I DO NOT CLAIM TO OWN THE REVIVAL SERIES IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM; AND WRITE THESE STORIES OUT OF PURE PASSION AND LOVE FOR DARK SHADOWS. PLEASE ENJOY, AND BE SURE TO LEAVE A REVIEW SO YOU CAN HELP ME TO IMPROVE MY WRITING.
DARK SHADOWS
CREATED BY DAN CURTIS
Chapter 1
"Barnabas, I know your secret! I know what you are!" Victoria had cried out in terrifying realization. Her irrational behavior triggered Barnabas to try and comfort her. However, before he was able to take one step, Victoria became overwhelmingly terrified. Roger Collins and Doctor Julia Hoffman attempted to restrain her. "Don't let him near me, he's a vampire! Please you must believe me!" she continued. Julia interjected, "You know that isn't possible, Victoria, Barnabas has been seen during the day many times."
"Elizabeth will you please hand me my medical bag? I'm going to give her a mild sedative." Elizabeth reached for the bag as quickly as possible. Upon retrieving the proper syringe, Julia injected its contents into Victoria's arm. "Barnabas is the one they've been looking for... you... you must listen to me," Victoria's voice begins to drift. After a few passing moments she became heavily sedated but not entirely unconscious.
Barnabas continued to stare at Victoria with a mixture of concern and absolute bewilderment. Everyone in the room turned their attention to Barnabas for a brief period, looking just as bewildered as he did. Doctor Hoffman caught sight of the sinister grin which Maggie had given her. The Doctor did her best to remain focused on the task at hand, "I think Vicky is experiencing immense shock from her journey from the past back to the present time."
"That's an understatement if there ever was one," Roger replied in his usual sarcastic tone of voice.
"I think it would be best to let her rest for the time being. There's always tomorrow morning for the answers to our questions," Julia insisted.
"Yes, you're absolutely right Julia. Victoria's health should be our top priority at this time," Elizabeth agreed.
Roger, Maggie, Elizabeth, and Barnabas left the room. Julia remained for a few moments to make sure that Victoria was comfortable for the evening. It seemed as if though Victoria has finally fallen asleep, allowing Julia to exit the room.
Julia closed the door to Victoria's room and continued down the hallway to catch up with the others. Afterwards, Maggie snuck out of the room next door and slipped into Victoria's, closing the door behind her. Maggie, still possessed by Angelique, turned on the bedroom light and walked towards the side of the bed. She reached out to touchVictoria's forehead with the palm of her hand. Angelique closed her eyes to concentrate, "Hear me Victoria Winters, and hear me well. After this night has passed you shall remember nothing. Every last memory erased like footprints in the sand," her French accent was less audible.
Meanwhile at the old house, Barnabas paced anxiously up and down the foyer trying to take in everything that happened that night. He pondered the situation very deeply, What am I to do now? Victoria believes me to be a malevolent vampire; responsible for the death of Josette and everyone else I once loved in that time. How will I ever be able to regain her trust? Perhaps I truly am the one at fault for everything that has happened?
There was a part of Barnabas that felt deeply betrayed by Victoria. She had, afterall, denounced him as the vampire responsible for all of the death and destruction that had occured last Fall. But did they believe her? All of these thoughts echoed mercilessly throughout Barnabas' mind.
Willie Loomis entered the foyer, his personable mannerisms in full swing.
"Boy Barn'bas, it sure is a relief t' see Miss Winters safe an' sound back at Collinwood again," Willie stated with a quirky grin.
"Where's Julia, Willie? She should have been here to meet me hours ago," asked Barnabas in a cold tone.
"Yeah... uh... you're right Barn'bas, she shoulda been back by now. I'll go see what's up," Willie started towards the door.
Before he was able to exit the house Julia had rushed inside, completely drenched from the rainstorm.
"Well there you is Doc. We sure was start'n t' worry 'bout you!" Willie said in a concerned tone, proceeding to take the Doctor's raincoat.
"Yes, we certainly we're. What took you so long Julia?" asked Barnabas, who sounded more on edge than usual.
Doctor Hoffman turned her attention to Barnabas. "Could we talk in the drawing room, Barnabas?"
"Here is just fine, Julia," Barnabas replied solemnly.
"Well, its not fine for me," Doctor Hoffman lead the way to the drawing room; where upon having entered sat down next to the fire, warming her cold, tired bones.
Willie followed them both into the drawing room. Both Barnabas and Willie stood waiting in anticipation for Doctor Hoffman to get comfortable so that they could converse about their latest predicament.
