building. He'd had to whammy sweet little Ellie to get what he wanted out of her. He thought with another smile as he enter the hotel and went in search of Tina's apartment. He glanced at the number on the slip of paper. 276B, it said. Nick knocked softly. When Tina answered the door, her eyes shone with happiness. Pulling in him inside, she said, "Well, it's about time you got here, lover! I have a surprise for you." "I'm not your lover, Tina... and it would have helped if you'd have told me where you lived. I had to ask every working girl in Toronto if they'd seen you." Nick looked around. "Where is she?" He asked. "In the bedroom. Knight!" She placed a hand on Nick's shoulder to restrain him as he headed for the room she'd indicated to. "I should tell you.. she's in bad shape." "What do you mean, bad shape?" he asked. "Remember I told you those guys accused her of stealing drugs from them? Well, I'm really convinced she didn't steal a thing from them, but she is drugged." Tina went on to explain how the girl looked and acted, not to mention how sick she was. "She has lucid moments, but the rest of the time she's in a pretty delirious state." Tina looked serious. "She needs help, Nick... a doctor or something. Nick kept that in mind when he went in to talk to Urs's mystery woman... a tiny brunette named Sara. When he came back into the living room, he was quiet and thoughtful. Then he said, "Stay with her, Tina. I'll call an ambulance. She needs to be in detox right away." "So, I was right, wasn't I?" Tina said. "Yes... I can't imagine how someone could last this long while fighting off an addiction as strong as the one she has. She's in bad shape." He removed his cell phone from his jacket pocket. A few minutes later, he put it back in his pocket and turned back to Tina. "They'll be here soon... I gotta go. Stay with her." "what about our date? We had a deal, remember?" Tina said, her voice turning sultry. Nick had been hoping that she would have forgotten about that date... what with having a critically ill and possibly mentally damaged young woman in her home and all. "When sara is ok... then we'll talk." Nick said as he quickly excused himself. ********************** With love, Fleurette.... Questions, comments, flames: dstevens@mnsfld.edu My motto: "If there is such a thing as normal, I haven't met it." Part VIII (The Hospital) Nick sat at Sara's bedside, watching her as she slept/ He still could hardly believe all that had happened to this young woman. Acording to Sara, she had been abducted from her home town by men whom she later learned were a part of a white slavery-prostitution ring. She'd been forced into prostitution when she was no more than 15. She was now 22. Nick wondered that she hadn't been killed long ago. Then, about a year ago (or so Sara thought.... she didn't really know because the drugs made her lose track of time), she managed to escape. Fearing she would tell the police about them, her abductors hunted her down. hen she was found, she was locked in a damp basement. She was drugged daily with numerous drugs, meant to keep her quiet and eventually kill her. Sara didn't remember how she managed to escape a second time. She only knew that she had. Nick hoped she would be safe. She'd been in detox now for three days. her condition had stabilized, but she was still very weak. Caught up in his musings, Nick was surprised to feel a hand on his shoulder. Whirling around abruptly, he found Natalie standing behind him with a slightly amused expression on her face. "Did *I* scare you, Nick? That's a first," she quipped. Nick's worried, startled expression was replaced by a broad smile and he hugged Nat in greeting. "So.... that's Urs's mystery woman... has Urs seen her yet?" Nat's eyes turned to the tiny figure asleep on the bed. Nick nodded. "She's been here every night since they admitted Sara." He looked back to Sara. "If Urs hadn't convinced us to help search for this girl... she might be dead by now, Nat. Staggering, isn't it?" Nat nodded, knowing Nick held the guilt of not wanting to help Urs with her mission. No doubt, if Sara had died, he would have blamed himself. As they stood looking own at Sara's sleeping form, Nick's arm went around Nat's waist out of reflex. When he realized it, he quickly pulled away and walked several steps away from her. Sensing this behavior had to do with their last encounter, Nat said, "Nick... I, uh, have to apologize for the other night. I misled you intentionally... because I knew you wouldn't want me to take the samples I needed. Can you ever forgive me?" Sighing, Nick replied, "Of course I forgive you, Nat... how could I possibly stay angry with you?" "Good..." Nat said with a small sigh. She reached out and touched Nick's cheek. "I was afraid you'd be to angry with me to accept my invitation." "Invitation