Howdy all, Marg Rothschild just graduated and is without modem access for the moment. She wrote the majority of this story, I just contributed some ideas. Any comments (especially nice ones!) would be greatly appreciated. I'll forward them to Marg. Oh BTW I'm working with my boyfriend on a sequel to 'Nether Regions of the Soul'. It will be a Highlander/Forever Knight/Simpsons XOVER story. It will take us a long time to piece it together, but we are looking for beta readers. Please get in contact with me, Heather Poinsett, if you are interested. And thanks. ***************************** Forever Knight in Twilight Zone (TM) by Marg Rothschild with some help from Heather Poinsett(c) 1996 Disclaimer: Use of copyright notice is not meant to infringe on existing copyrights by James Parriot, Tri-Star Pictures, Paragon Entertainment. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. No portion of this may be reproduced in any manner without permission of the author. This is not-for-profit and is intended for entertainment purposes only. ************************ Part 1 Voice of Rod Serling: You're traveling into another dimension; a dimension of not only sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land, whose boundaries are that of imagination. As the sign posts up ahead, your next stop: The Twilight Zone. Submitted for your approval. A woman. A fan. A routine life. A harmless show about not so harmless creatures. An ancient mystical book found by a lonely character. But now the show is real. And the woman, just an extra in . . .The Forever Knight Twilight Zone." ********* She became a fan last year after a friend introduced her to Forever Knight. Marie had been intrigued by vampires since the first time she watched Bela Lugosi playing Dracula. Her Saturday night ritual began with making sure the videotape was set at the right place so she could tape the new episode. She went to the kitchen and fixed herself a tall glass of Ribena. ~Fifteen more minutes~ she thought, anxiously. She sat her glass down and turned off the bedroom light. She settled down near the edge of her bed, picked up the TV Guide, and noted that they were rerunning the episode "Curiouser & Curiouser." ~Oh, good. One of my favorites and I can make a better copy this time,~ she recalled how the first few minutes got messed up from the VCR that broke last year. Finally, the show started and she hit the record button on the remote. The scene in the Raven played out in which Nick blames himself for the death of the lady patron. ~Poor Nick. He's always taking on the guilt. Well, you'll learn in this one, hopefully,~ she laughed while reaching for her glass. Nick is seen on her TV, sitting in the loft and lifts his glass. Simultaneously, they both sip from their glasses. When she sat her glass back down, a sudden blinding light came from the TV. Two arms reached out and pulled her in while she shielded her eyes from the light. A strange sensation came over her and strange music filled her ears. ~What the . . ~ but her thought was interrupted when she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. A woman's voice came in to her ear, "Hello, are you alright?" Marie slowly opened her eyes, peeking over her arms, and saw a familiar woman standing over her. She rubbed her eyes with the palms of her hands as she shook her head in disbelief. "This isn't happening. I must have hit my head on something. Yeah, that's it" "Maybe you *drank* too much" said the woman. Her hands dropped to the table in front her and she looked up. "But you're Janette, aren't you?" she asked, fearfully. "Yes, that's right. I've not seen you in here before. What's your name?" "Marie, my name's Marie," she answered. After she quickly glanced around the room, she exclaimed, "Oh, my god! I'm in the Raven! What? How? I've got to get out of here!" Janette caught Marie's chin firmly with her hand and looked directly into her eyes, "Marie, calm down . . .what's wrong?" "I'm in the Raven and you're, you're, uh . . " "I'm what?" "Uh, . ." she thought carefully, took a deep breath, "Uh, you're the owner." "Yes, that's right. Why don't you go home now. I can call you a cab," she said sternly. "Yeah, I'll go home now. I'll be fine. I don't need a cab," she assured Janette. Janette watched as Marie left the Raven. Suddenly, Janette sensed a vampyric presence behind her. "Aaaah, LaCroix. What can I do for you?" "You shouldn't have let her go. She knows about us," LaCroix said harshly, as he rounded in front of her. "I sensed something about her but I wasn't certain. I'm sorry." "Well," he smiled, "I doubt she'll go far." "Why's that?" "Because she's lost in a *very* confusing world," LaCroix said with an evil grin. ******************* Marie wandered aimlessly as the sun began to rise over the city of Toronto. "Think. Think. What is happening?" she uttered. She found a bench outside of a cafe, sat down, and put her head in her hands. Massaging her tense face, she tried desperately to put the pieces together. "I was watching Forever Knight. There was a bright light and a strange sensation. And then I was in the *Raven* talking to *Janette*. How can that be? She's from a TV show." she said to herself, "Ok, ok, I'll wake up any moment from this." She looked through her fingers and watched the morning's traffic pass by. "Maybe I'm having a nervous breakdown. . . No, no, I don't think I've lost it because I can think too rationally. . . at least I think so." An elderly man approached her and tapped her on the shoulder, startling her. "Are you alright, miss?" he said, concerned. She gazed up at him, unsure how to answer. "You don't look