"Well, Julia? You don't seem too concerned that Victoria has discovered my secret."
"I don't believe the situation to be quite as serious as you do, Barnabas."
"Not as serious, doctor?!"
Doctor Hoffman's eyes met Barnabas' "Not at all, everyone knows that you exist in the daylight. No one will believe a word Vickie says."
"Unless she convinces someone that you are responsible for curing me! Afterall, we have spent quite a bit of time together, Doctor. Like a puzzle, someone is bound to put the pieces together."
"But without evidence-"
"The medical journal, containing every report and diagnostic pertaining to me ever recorded. I believe that to be sufficient evidence, don't you? Barnabas had interrupted; his behavior bordered on irrational.
A few moments of awkward silence passed before Willie Loomis spoke up, "Barn'bas is right Doc, if them cops get hold of t' journal we're screwed!"
More silence as Doctor Hoffman reflected on the current situation. The stillness finally broken by Barnabas, " It seems there has been a break in the storm, Willie. I think now is a good time to transport my coffin to its new location."
"Uh... yeah, of course Barn'bas I'll go fetch it right now," Willie replied before walking away.
Doctor Hoffman looked up in surprise, "You've chosen a new hiding place, Barnabas?"
"For your safety as well as everyone else's I think it best to disappear," he said remaining stoic.
"What do you mean by disappear?" asked Doctor Hoffman who seemed worried.
Barnabas pulled up a chair and sat down facing Doctor Hoffman. After a few seconds of thought and consideration he continued to elaborate.
"Willie and I will be moving my coffin to a secure location that will remain anonymous for the time being. After our arrival-"
"-Barnabas, have you considered the major implications of your decision to reconfine yourself? If something were to set you free for example, your blood thirst would drive you to commit horrible acts. You would have no choice but to constantly feed in a desperate struggle to quench irrepressible thirst. The man sitting in front of me would regress like never before," Julia stated, interrupting him.
"I have considered the implications, Julia. His eyes had widened. He continued, "That is why I've instructed Willie to drive a stake through my heart upon our arrival at the cave below Widows Hill."
Doctor Hoffman looked in order to avoid eye contact. Barnabas could tell that she felt deeply saddened by his decision. He reached out affectionately for her hand but she pulled away, reluctant to demonstrate any emotion.
In a saddened tone of voice still looking down Julia replied, "I can't believe you'd give up so easily..."
"Julia, I've had time to reflect over the last couple of weeks, taking into consideration all of the horrible things that I have done. My conscience will not allow me to simply rest; to carry on living without regret, without pain. Most importantly my destruction will guarantee the safety of everyone I care about."
Julia ignored his counter argument, "Everything I did for you... it will all have been for nothing. You truly have become a lost cause."
Barnabas winced at the Doctor's hurtful words. Words that stabbed into his chest like a dagger, carving through his soul, leaving an empty void. Perhaps Julia is right? I can't imagine causing anymore pain. What am I to do? He continued to ponder...
"I believe that Angelique is now using Maggie Evans as her vessel," Julia blurted out.
Genuine surprise and concern had proliferated over Barnabas' face like wildfire, "Are you certain of this?"
Julia returns a slight nod of the head as Barnabas stood up and walked uneasily towards the fireplace.
"If this is true then Victoria may be in grave danger. Angelique must be stopped at all costs!"
"I agree, but how are we to defeat Angelique without hurting, or possibly killing, Miss Evans?"
"I may not have all of the answers, Julia, but there must be someone out there who does."
"I might know of a man who can help us, an old friend of mine who used to teach Occult Studies at the New York University." Julia eagerly suggested.
"You're absolutely sure that he is qualified?" Barnabas asked.
Julia reassured him with confidence, "If there were ever an authority on matters of the supernatural; as well as scientifically unexplainable phenomena, it would most certainly be Professor Elliot Stokes."
Willie returned from the cellar, pulling behind him Barnabas' coffin strapped down to a sort of pulley.
"A'right Barn'bas, I got ur coff'n ready t' go!" Willie announced with sorrow, his voice echoing, making its way into the drawing room.
"Very good, Willie," Barnabas responded, leaving the drawing room.
Doctor Hoffman stood upright from the sofa and followed Barnabas into the foyer where all three of them gathered.
"You sure you still wantin' t' go through with this Barn'bas?" Willie asked his master, looking concerned.