to what?" Nat smiled knowingly. "Just come to my place this Friday.. please Nick.."she begged. Looking confused, Nick agreed. Part IX (Victoria's hotel room) Victoria was just stepping out of the shower when Barnabus arrived. She'd been expecting him, but he still scared her with his sudden arrival. "Must you do that!?" She exclaimed, stepping out of the arms which sought to entrap her. Barnabus merely chuckled softly. "I *am* sorry, my dear Victoria. Tell me... was Dr. Lambert successful in getting Knight to agree to our little experiment?" Victoria shook her head in amazement. Barnabus hadn't even been there a second and he already wanted to get right to business. "She was going to talk to him tonight." She paused. Taking a deep breath, she added, "Nick doesn't know about the experiment... yet." "What?" Barnabus roared. Trembling slightly, Victoria answered him. "Nick's been busy with a case. He and Nat really haven't spent a lot of time together working on any kind of a cure." She explained Nick's currant case to Barnabus. "So, it will be a secret for him, eh?" Barnabus smiled slowly. "I like the sound of that..." his smile now held an evil gleam to it. Victoria would have commented on it except Barnabus now changed the subject and was telling her about the happenings of Collinsport since she left. Following him to the sofa, she allowed herself to forget that Barnabus had once (or was still?) very jealous of Nick. They talked on into the night. ****** (Later that night) Barnabus had left Victoria at her hotel and was now in search of his master... He smiled at the thought of the lovely blonde who had created him. It still astounded him that something that young could have brought him across. he thought. He hadn't thought much of Urs before. The first time they'd met, she hadn't wanted anything to do with him. His presence in the Raven bothered her, made her jumpy. He wondered why... what had he done to her to deserve to be ignored? Stopping before the Raven, he paused before entering. The loud music blasted his ears and the throb of mortal and immortal life forces assaulted him from all sides. Scanning the room, he caught sight of Urs as she spoke to Vachon and LaCroix. He headed towards them. All three froze when they saw him. Urs seemed to go paler than usual, her hand gripping Vachon's. Barnabus stared at her. "I had hoped for a warmer reception than that." He said above the din. Both LaCroix and Vachon hastily extended greeting while Urs remained silent. "Why are you quiet, my master?" Barnabus inquired. "It is you I came here to see... not these two." "Why?" Urs asked, her voice trembling. "I would rather we spoke in private... if you don't mind, of course." He replied. Nodding, Urs led him down the back hallway an down a flight of stairs to the small apartment she sometimes stayed in. Once alone, she whirled around to face him. "What do you want from me?" She asked, her voice accusing. Barnabus was shocked. "N-nothing. Merely a chance to know my master better before I rejoin the human race." "Rejoin? You've found a cure!" Urs exclaimed, forgetting she hated the sight of her son. He nodded. "or so I hope. I've had Natalie Lambert working on it for me." Urs nodded in turn. "Dr. Lambert is one of the best things that ever happened to this Community. She's always come through for us when we needed her." She looked thoughtfully at him for a while. Then she said, "Tell me about this cure you're seeking." Barnabus began to speak. This conversation led to other things, as the two truly had much to talk about. They examined why Urs had been called upon by Angelique's magic rather than a vampire from that time. That led to the difficult discussion of how awkward it was for both of them... having such a strange age difference. Urs, having begun to feel comfortable around him, giggled slightly. "I guess it really wouldn't matter if I had been older than you like I should have been." "Does age really matter so much? You are still my master.." he pointed out. "And you have more power than I possess. It does matter. How can I be your master, if I haven't the power to command you?" She asked. "Command me, then... make it something you know I would never do." He was looking at her now with an expression that was unreadable to her. Urs thought for a while. As her minded sorted trough all that she knew about Barnabus, she began to see him in different light. He *was* a loving man. Devoted first to his Josette and then to Victoria. She sighed gently, wishing she could have the love as one such as him. Suddenly, her eyes lit up! That's it! "Kiss me?" she suggested. Barnabus looked at her as if she was insane. Then he laughed. "You have to make it a *command*, not a suggestion. Try it again." Urs shook her head. "I cannot. I don't have the power to do it." She seemed