too well. Have you eaten? If not, why don't you come in to my cafe and I'll fix you something to eat." "Yeah, maybe that's what I need," she said, struggling to stand. He gave her his arm and he guided her inside. She sat down at the counter as he poured her some coffee and proceeded into the kitchen to prepare her some breakfast. "Scramble eggs and bacon ok?" She nodded with approval while she sipped her coffee and mulled over the recent events. He brought out the meal and placed it in front of her. As she ate, he could see the colour coming back to her face. "There, now you're looking better. How long were you sitting out there?" "Not too long." "If you don't mind my prying, but what happened to you?" She looked at his gentle face and shook her head, "I really don't know. I'm just a bit out of sorts. How much do I owe you?" "Don't worry about it. It's on the house." "Thank you very much. You're so very kind." She exited the cafe and headed down the street to a small store where she purchased a map of Toronto. ~Ok, let's deal with this. I'm in Toronto where Forever Knight takes place.~ She noticed that it was late morning. ~If this is all real, then everyone *I* know is asleep and I don't know if any of them will believe me.~ She entered a library near by, found a nice quiet place, and fell asleep. ******************* End part 1 Cousin Heather (Heather P. email~~czheather@earthlink.net) from Houston, Texas. Now in Aggieland (for the past 5.5 years anyway) Bunny-Hugger of the McGregors Clan~~COTK~~UF~~Valentine~~DT "Give a Day to the Knight!"--www.earthlink.net/~alasher/day.html *Co-founder of the DarkTrinity faction. Ask me and Cousin Jen about it* Disclaimers: see part 1 *************************** Marie lifted her head as she slowly awoke. She realized that nothing had changed - she was still sitting in the soft leather chair inside the library. It was late afternoon, so she headed out to get something to eat. As she ate, she pulled out the map that she had stuffed into her back pocket. She remembered the location of Nick's loft that someone had posted on the internet. After paying her bill, she took a cab over to the loft. She pressed the buzzer on the intercom and Nick, who just woke up, answered sluggishly, "Hello." "My name is Marie. I need your help, Nick. Please," she urged, while holding back her tears. "Take the elevator up." She rode the elevator up and Nick opened the heavy steel door for her. "Come in and sit down. How can I help?" he said as he watched her walk directly over to his couch. "What I'm going to tell you, well, it's even hard for me to accept. You might want to sit down as well. Let me start by telling you I'm not crazy but I don't really understand what is happening." Nick gave her a puzzled look as he sat in the chair near her. She went on and explained all the events leading up to her arrival at his loft. He smirked a little, "So, you're saying that you watched me in a TV show called Forever Knight and woke up in the Raven?" "Yes, but none of this is supposed to be real. Yet it is," then thinking of a way to prove herself asked, "Did you have a women die from a shooter in the Raven by some guys wearing animal masks? One was like a walrus." "Yes. That was exactly one year ago. Why?" "Well, I know that IA didn't blame you for the shooting, I know of the odd 'dream' you had that was like Alice in Wonderland; and, I know that Schanke picked you up here to go to the precinct to hear IA's response. I saw all this in the episode that I was watching. Nick, I know all about you and your problem dealing with guilt." Nick looked at her awestruck and then gazed into her eyes. He did sense something different about her. She took a deep breath and then continued with the tears swelling up in her eyes. "Yes, I even know that you, Janette, and LaCroix are vampires. I believe I may be in danger - if this is at all real. I have no where else to go." She finally collapsed into tears and he took her into his arms to soothe her. "It'll be alright. I'll see what I can find out," he said and held her awhile longer until the phone rang. He then spoke to her softly, "Um, let me get you some water." He picked up the phone on his way to the kitchen. "Yeah, Knight," he said while getting down a glass. "Hey, you're up early! I was just going to remind you . . ." "Glad its you, Nat," he interrupted and then lowered his voice, "Can you swing by my place and, um, . . .bring your bag." "Why? What's happened to you?" "It's not for me. I'll explain when you get here. It's complicated," he said while filling the glass with water. "So, what's new?" she teased. "Nat, please?" "Alright, alright. I'll be over." He thanked her, placed the receiver in its rest, and brought Marie the glass of water. "This *is* a bit hard to grasp. I'm sorry. I understand how you feel. Believe me," he assured her. It wasn't long before Natalie arrived. She hurriedly entered the loft, with medical bag in hand, and then stopped dead, eyeing the both with a puzzled expression. "Nat, this is Marie," He said as he stood from the couch and then looking at Marie, "I'd like Nat to check you over - just to make sure you're alright." Nat pulled Nick aside quickly, and whispered, "Nick? What is going on? Is she a . . .?" "No, I'm sure I would have sensed it. I'll explain as you examine her, ok?" he said. Nat gave him one of her 'looks.' Natalie walked over to Marie, who was now standing, staring over at Nick. She took up Marie's wrist to feel for a pulse and said with a sigh and wink, "Well, that's a good sign - nice strong *regular* pulse." "Nat, she *knows* you and and about *me* - you don't