Barnabas turned to his friend and servant, tenderly placing his hand on Willie's shoulder, their eyes made direct contact, "No Willie, I've changed my mind. I'll be damned if I give up now. And I promise both you and Julia that I will do everything within my power to right all of my wrongs." Willie Loomis' eyes lit up with enthusiasm.
"Gee Barn'bas that sure makes me feel a whole lot better!"
Barnabas continued, "We will, however, still need to move my coffin to the cave... at least for the time being."
Willie nodded his head in agreement with his friend. Barnabas turned to face Doctor Hoffman, "I was also hoping that you would continue to give me daily injections, Doctor."
"What made you change your mind so quickly Barnabas?" Julia asked curiously.
"It must have been something you said," he replied.
"Julia, its imperative that you make contact with this Professor Stokes. He may be the only one who can help us," Barnabas stated, his mood becoming more serious.
Doctor Hoffman smiled, "I'll look into it right away."
Chapter 2
It was early morning at the great house of Collinwood, and Mrs. Johnson had taken it upon herself to awaken just slightly earlier than the rest of the household with the kind intention of bringing a nice cup of tea to Victoria Winters room. Upon arriving just outside of her bedroom, Mrs. Johnson gave a considerate knock at the door. A few seconds passed by with no reply, leading her to knock one last time. Still no response.
She twisted the door knob, and continued to push the door wide open. It was still quite dark inside, with the exception of the first few rays of sunshine that had just begun to grace the morning sky.
Mrs. Johnson entered the room, immediately walking over to a desk and gently setting the tray of tea down. She finally turned towards Victoria's bed, which to her great surprise bared no Victoria Winters. Considerably worried, as deduced from the expression on her face, Mrs. Johnson quickly searched the rest of the room for any trace of the young governess, but to no avail.
Frantically concerned, Mrs. Johnson decided to wake Mrs. Stoddard and notify her of Victoria's disappearance. A small search team, that consisted of Roger, Barnabas, Carolyn, and Sherriff George Patterson, was assembled and they scoured the entirety of the great estate of Collinwood with no results.
After a tiresome afternoon of searching, the team decided to rendezvous in the drawing room of the great house.
"I'm just not sure what to say Liz. We must have searched every place conceivable on the estate," Sherriff Patterson reported to Elizabeth.
"I'm almost certain that this isn't as serious as we're making it out to be," Roger said casually. He continued to explain, "Perhaps she just felt like walking into town in order to make sense of everything that has happened over the last couple of weeks."
"Everything that has happened?" Sheriff Patterson turned to ask Roger.
Elizabeth shot Roger a look that seemed to suggest that he had said too much as the Sheriff had been completely oblivious to Victoria's journey back to the 1790's. A matter of seconds had gone by as the Sheriff had awaited an explanation to Roger's statement.
"I believe that Roger is referring to the enormous strain that Vickie has been under, as she has recently learned more about her biological parents. She grew up in an orphanage," Elizabeth explained, having twisted the truth just slightly.
"How do you know Vickie isn't simply visiting with her folks then?" asked Sheriff Patterson.
"She very well could be, George. We simply thought it was suspicious and quite alarming that she had left before dawn and with no explanation to top it all off," Elizabeth replied.
"I must admit that her apparent departure was somewhat unorthodox, not to mention irresponsible. But I can't officially announce her as missing for twenty-four hours," Sheriff Patterson explained.
"Yes, George... I understand. Thanks for everything," Elizabeth replied albeit nervously.
"Carolyn or Barnabas, did Miss Winters say anything to either of you the last time you spoke with her that might shed some light as to her whereabouts?" Sheriff Patterson asked.
"No, I'm afraid not," Barnabas responded.
Carolyn shook her head, "Sorry."
"If it will be of any comfort to you Liz, I'll have some of the boys down at the department keep a look out for Miss Winters in town," Sheriff Patterson said in an attempt to set everyone at ease.
"Thank you Sheriff, your cooperation has been greatly appreciated," Roger replied.
Sheriff Patterson gave a simple nod and turned away, starting towards the exit. Mrs. Johnson escorted the Sheriff out of the drawing room, and closed the door behind her.
Roger, Carolyn, Barnabas, and Elizabeth stood silent.
"Somehow I feel responsible for what has happened, Elizabeth," Barnabas spoke up, breaking the silence. He explained, "The way Victoria had responded to my presence last night-"
"-Was utterly ridiculous," Elizabeth had finished his sentence. She continued, "Vickie was in total shock Barnabas; she didn't mean to say those things, and besides no one here believes you're responsible for the tragedy that has occured. So Please, stop blaming yourself."