ready to cry. Barnabus softened. Putting an arm around her, he whispered, "It does mean that much to you, to be able to command your own child? Then it is no wonder you've spent all this time trying to forget about my existence." His voice was soothing. "I am sorry, master. But there is a bright side to all of this. If Natalie's experiment is a success, I will be mortal again." "If it fails?" Urs asked. "Victoria wishes that I keep trying to become mortal again... like Knight. But..." he sighed. "I'm not too sure that I want that. I actually kind of enjoy this life. I may take the time to see the world. I really haven't been traveling since my own time." He had a faraway look in his eyes. Urs nodded. "There is so much beyond Collinsport for you to experience." The two now fell to talking about the world they were now living in. Urs found Barnabus easy to talk to and soon she found herself telling him about Sara, and how she had helped to save her from the men who stalked her. Barnabus was amazed. He knew Nick was in the habit of doing good deeds and that Vachon was often prompted by Tracy Vetter to do the same. But he'd never really thought that others in the vampire community were the same. He voiced this concern. Urs smiled. "Mortals are our prey, this is true. But there are some who are our friends. Like Natalie Lambert, and your Victoria. It would be barbaric to ignore the cries of one in need. We must live in peace with them at all times. Or so I believe." "LaCroix does not seem to believe such things." Barnabus commented. "Him?" Urs laughed. "He's only tough for the first five or six layers. Scratch the surface any deeper than that and you find he really does have a soft spot. He just doesn't show it." Barnabus still seemed skeptical, but he didn't say anything. This night had revealed many things to him about the one who created him. Once he had believed the creature who made him to be as evil as Angelique had been. Now he knew it was not so. There was a goodness in Urs. It made him believe that he could have an honest life as a vampire... if the cure failed this time. He and Urs parted company, as the day would soon be upon them. Barnabus returned to his own hotel room, contemplating his conversation with Urs, as well as his feelings towards the up-coming experiment. Part X (Friday night, the Experiment) Natalie waited for Nick to arrive. She was a nervous wreck. She scanned the room one more time. She'd cleaned all afternoon, making it look as if she and Nick were going to have a casual evening together. Well, maybe after this night was over with they *could*. The doorbell rang, causing her to jump. "Come in.. " she called out, as went to answer the door. Nick stood behind it, looking slightly concerned. He had, no doubt, caught the anxiety in her voice. "Is something wrong, Nat?" He asked. "No... just a bit overly anxious to see you, Nick. It seems like we've spent way too much time apart these days." She stepped away from the door so he could enter. "How's Sara doing?" She asked. "She's doing much better now. Although, I am still worried about her." "Why?" Nat asked. "They removed the guards from her door. They say it's been a week now and there should be no risks left. I'm not too sure about that." Nick replied. "So you still think that someone may come after her?" Nick nodded. Sitting down on the couch, he took Natalie's hand and pulled her down next to him. "So, what's planned for tonight?" Before Nat could answer, the doorbell rang again. She stood quickly and rushed to answer it. "I wonder who it could be?" She commented to Nick from over her shoulder. He shrugged and got up as well. Nick was more than surprised when Nat opened the door and Victoria stepped inside followed by Barnabus Collins. At first he just stood there, unable to speak. The he flushed ever so slightly. "What's going on here, Nat. I thought it was just supposed to be the two of us tonight?" "Well... Uh... I never actually said that, did I?" Nat stammered. "No. I guess you didn't." Nick said with a pout. "How are you, Barnabus?" "I'm fine." His eyes narrowed as he spoke to Nick. "I suppose you want to know what I'm doing here?" "The thought had crossed my mind to ask you, yes." Nick replied, a chill settling into his voice. Natalie and Victoria exchanged glances. This didn't look good. Thinking quickly, Nat spoke up. "Can I offer anyone anything? Some refreshments?" Both vampires stopped eyeing each other and stared at Nat in disbelief. Barnabus smiled. "I suppose you have an endless supply of those wonderful protein shakes I've heard so much about?" He asked, his nose wrinkling in distaste. Seeing that Nick also shared Barnabus's inherent dislike of the mere mention of protein shakes, Victoria shook her head sadly at Nat. "I think that reaction means it's just you and me for