need to hide anything," he stated and then, as Natalie continued to examine Marie, Nick summarized Marie's story. He then called to book them both off of work for the night. After examining Marie, they all sat down. Natalie confirmed that there was nothing physically wrong with Marie and Marie countered Natalie by assuring, "I'm *not* crazy!" Nick gave a quizzical look at Natalie and asked how Natalie would explain Marie's knowledge of them, especially since they had never met before that night. Natalie shrugged, shook her head, and replied, "Honestly, I don't know, Nick. Maybe you should talk to Janette, if she's still at the Raven." Nick thought for a moment. He visualized seeing Janette in the Raven. It had been some time since he'd last seen her and he had thought that she already moved on. "Hmm, Marie's life may be in danger," he agreed," I'll talk to Janette. Can you stay here with Marie until I get back? I'll have Vachon come over to help keep her safe - he owes me." Natalie agreed to stay as she watched him fly off. ********************** Cousin Heather (Heather P. email~~czheather@earthlink.net) from Houston, Texas. Now in Aggieland (for the past 5.5 years anyway) Bunny-Hugger of the McGregors Clan~~COTK~~UF~~Valentine~~DT "Give a Day to the Knight!"--www.earthlink.net/~alasher/day.html *Co-founder of the DarkTrinity faction. Ask me and Cousin Jen about it* Forever Knight in Twilight Zone part 2b by Margery Rothschild (with some help from Heather Poinsett) Disclaimers: see part 1 ********************** Vachon arrived at the loft through the skylight, landing cautiously so not to knock over any of Nick's carefully displayed artifacts. "Ah, Vachon. I'm *so* glad you could come. I was feeling just a bit uneasy," Natalie said, relieved. "No problem, Natalie," then staring at Marie, "So, you're Marie." As Vachon helped himself to a glass of blood, " Nick told me little about what's going on. Hope you don't mind." Natalie looked at Marie and they both shrugged it off. They all then sat down by the fireplace. ********************** LaCroix had arose before sunset, anxious to find Marie. He was a bit *perturbed* with Janette for allowing her to walk out of the Raven, even though Janette was a bit unaware of the situation. As he drank a glass of blood, he considered Marie's whereabouts. The moment the sun was set, he shot out of the Raven and took to the air. The night air was calm and cool. LaCroix flew effortlessly above the city. He listened and sensed everything carefully until, finally, he zeroed in on Marie's voice. ****************** Nick rushed into the Raven and found Janette near the bar, playing with a book of matches. It took a moment to recover over knowing that Janette was still there at the Raven. He so wanted to talk to her about their personal lives but he knew that time was limited. He pushed his emotions aside and questioned Janette about her knowledge of Marie. She couldn't provide much viable information except that she knew that LaCroix had something to do with it. She told Nick that LaCroix is out searching for Marie and she warned him about LaCroix's temper. "I wouldn't interfere, if I were you." "I need answers, Janette. I have a very confused and out of place woman in my loft. Help me out here." Nick about begged her for assistance and she reluctantly agreed. Janette approached Miklos and ordered him to take care of the Raven as they exited out the back. They took the air, heading towards Nick's loft. ***************** Natalie shared the couch with Marie while Vachon kicked back in the matching chair close by. They had been discussing Marie's brief visit so far. Natalie was quite curious as to how much Marie knows about those around her. She began a line of questioning that Marie was comfortable in answering. Marie was excited about the discussion since she was now able to 'talk to' the characters from her favorite show rather than talking to a few friends about it. "How much exactly do you know about all of us? I mean, maybe your 'TV show' is different?" Natalie asked, hoping. "Well, I know I only missed a few episodes but I'm supposed to get copies of those soon. Let's see . . .Natalie, you're a coroner and you work closely with Nick and Tracy," Marie explained, then motioned for Natalie to lean in as she whispered to her, "I know about your relationship with Nick. Nat, . . . he *really* does love you. He just doesn't want to hurt you, physically. You know what I mean." Natalie caught herself as her jaw began to drop. ~Oh my gosh. She's in more trouble than I thought~ she dreaded the thought. Marie continued as Natalie settled back on the couch, with the wheels whirling in her mind, full of concern. Then Marie turned to Vachon. "Um, Vachon, I was always wondering - do you reside in a church as a joke to the vampire community or what?" she laughed. Vachon's eyes nearly fell out of their sockets as he sat right up in shock. Natalie and Vachon looked at each other in disbelief. Then Natalie started to warn Marie, "You need to be very careful with the information you possess because . . ." but Marie finished for her, "because of the Enforcers. Yeah, I know about them. Now you understand my predicament, right?" They both nodded. "But we need to find out how you got to the Raven. Nick will find out. I'm sure," Natalie assured her. "That's why I came here first. I know Nick's a really good detective. I know he's been through a lot and I figured he'd understand." After some thought, Natalie said, "You know, I'm not sure I like being portrayed on a TV show that I'm not aware of." "Well, I don't know but maybe the show doesn't exist *here*. I