Barnabas had appreciated her defense but still felt deeply responsible and guilt ridden inside. He wouldn't be able to rest until he knew for sure that Vickie was safe and Angelique defeated.
"I agree with Liz, Barnabas. We have all seen you during the day, and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that you're among the most trustworthy and respectable men we know," Roger told him encouragingly.
Barnabas returned a half smile. Roger's kind sentiment made him feel as if though he was a part of the family. Something he had not felt for more than two-hundred years.
"I'm almost certain its just a matter of time before Vickie returns to us," Carolyn assured them.
Carolyn's statement garnered no replies, and no disagreements either.
Roger looked down at his wrist watch in anticipation, "Well will you look at the time, I'm going to be late for my appointment. I'll talk to you all later." Roger started towards the door, and exited the drawing room.
"I would feel much more useful if I were to help out with the search. Perhaps I'll drive into town with Willie to do some scouting," Barnabas announced.
Elizabeth nodded, as Barnabas gave a polite bow towards the two women that stood before him. He then proceeded towards the door.
Chapter 3
Victoria Winters walked the streets of Collinsport in a dazed state; wearing the same clothing that she had worn during her time in the year 1791. Exhausted from walking so far, she stopped in front of the Blue Whale.
Many of the people entering had given her strange looks. Victoria decided to enter, most likely out of curiosity. Upon entering, she slowly made her way over to a table and sat down. Sam Evans, who was busy tending to the thirst of his usual patrons, noticed the young lady's peculiar entrance.
"Hey Maggie, would you mind taking over for a few minutes?" Sam asked his daughter, still unaware that she was possessed.
"Sure pops," she replied with a smile, successfully burying her French accent.
Sam Evans made his way to a telephone. After dialing a number he patiently waited for someone to pick up on the other end. He let out a sigh of relief when Sheriff Patterson picked up the opposite line.
"Hello?" the sheriff answered.
"George, its me Sam Evans... Vickie Winters just entered the Blue Whale and took a seat at one of my tables."
"Alright Sam, I'm on my way," the Sheriff told him before hanging up.
Sam hanged up and walked back to the bar, still keeping a watchful eye on Victoria.
A waiter came by and asked Victoria whether or not she was ready to order something. "I don't understand... where am I?" Victoria asked.
"This is a restaurant, miss. The Blue Whale to be exact," the waiter replied with a grin, not knowing whether to take the young lady seriously. A look of absolute confusion and terror had spread over Victoria's face.
"Please, you must tell me who I am!" Victoria demanded impatiently.
"How should I know? Look, you just wait here until I come back with a menu," the waiter replied before quickly making his way back to the bar.
As Victoria sat alone at the table, a clean shaven young man with wavy, short blond hair and blue eyes approached her.
"Hello," he said with a charming smile.
Victoria looked up at him. "Hello," she had managed.
"I couldn't help but overhear your yelling at the waiter... is everything alright?" the young man asked her.
"Alright...? I don't even know what that means anymore."
"Please, tell me about it. You can trust me. I'm a doctor."
"Its terrifying... but I... well, I don't know who I am," Victoria admitted. She continued, "It seems I've lost all account of who I once was."
"Tell me, what is the last thing you remember?"
"I think I was asleep in my room when someone entered - yes, a woman who's face I could not see. She placed her hand on my forehead and told me..."
Victoria's voice had broken off, as she grew emotional from the strain of trying to remember and therefor began to cry. The young man whom she had chosen to confide in reached across the table to tenderly place her hand in his, comforting Ms. Winters through her difficult time.
"There is a special place that I work, a sanctuary if you will, where we can help you to regain your memory; your very identity even. This place is known as Windcliff. Its discreet, and most importantly respectful of its patients. I promise that if you come with me there now, I'll do everything possible to help you. Do you trust me?"
Victoria looked him in the eyes, her's still wet with tears.
"Yes, I trust you," she simply replied.
"Hey Sam," the waiter tried to get Mr. Evans attention.
Sam walked over to the waiter. "That girl over there keeps asking me strange questions and she won't order anything. She might need help," the waiter explained, turning and then pointing in the direction to where she was seated. "Wait a minute... she was there just a minute ago," he told his boss.
"Damnit!" Sam Evans exclaimed, realizing that Ms. Winters had left.
"I didn't catch your name," Victoria hinted as they walked down the street, leaving the Blue Whale behind in the distance.
"My name is Eric... Eric Lang," he said with a smile as they both disappeared into the dark shadows of the night.