drinks. Shall I help you in the kitchen? It will give these two the chance to get better acquainted." Nodding, Nat led Victoria into the kitchen. "Tea?" She asked with a sigh. "Yeah, that will do." Victoria strained to hear anything the two men might be saying to each other. "Can you believe how they act around each other? Nick and I only knew each other for a few weeks, but he still acts like a jealous beau." Nat sighed again. "He tried to be nice to Barnabus. But I think it upset him that the vampire who tried to kill me was the one you loved. What about Barnabus?" "He says he holds no grudges against Nick, but I'm never to sure when he's really telling the truth. He gets jealous so easily." Nat nodded once again. She, too, knew what it was like to love a vampire with a jealous streak. When the tea was brewed, they returned to the other room, where Nick and Barnabus stood eyeing each other in uncomfortable silence. When small talk failed to bring a smile to either vampire's face, Nat decided it was best to come out with the truth. "Nick.." she began, "I have something to tell you." ****** Nick was stunned. "A cure... you found a cure!" He exclaimed excitedly. "Correction, Natalie didn't find a cure," Barnabus interjected. "It was the cure Julia Hoffman started working on with me." Nick's jubilant expression faded. "The one that failed?" He asked. Victoria answered. "It didn't actually fail, Nick." He looked at her, confusion in his eyes. "Remember... Julia was jealous of Barnabus's love for me. She switched formulas on him... Giving him a potion which undermined the entire cure. All the progress they had made was for nothing after that." "What did it do to him?" Nick asked. "It caused me to age... very, very quickly." Barnabus replied. "How far would you age? I mean, when did you stop aging?" Nick asked. Barnabus shrugged. "I suppose I would have continued to age until I looked my true age. Or perhaps until I withered and died. I don't really know." Seeing Nick's reaction... the sickly expression on his face, Barnabus smiled. "I should tell you now, Knight... we don't know which formula was salvageable. For all we know, Natalie could have the aging formula, not the cure. The only way to find out is to try." Nick swallowed hard. "I see... " he looked to Barnabus. "You first." Barnabus's smile broadened. He shook his head. "I already know that if it is the cure, it will work on me. You must be the guinea pig this time." Nick turned helplessly to Nat and Victoria, both of whom shook their heads in sad agreement. "It's for the best, Nick." Nat assured him. "I had to use your blood samples for the experiment. To test Barnabus, I would have to get his blood samples, too. I'm only prepared to try it out on you tonight." Nick sighed. "Ok, I'll do it." Nat smiled to reassure him. "I'm so glad you agreed to it, Nick." She said as she went to fetch for medical bag and the formula. Part XI (Same night, elsewhere) Urs sat on the ledge outside Sara's hospital window. Javier Vachon was beside her. She had been telling him about her encounter with Barnabus the other night. When she finished, he just shook his head. "I don't know what to tell you, Urs..." he sighed. "It seems to me that you've allowed yourself to develop a crush on your son. I should warn you, it's a bad move." "We were lovers once... " Urs reminded him. "Yes... and after we stopped being lovers, things got awkward between us. It's hard to go back to the way things were. You know that." His eyes pleaded with her to let it rest and forget about Barnabus Collins. "Besides... isn't he still in love with Victoria?" he asked. The answer never came, a the conversation was interrupted by the sounds of a struggle from within the hospital room behind them. ****** As Sara lie sleeping in her bed, a man disguised as an orderly entered the room pushing a cart. One wheel on the cart squeaked loudly as he pushed it, causing Sara to awaken. Her eyes widened as she recognized the orderly as one of the men who had been stalking her. She started to scream, but his strong hand clamped down over her mouth-- cutting off any sound she might have made. Although still quite weak, Sara tried to fight back. She managed to push him off of her and leapt from the bed. A chase ensued around the bed and across the room as he sought to capture her. Sara grabbed the cart and rammed it at him, knocking him down. As she reached for the door, however, another man entered, carrying a sawed off shot gun. A wide-eyed, frightened Sara found herself forced into a corner. The two men picked her up and, opening the window where Urs and Vachon had been sitting just moments before, they pushed her out. Sara screamed as her body whizzed pasted two floors, the ground only three more floors away. Then, for a reason unknown to her, the plummeting stopped. Javier