don't want to sound rude or anything but you all aren't supposed to be real," Marie said as she stood up and started pacing, "I mean, we talk about the show on the internet and sometimes people involved with the show come on line too. But they are actors, not characters like you. This all doesn't make sense . . .it seems straight out of a sci-fi story. I wish Nick would get here already." ~You're telling me~, Natalie agreed, then asked Vachon, "You've been awfully quiet. What is your take on all this?" Vachon drank the last of the blood from his glass and looked up. He was having a hard time grasping all this. "Well," he said, licking his lip, "Hmm. . .I'm as confused as you are. Maybe LaCroix might have some answers. He's been around a lot longer than me." At Vachon's last word came a *whoosh* and there stood LaCroix, standing next to Marie. Natalie and Vachon rose quickly but kept their distance. "It's *so* nice to know that you acknowledge my wisdom, Vachon. Now if you'll excuse us, Marie and I have some matters to discuss," LaCroix spoke. "NO!" Natalie shouted out quickly, "Why don't we wait for Nick." Vachon thought of lunging forward but LaCroix's glare gave him second thoughts. He then glared back to Natalie. He put his arm around Marie's waist, told her to 'hang on' and, off they went through the skylight. "Follow him, Vachon!" Natalie yelled and Vachon took off after them. ************************ End part 2 Cousin Heather (Heather P. email~~czheather@earthlink.net) from Houston, Texas. Now in Aggieland (for the past 5.5 years anyway) Bunny-Hugger of the McGregors Clan~~COTK~~UF~~Valentine~~DT "Give a Day to the Knight!"--www.earthlink.net/~alasher/day.html *Co-founder of the DarkTrinity faction. Ask me and Cousin Jen about it* Forever Knight in Twilight Zone by Margery A. Rothschild (with some help from Heather Poinsett) *************************** Natalie grabbed Nick's phone and started to make a call to Nick when he and Janette flew in. Natalie was starting to tremble from the anger that was building up inside. "What happened, Nat?" Nick asked. "LaCroix just came right in and took off with Marie. He didn't say where he was going only that they had 'matters to discuss.' I sent Vachon to follow them," she reported through gritting teeth. Nick gave Natalie a reassuring hug as she finished. Just then, the phone rang and Nick picked up the receiver. "Yeah, Knight." "Nick? It's Vachon . Well, they went to the Raven . . .into the back room." "We're on our way. *Don't* let them out of your sight. Call me on the cellular if they leave." With that, Nick hung of the phone and relayed the message to Janette and Natalie. "We'll take care of it, Nat. Stay by the phone." Nick and Janette flew out of the skylight and headed towards the Raven. ************************* LaCroix, with Marie in a state of shock, arrived at the Raven and went into the back room. He went to the wine cellar and grabbed a bottle before they headed back out again. He put the bottle into his coat pocket and told Marie to wait for him near the door. He sped down the street where he had overheard Vachon speaking on the pay phone. With a flash, he cold-cocked Vachon, sending him flying into the wall of the building behind him, unconscious. He sped back to Marie, scooped her up, and they took off to the sky once again. ************************ Nick and Janette, while flying, caught sight of Vachon, who was just regaining consciousness. He rubbed the side of his face and licked the little bit of blood that had dripped from his lip. "You know, Nick, this cat and mouse game of yours is getting a bit tiresome," groaned Vachon. While helping Vachon get to his feet, Nick said, "Vachon . . .we all have a responsibility here. Ok? We need to find Marie and LaCroix. I think we can assume they are no longer in the Raven. However, we might find a clue of where they went in there." They walked into the Raven and found Alma 'playing' with a young man dressed in a fine suit. Janette yelled just before Alma sunk her teeth into the man' flesh, "Alma! Not in here!" Alma spun around, growling. The young man, who was quite drunk, passed out and slumped down onto the couch. "Have you seen LaCroix?" Janette asked her. "Yeah. He was here." Janette, restraining her temper, continued, "And? What did he do here? Where did he go?" "I'm not his keeper," hissed Alma. "Alma. . ." snarled Janette. "Alright, alright. He came in, went into the cellar and left. Ok?" Janette went into the cellar and found that a bottle was indeed missing from the rack. "He took one bottle with him, Nick," she accounted. Nick searched around LaCroix's desk and found a locked drawer. With a quick strong pull, the drawer opened. He fumbled through the files, towards the back, and found a small spiral bound black book. He pulled it out and started skimming the pages. With Janette and Vachon standing over his shoulder, Nick read aloud a passage of LaCroix's discovery of an ancient book that provides the details of a way for people to cross dimensions. "Why would LaCroix do this?" asked Vachon. "We've learned not to question why. It's not worth it," explained Nick, "I'll take this home and see what I can figure out from it. LaCroix and Marie are obviously some where well sheltered. The sun will be up soon, so they won't be going anywhere. I need to get back to Nat, anyway. I'll call you here soon." He turned to Janette and added, "Thanks for helping. I'm glad you're still here." "You owe me . . .big time," Janette said with a wink. "I know," he agreed. He gave her a kiss and then headed out the back door to the Raven. *************************** Nick arrived at the loft and found Natalie catching up on some work, using his computer. She was sitting quietly at his kitchen table. He snuck up behind her and whispered in her ear a soft "Hi" and before she could get one word out, he rubbed her shoulders and continued "I know. I'm sorry. There's been more trouble." Natalie quickly saved and exited out of the computer and shut it down. "Ok, explain," she said as she turned towards him, implying that she was ready to listen. "LaCroix took Marie to the Raven just to get a bottle of blood. He knocked Vachon unconscious before they took off. Janette found the bottle missing. I searched his desk and found this," he said, pulling the small book out of his coat pocket, "It's like a diary. He explains about an ancient book that describes the process of crossing dimensions. Now I just need to figure out where he's gone, hopefully, before he's done something rash." Nick took out a bottle from the refrigerator and sat down at the head of the table. He took a long swallow, then placed the bottle on the table. Together they looked through the book. ********************** End part 3 Cousin Heather (Heather P. email~~czheather@earthlink.net) from Houston, Texas. Now in Aggieland (for the past 5.5 years anyway) Bunny-Hugger of the McGregors Clan~~COTK~~UF~~Valentine~~DT "Give a Day to the Knight!"--www.earthlink.net/~alasher/day.html *Co-founder of the DarkTrinity faction. Ask me and Cousin Jen about it* Forever Knight in Twilight Zone by Margery A. Rothschild (with some help from Heather Poinsett) Disclaimers: see part 1 *************************** Forever Knight in Twilight Zone (4/?) Flying north above Toronto, Marie began regaining consciousness and hazily realized she was still in LaCroix's arms. She lifted her head slightly to look in his face. She felt the cool wind rushing through her hair as she asked where they were. LaCroix gave a quiet laugh and soothingly told her not to be concerned. As the sun began to rise, they arrived at a Victorian-style house. LaCroix expertly landed in the back yard. He carried her on to the porch, just as the sun's rays approached. He gently uprighted Marie, allowing her to get a semi-stable footing, enough so he could open the door by forcing the lock. Marie, feeling weak and still incoherent, held onto his strong arm. LaCroix slammed the door shut after they entered, startling Marie. She started trembling uncontrollably as he assisted her to a near by couch. "It's alright. I won't harm you," LaCroix assured her. ~Yeah, right. You expect me to believe that?~ she thought. She sat down on the couch and tried clearing her head but *something* was clouding her mind. LaCroix closed the blinds and then pulled up a chair near the couch. He gazed into Marie's eyes and she felt herself being drawn in. "I'm sure you are quite confused by the recent events. Let me set your mind at ease." She tried desperately to break from his gaze but found she could not. ~My god! He's mesmerizing me and I can't help myself!~ she thought, starting to panic. Then, she felt her body relaxing and LaCroix released her once he saw her body sinking into the couch. "What's happening to me? Is this real?" she asked. She had so many questions but she couldn't get her thoughts to straighten. "Oh, this is very real. I...have brought you here, into my world. I shall try to answer your questions." He leaned across, took her hands, and gently massaged them. He spoke softly and explained to her briefly about the antique book of miracles that he discovered. About the loneliness he had been feeling. How the spell allowed him to reach out, into another world, and bring to him someone he could truly connect with. She listened carefully to his words as best as she could but she kept transfixing on to him. There was something different about him. Something she may have seen one time in an episode, yet not quite the same. ~His eyes, what is it about his eyes?~ She forced herself to look deeper. She found emptiness and loneliness. His features appeared softer than what she was used to seeing on TV. As he spoke to her, she noticed her right hand unconsciously slipping from his hand and moving to his face. She touched his cheek with her fingertips. ~So cold. His skin *really* feels cold.~ He paused, and took notice of her movement towards him. He jerked back a moment until her fingers gently met his cheek. Her soft touch sparked feelings that were well buried deep inside him, of another time, another place. His left hand rose and lightly covered hers. He closed his eyes for a moment, and saw memories of Fleur. He looked at her and couldn't disguise his feelings toward her. "Oh, Marie. Do you understand what you're doing? What do you know of me?" "What more do I need to know? I know of your past -- the General, the master/father. However, I notice there's a change in you. You seem more caring, not so dark and sinister. I feel I've known you for years." "How can you feel this way? How can you know so much about me?" he questioned, then considered, "Aaah, from Nicolas." "No, actually, I know you on my own accord. Uh, um, from TV. In my world, you all are characters on TV." She went on explaining about her fan devotion to Forever Knight. "Knowing this much about me, surely you *must* be frightened of me." "Au contrair. I find you fascinating. I always loved listening to your radio show. Your voice is so soothing. However, I am still having a problem accepting that this is real." He sensed that she was tiring, as he was, and they should get some rest and continue the discussion later. He suggested that she shouldn't try to leave. She assured him that she would not. He lead her to a bedroom upstairs and saw to comfort her. A fainting couch was across the room and he rested there. As she settled into the bed, her mind began racing with thoughts once again. ~The LaCroix on TV, would he behave like this and taking such care about me? Maybe he's using me to torment Nick. Too much to take in.