Vachon held the frightened woman in his arms, hovering in mid air. Above them, he could hear the sound of Urs, finishing her attack on Sara's attackers. Realizing she was still high above he ground, Sara fainted in his arms. Urs joined Vachon and they flew her to the Raven. ****** (meanwhile, Nat's apartment) It had been two hours since Nick had allowed himself to be given Julia's formula. Since then, they'd been waiting to see if there were any effects. Up until this point, there hadn't been any. Now Nick began to feel strange. The room floated and buzzed around him. "Nick? Are you ok, Nick?" Nat asked. Victoria's face echoed the concern in Nat's voice. Barnabus smiled coldly. Out of the four of them, only he knew what Nick was experiencing. "Strange... feel strange... I..." Nick's voice sounded odd, even to himself. He had been standing. Now, he lowered himself onto the couch. The movement caused him to double over in pain. Within the next few minutes, the pain grew steadily worse. As all watched Nick anxiously, it was Natalie who first noticed the signs of aging begin. Wrinkles formed around his eyes and the corners of his mouth. "Nick!" Nat gasped. He looked at her, his vision slightly blurred. "I'm aging, aren't I?" Nat nodded, unable to lie to him. Within the next few minutes they watched Nick age. He went from looking somewhere in his mid-thirties to looking close to 70 in a matter of minutes. "The aging process will speed up," Barnabus whispered in the silence. Nick turned to him. His voice was older, weaker. "Is there a cure? What stops it?" he croaked. "Blood." was the answer. Nick looked around, and seeing no blood anywhere in sight, he turned to Nat. "Is there still cow in your fridge? I remember leaving some here a while ago." He asked. Nat nodded and started o go after the bottle Nick spoke of. Barnabus stopped her. "Cow won't do it, Natalie. It must be fresh... fresh human blood." Barnabus's wry smile held the slightest hint of sarcastic amusement. Driven by her love for Nick, Natalie held out her wrist to him. "Take my blood, Nick. This is my fault. Use my life to save your own." "No!" Nick's voice was growing older. "I'll fight it, Nat. I refuse to drink from you." "He won't be able to fight it for long," Barnabus told them, his smile openly malicious now. They could do nothing now except watch and wait as Nick tried with all his strength to fight the effects of the aging formula. ****** (Several hours later) Nick was withering far more rapidly now. He was thin, too thin. And his skin hung loosely from the bone. "Barnabus..." He croaked. "Go... to the... Raven. Get blood. Quick!" The words were using more strength than he had and he collapsed. "Hurry, Barnabus. It will be day in a few short hours." Victoria insisted. Grudgingly, Barbabus complied. Once at the Raven, however, he allowed himself the pleasure of relaxing and enjoying the dancers. Then he was spotted by LaCroix. The ancient vampire approached him, a worried expression on his face. "I heard about your experiment from Urs. Wasn't that supposed to happen tonight?" He asked. "Yes... we tried out the formula on Knight earlier this evening." Barnabus replied. "There were... complications... weren't there? I sense Nicholas's pain. What is happening to him?" LaCroix asked, his voice commanding an answer. "The formula was the wrong on. It was the aging formula, not the cure we sought. I came to get him an antidote.' "What kind of antidote can be found here?" LaCroix asked. "Knight needs blood. Not just any blood, but fresh, warm, human blood." "Straight from its original container, I take it.." LaCroix commented with a smile. He scanned the dance floor, looking for the perfect cure for Nick. Catching sight of a pretty blonde, long legged and very well endowed, he turned to Barnabus. "I believe I found what you're looking for. I'll be right back." A few moments later, after dancing with the woman, he returned to Barnabus, leading her by the hand. To Barnabus he said, "This is Donna... I believe she will serve your purposes." Barnabus nodded, and taking the woman's hand from LaCroix's, he led her out the door. ****** (back at Nat's appartment) Natalie paced the floor. Day would soon be upon them and Barnabus had not returned yet. Nick was now skeletal. His skin was like leather, gripping fragile bones. Victoria put her arms around Natalie for comfort. "It will be all right, Nat. Barnabus won't let us down." "Are you sure? Even with the way they act about each other? Wouldn't Barnabus be likely to seek revenge by letting Nick suffer?" Nat spoke from her fear. "No..." a voice behind them said. "I wouldn't be as cruel as to let anyone suffer the way I did." The two women turned to find Barnabus standing in the doorway, a dazed woman in his arms. Leading her to where Nick lay on the couch, he