~ She finally succumbed to a deep sleep. ******* To be continued... Cousin Heather (Heather P. email~~czheather@earthlink.net) from Houston, Texas. Now in Aggieland (for the past 5.5 years anyway) Bunny-Hugger of the McGregors Clan~~COTK~~UF~~Valentine~~DT "Give a Day to the Knight!"--www.earthlink.net/~alasher/day.html *Co-founder of the DarkTrinity faction. Ask me and Cousin Jen about it* Forever Knight in Twilight Zone (5a/6) by Margery A. Rothschild (with some help from Heather Poinsett) Disclaimers: see part 1 Nick and Natalie studied the diary for several hours and came to the conclusion that LaCroix had become very depressed and lonely. Nick, of course, started blaming himself. It had only been recent that LaCroix had truly made attempts at their relationship yet Nick still strayed away from him. After all, Nick found it difficult to trust him, considering what he had been through over the 800 years. Natalie asserted that LaCroix brought it all on himself with the way he had treated Nick. However, arguing over who was at fault was a moot point. They contemplated where LaCroix might have taken Marie. Finally, Nick found an entry in the diary about a contact with a real estate agent. Nick dialed up the real estate agent on the phone while Natalie read more from the diary. The real estate agent stated that a Mr. LaCroix had indeed purchased a Victorian-style home north of Toronto. Nick wrote down the address and thanked the man for his cooperation. Meanwhile, Natalie discovered an entry as to the approximate whereabouts of the ancient book. "I think I know roughly where the ancient book is located. He mentions it in his diary. Nick, he hid it in the Raven somewhere," Natalie explained, "LaCroix only says that he 'hid the book in a safe place within the confines of the Raven.' Do you have any idea where he might have hidden it?" "Hmmm, good question. Janette might be able to help us with that," he said as he picked up the phone again. He dialed the Raven and was answered quickly by a raspy female voice. "Raven." "Janette? Sorry to have woken you." "Ah, Nicola. That's alright. I'm sure this *must* be important, he?" "Yeah. In LaCroix's diary, he said he hid the ancient book in a safe place, somewhere in the Raven. Have any idea where?" "Well...there might be a few places. I'm not sure." "Janette, please. Try to think where he might have hidden the book. We'll come over as soon as possible." "But mon cher, the sun! It's not sunset!" Janette stated, voicing her concern. Nick told her not to worry; that Natalie would drive and he'd ride in the trunk on the way. As he hung up the phone, Natalie gave him a worried look. She hated him risking his life by going out during the day, especially midday, but she understood how important it was to find LaCroix and Mary. Nick gathered up the diary and they headed out to meet Janette. ********************* LaCroix gave in after a few restless hours of sleep and rose from the fainting couch. Marie laid sound asleep still under the covers on the four-poster Elizabethan canopy bed. He stood gazing at her, taking in how her long, delicate brown hair laid across her pillow. He quietly moved towards her so that he wouldn't wake her. Although the room was unlit, there was a soft glow radiating from Marie's face. She slowly rolled over on to her side. Her eyes sluggishly opened and she peered up at LaCroix. With a very relaxed sigh, she grinned and said, 'Hi.' He returned the greeting and sat down on the edge of the bed. He was relieved to find that he hadn't woken her and that she slept fairly well. As they spoke to each other, LaCroix stroked her hair. "I'm glad to know that you slept well. Would you like to sleep longer or can I get you anything?" LaCroix asked her compassionately. "No, thank you. I'm quite fine... well, maybe some water? I am a bit thirsty, now that I think about it." LaCroix retrieved a glass of water, and gave the glass to Marie after she sat up in bed. He sat down beside her, watching her drink the full glass. She thanked him for the water and he set the glass next to him on the end table near the bed. After a moment, she looked up at LaCroix and asked him what is to become of her. He responded by saying that it was up to her -- that, although he brought her here via the necromancy from the antique book, he would not force her to stay. She looked into his eyes and told him that she felt as though she had nothing to return to. This brought great comfort to LaCroix for he had grown tired of being alone. Yet, she couldn't help wondering how she was going to live here or what were his real plans. Tears began to well up in her eyes when Marie asked LaCroix about the Enforcers. She knew that they'd find out about her and would want to kill her because she knew too much. She also asked him about what was she to do now that she was here and where was she to go. He put his arms around her to comfort her and went on to explain, "I have ways to deal with Enforcers. I can help you start a new life here." He felt the emotions build within him and his eyes turned to amber. She saw the change in color and became startled. "LaCroix, I've seen this before...between you and Fleur. I'm *not* Fleur, LaCroix. Also, I don't really know you. You seem different." "My, my, you do *know* much about my past. I know you're not Fleur but we have a special connection, you and I. You do understand that I can offer you many lifetimes with me. I can provide you with so much more than your previous life. How am I so different?" "You seem...more kind-hearted...like you really do care about me. Your character on TV wouldn't act this way. It seemed that you didn't act this way even to Fleur, whom you said you loved. How much do you care about me, LaCroix?" "I love you more than Fleur." "But how can that be when you know little about me?" ************************ Cousin Heather (Heather P. email~~czheather@earthlink.net) Bunny-Hugger of the McGregors Clan~~COTK~~UF~~Valentine~~DT *Co-founder of the DarkTrinity faction. Ask me and Cousin Jen about it* "In the middle of the 18th century all the morons moved to Utah"--a student's quote from Anguished English. Forever Knight in Twilight Zone (5b/6) by Margery A. Rothschild (with some help from Heather Poinsett) Disclaimers: see part 1 ******************************************************************** "How can that be when you know little about me? I've only been with you for a short time." "Ah, yes, this is quite true. However, you underestimate me, my dear," he said, as he drew back slightly and gazed into her eyes once again, "I may not know a lot about your past but I can see through to your soul, which tells me enough...And, our special connection, do you not feel anything towards me?" In her thoughts, she felt a little uncomfortable knowing that he could see into her soul. She tried to look away but his gaze was so strong that she could not. ~How do I know I can trust him? Nick has never trusted him. Yet, I do feel something for him~ she considered. "Give your life to me, Marie. I can offer you so much more than what you have now. Come to me." She heard his words echoing through her mind. Finally, she sighed, "yes," and gave into him. He took Marie into his arms, kissing her gently on the lips. She found herself returning kisses to him. He turned her head gently, while kissing her down the neck. She felt her heart quicken with passion and fear. Whispering into her ear, LaCroix told her not to be afraid and to trust him. After telling her to close her eyes, she gasped as he sank his long, sharp fangs into the soft skin of her neck. He felt the surge of her vital fluid flow into his mouth. As he took her in, he savoured every drop of her blood. She felt her body becoming weak and her mind flooded with many images involving LaCroix. He knew not to take too much so he withdrew from her neck. Slowly, he laid her down on the bed, cradling her head with one hand, placing it on the pillow. He laid next to her as he waited for her body to die. He listened to her heart beat becoming slower and slower. He kissed her gently on the lips and then spoke softly into her ear, "You're heart is becoming weaker with each beat. Do not be afraid. As you have become a part of me, I will become a part of you. You will start a new life through me." LaCroix then bit into his wrist and allowed the blood to drip into Marie's parted lips. Marie became animated again, taking LaCroix's wrist with her hands to her mouth, drinking his vital fluid. More images flooded her mind, images that she had seen on tv yet so much more! LaCroix sensed her hunger and pulled his wrist away quickly. Marie looked up at him as he left her bedside. "Don't leave me like this, please! I feel so...hungry!" Marie cried out. While pressing the wound on his wrist, he assured her that he was not leaving. After a few moments, he returned, carrying the bottle of blood that he had taken from the Raven. He handed her the bottle and she paused, looking at it for a moment. She then drank the blood until it was almost empty. Out of courtesy, she offered the bottle to LaCroix. He turned it down, after producing another 2 bottles. Smiling, he explained that he had more stored away in the house. That the bottle from the Raven was for a special occasion such as this. "So, you were planning on bringing me across all along?! I'm not sure not sure how to take this! Would you have brought me across even if I said no?" she cried out, angrily, throwing the empty bottle to the floor. "Yes, it is true, that I wanted to bring you acroxx since we met. I wanted you to be with me forever. However, remember, you did give yourself from your own free will...which is what I had hoped for," he explained, and with a pause, answered, "And if you had said 'no,' I would have tried to convince you further. But as I said before, I would not have forced you." LaCroix wasn't sure if he was convincing enough but he felt it didn't matter at this point. He had Marie where he wanted her - with him... forever. ************************ Cousin Heather (Heather P. email~~czheather@earthlink.net) Bunny-Hugger of the McGregors Clan~~COTK~~UF~~Valentine~~DT *Co-founder of the DarkTrinity faction. Ask me and Cousin Jen about it* "In the middle of the 18th century all the morons moved to Utah"--a student's quote from Anguished English. Part 6 - Forever Knight in Twilight Zone by Margery A. Rothschild (with some help from Heather Poinsett) Disclaimers: see part 1 Natalie opened the door to the Raven and then tapped on the trunk lid to signal Nick that he could get out. Nick threw open the trunk and ran in to the Raven with a slight trail of smoke following. Janette yelled for Natalie to close the door behind her. Nick inquired from Janette if she had found the ancient book. Janette stated that she did indeed found the book. That LaCroix had hidden it behind a painting in the back room. After