said, "Wake him." Natalie shook Nick, and helped him to sit up. Barnabus drew the woman into Nick's weak grasp. Smelling the blood, and overcome by the hunger inside him, Nick bit into her neck roughly. As he drank, they could see the aging process reversing itself. Barnabus turned to Victoria. "I was able to stop before I killed the one whose blood cured me" He purposely left out who it had been. "But I fear, the same will not be true for Nick." He was right, of course. Nick drank and drank until he'd nearly drained the woman completely. Then he finally looked up, and when he did, he was himself again. Part XII (About a week later) Nick hung up the phone, feeling more than a little depressed. He'd just finished talking to Tina about their date the next evening. He wasn't looking forward to it at all. Nat laughed at the expression on his face. "What's the matter, Nick?" She asked. He turned back to her. "I just can't stand her outrageous advances. Why doesn't she understand that I'm not interested in her?" He complained. Nat laughed some more. "Well," she said, walking to the door. "I'd better be going now. Just remember, Nick, you brought this on yourself by promising her a date." She laughed again. "Have fun tomorrow night, Nicky." She flashed him a bright, too-cheerful smile as she slipped out the door. ****** (The Raven, the next night) "Why'd you have to choose *this* club, of all places?' Nick asked the seductive red-head at his side. "It's one place I've never been." She shrugged. "Come on, sweetie..." she cooed at him, pulling him into the Raven. The Raven pulsed with its usual loud music and gyrating bodies. Choosing a table close to the dance floor, Nick signaled for a waitress. Gina approached them. "What'll you have?" She asked, eyeing Tina with an amused look. Tina looked at Nick, unsure for a moment what to order and then said, "Wine." "Red or white?" Gina asked. "White." was Tina's reply. Nick ordered the "house special", meeting Gina's inquiring eyes with a firm smile. The evening went well, surprisingly. Nick found that Tina was really very intelligent, despite the floozy facade she let everyone see. They danced twice, but the majority of the evening was spent talking about Sara. Neither had seen her since she finally left the hospital. "I wonder what the girl is doing now?" Tina asked Nick. At that moment, a familiar figure approached them, dressed in the uniform of a Raven waitress. It was Sara. Both were shocked to see her there. Shyly, she handed Nick a folded piece of paper. It was a brief message from LaCroix, asking if he was feeling better... since the experiment, that is. Nick glanced up at Sara. "Mr. LaCroix couldn't tell me this in person?" he asked. "The boss didn't want to interrupt your date." Sara replied. "And besides, it gives the chance to thank you both for helping me." Turning to Nick, she said, "I heard you were sick the night of my attack. I'm glad you're better now." "Thanks, Sara... look, could you answer just one question for me?" Nick asked. "Sure... what is it?" "How did you come to get a job here?" Even as he asked the question, Nick saw Urs coming up behind Sara. Sara caught the look which passed between the two vampires. She shrugged. "Oh, I just happened to know a few people in the in-crowd, that's all." Smiling happily, she slipped away. Urs approached them. "I see Sara found you both. She's been wanting to say thank you all week." "So, you got her the job here?" Nick asked. Urs smiled. "She needed something to help get her back on her feet. Nothing more. Hear anything from Barnabus and Victoria lately?" She asked. Nick shook his head. "Victoria left two days ago... alone. I don't know where Barnabus is, do you?" Nick left unspoken that Vachon had mentioned Urs's new interest in her first-born. Urs's smile said very plainly that she most likely did. But she shrugged as if she didn't. "He mentioned seeing the world. You know... getting away from Collinsport and experiencing all that has to offer him. Other than that... I don't know." She turned to Tina. "I hear you were helping us find Sara, too. Thank you. She's been a good friend and I couldn't imagine life without her cheerful face around here." With that, Urs slipped away. ****** Nat laughed at Nick again. "No... I'm serious. LaCroix saw Tina dancing with Vachon and offered her a job at the Raven! It was a horrible night!" "Poor baby," Nat patronized as she patted the couch beside her. "Remind me to feel sorry for you" She laughed some more. Nick chose to ignore her, picking up the small stack of movies he'd chosen for that day. "You know something," he said as he inserted the first movie. "It's been a long time since we did this. I kind of missed it." He smiled as he pulled her into the crook o his arm. "Me, too." Nat whispered as the movie started. ***Finis***