handing Nick the book, Janette excused herself so that she could go back to sleep. Natalie suggested that Nick get a few hours of sleep since he'd need his strength to deal with LaCroix. As the sun was beginning to set, Nick awoke, anxious to get started looking for LaCroix and Marie. He found Natalie still seated at the table where he had left her. He gently tapped her on the shoulder, trying not to startle her. "I didn't expect you to be up so soon." "I couldn't sleep any longer. I'm too anxious to find them<" he said with a yawn, "you must be exhausted as well." " Yeah, I'm about to fall over... but before I do, let me tell you about this book, " she said, as she stretched her arms. She went on to explain that the book is like a cookbook - very detailed instructions on how to do different types of 'magical' spells. She said that she was surprised that it actually worked and that, to her, seemed like a cheap magicians handbook. "Now that LaCroix's brought Marie here, I'm not sure if we'll be able to get her back to her own world. I think he's going to have to do that," she expressed her concern. Nick urged Natalie to keep the book in a safe place and to get some rest. He planned to call her later. Nick then headed out of the Raven to find LaCroix and Marie. The sun had just set as Nick headed north in the sky. He listened carefully and aimed towards the sounds of LaCroix's and Marie's voices as he passed the Toronto border line. He knew that he had to hurry. ********************** LaCroix asked Marie to allow him to sit next to her while they continued their conversation. His soothing voice calmed her rage. She had finished the second bottle but still had a slight feeling of hunger. LaCroix assured her that the hunger would subside and she would learn how to control it. He asked her what she knew about living as a vampire. She explained that her knowledge is from what she had learned from the TV show. She explained that what she learned from Nick is that killing isn't necessary and that there's plenty of cows' blood. LaCroix cringed when he heard this. Just then, the window's glass shattered and Nick landed in front of LaCroix and Marie. Marie grabbed on to LaCroix, totally startled. "Really, Nicolas. Couldn't you have used the front door?" LaCroix said sarcastically. "I'm not amused. Are you alright, Marie?" "You've really lost your sense of humour. You used to be so much more fun. Marie is quite fine...*now*." "What do you mean?" "You are too late, Nicolas. Marie is now a part of our family. She gave herself to me of her own free will." Nick was astounded, ~how could she want to be a slave to LaCroix?~ Reading Nick's thoughts, LaCroix affirmed that their relationship is different than the one between he and Nick. He resolved that Nick needn't worry because he would teach Marie all she needed to know. Marie would then continue living with LaCroix if she so desired. Nick wanted to hear it from Marie so he asked her how she felt about all of this. Marie explained that she wasn't totally sure, after learning that LaCroix had planned to bring her across all along. Yet, she does feel for LaCroix and noted a difference in him. She explained how LaCroix had acted different to her than he did to Fleur. She told Nick that she felt as though she didn't really have a life to return to in her world. That she'd be better off staying here, although this wasn't quite what she had expected. Nick wasn't too thrilled about what he was hearing. He tried to convince LaCroix that Marie should stay with him but LaCroix declined. He then reminded LaCroix that he needs to take care of Marie, to keep her out of trouble, and that she is his responsibility now. Nick left Marie with LaCroix and headed to Natalie's apt, disappointed. After arriving, he informed her about Marie's new life as a vampire. They sat on the couch while discussing the recent events and concluded that, although Nick hated to admit it, there wasn't much they could have done to prevent Marie's being brought across. Nick suggested that maybe the ancient book would have some answers but Natalie sadly reported that although there might be a way to send her back, Marie couldn't return as a vampire and, unfortunately, the book was no help in that area either. She had already looked in the book for a cure for vampyrism to help Nick. ********************* LaCroix brought Marie out of the house to go for a walk. As they walked around the block, taking in the fresh air, Marie noticed how well she could hear others around the area. She heard conversations behind the walls of the homes, the chatter from the nightclub nearby. The noise was becoming overwhelming and she tried hard to shut it out. As they rounded the corner, LaCroix advanced ahead while she heard the heart beat of a woman nearing. LaCroix stopped the woman and 'persuaded' her into the alley. Marie followed and saw LaCroix seizing his victim. Marie staggered as LaCroix offered the woman to her and was suddenly overcome with a renewed hunger. ********************** Voice of Rod Serling: A harmless TV show. But for the ordinary woman who is a fan watching, the show became too real. It's what happens when a lonely character happens upon an ancient mystical book. It's the beckoning call for a quick trip into...The Forever Knight Twilight Zone. ************************ Fin Cousin Heather (Heather P. email~~czheather@earthlink.net) Bunny-Hugger of the McGregors Clan~~COTK~~UF~~Valentine~~DT *Co-founder of the DarkTrinity faction. Ask me and Cousin Jen about it* "In the middle of the 18th century all the morons moved to Utah"--a student's quote from Anguished English.