Hello my dear readers, the second part of Transylvanian adventure is here Agatha being in an unusual pain needs to know what's going on and thinking quickly, has only one option how to find it out ...

To all of you leaving kudos and reviews ... huge thank you for all the support and nice words keep it like that and again, let me know your impressions ...

CHAPTER 18: Heirs and successors

Entering the white spacious consulting room, her life turned completely different way. Agatha Balaur, connected to a pumping, blood filtrating device and intravenous solution, is crying from desperation almost an entire hour. Her eyes are red from all the tears she can produce, her head feels dizzy as if she drunk alcohol, even her stomach wants to empty its content even though it´s already unfilled. All started few days ago … no, you, foolish woman … more than 2 months ago … her inner self corrects her immediately, scolding her loss of rationality and clear mind. The first alarming signals … that´s more accurate, yes …occurred 2 days ago, before Count Dracula left Bistritz to get his castle back. She hasn't even told him how bad her stomach pain is, pretending she is alright, just not in the mood to travel when expecting her period. Then the muscle cramps in her lower abdomen became unbearable and I started to think that this would be my end … if only! … how stupid of me! Sudden susceptibility to pain scared her though as it became completely foreign and partially forgotten. At first, she though that such symptoms may have the same root as Dracula's a year ago, however, no one and nothing could poison her. The only other, strange, unusual thing that might have potentially affected her, is the storm she called upon those mortals. Even then she felt so different … though no pain hit her then … quite the contrary, she never felt so powerful and strong as in those moments. Now a probable explanation of this storm phenomenon emerges to the surface. The more she has or gains from her husband, the more advanced vampire powers she has. This outcome, current situation that brought her to the tears, might be the explanation … Her thinking is however, again interrupted by a ringing phone. Third time this afternoon and even this call will remain unanswered. Not even looking at the screen … she is in no mood for talks … she turns it off, tossing it somewhere further to the couch, out of her reach. With a heavy, tired sigh, Agatha returns her gaze back to the metal stand with a plastic bag and by-standing dialysis box. Only 2 more hours and then … what then? The reality won´t change at all! I will be still … her eyes rest on her guilty abdomen … How could I be so stupid to think there´s something wrong with my internal organs, stomach possibly?! I am dead! Heavens! I am the stupidest doctor in the world! Her anger at herself lasts only few moments because it is quickly replaced by another wave of despair. Her hopeless situation mixes her emotions in a turbulent way. Searching an escape plan is useless … after all, there is only one option … though inhumane … and against her persuasion … Isn't this however even worse? For me? For the world! I am a monster … Vlad is a monster … the world doesn't need more of us … The tears start to run anew, just thinking about turning the idea into a reality … when it is still time … simply, it makes her sick ... I am a monster! Once more, her desperate mind re-plays the scene from the last late night. Moments that brought her the worst possible news…

- FLASHBACK -

… It wasn´t that hard to get past the reception that is at this time of the day already empty as the majority of the modern building. All lights are turned off, only the emergency ones with a running person icon are lit to show the path to the exit… unlit space is no issue for the vampiress, quite the contrary, it´s a welcome thing. Partially bending forward with each strike of stinging pain, it´s a pathetic look at the strong person of the Balaur Clinic´s Maecenas. Even if in pain, she moves fast, grateful to her special skills, that help her to avoid all the security cameras she insisted on installing. Agatha has no issue to orientate in the building that she helped to efficiently plan and soon, she nears her destination. Turning to the left at the end of the long corridor she finally reaches the Roentgen Department. With her identity card, she opens the heavy, metal door separating the waiting room and the actual workplace. Only then she breaths out and allows herself the luxury of artificial light. The device selection is rich, according to her knowledge, the most prominent in the country … she made sure, that the lands affected mostly by the deeds of her blood-thirsty husband, receive the best care possible at least today … and it´s actual now even more … those are her people too, aren't they? This unnecessary thought surprises her, nevertheless, another wave of pain returns her back to the reality immediately. With a resonant ouch, she quickly selects the first device for examination … having a small, hopeful, suspicion what the source of her problems might be, she avoids magnetic resonance. If her body is harmed by a forgotten metal projectile, she would risk piercing of her skin as well … though that would be the best outcome. The ultrasound is turned on and doctor Agatha Balaur prepares all the things necessary for an examination … if only there was a patient waiting outside. She huffs, though as if her prayers were heard, the mechanized heavy doors open.

- What are you … - the examination room is entered by a young woman, not older than 26, almost a fresh graduate. With intention to catch the trespasser, she frowns at first but her approach changes when she recognizes the intruder. - Doctor Balaur? - she asks the as well shocked vampiress. - I … I … apologize. - and stepping inside she explains further. - I thought that you are a thief or someone unauthorized. -

- Well, I am not. - nothing better occurs to her mind. This unpleasant coincidence complicates her cause. Doctor Adameșteanu can very well see the uneasiness of the Maecenas and is prepared to exit the room again, leaving the older doctor to whatever activity she did before, however what happens next changes her mind instantly. - Ouch! - Agatha growls, embracing her hurting torso with both arms, collapsing on the chair.

- Doctor Balaur! What´s going on? - immediately the younger woman stands next to her, helping her to accommodate her on the chair. With worries in her eyes, she now has her explanation.

- Stomach … cramps. - she sighs, patting like in her strange dream that she almost forgot.

- And you wanted to examine yourself? - Agatha only nods, closing her eyes for a moment. - May I help you? - offered help would be appreciated under normal circumstances, but heavens … I am not a regular human being! My heart is still as are my lungs. The heart frequency cannot be measured, neither the blood pressure. I am dead, yet alive. What will she think about it? I am in no power to influence her mind now … I cannot focus even on my own thoughts!

- I just need an ultrasound, nothing else. -

- Alright. - straightening up, doctor Adameșteanu starts preparing all the equipment anew. - Lay down on the bed, doctor and … - one look at the older woman tells her that no explanation is needed. Agatha is already prepared, her shirt rolled up, uncovering the area of her stomach. Out of habit she takes a deep breath in and with a high level of nervosity, observes each step of the promising young doctor, whose specialisations, as she believes is gastroenterology. In a moment, the contrast gel covers her stomach and the screen of the mobile ultrasound is turned on.

- Now let's see, where the problem lays. - the younger doctor concentrates on the screen as well, checking the guts for some obstruction, which might be responsible for the pain. Stomach seems to be alright, as well as the intestines and even the appendix is not swollen or ruptured as it might be. Everything seems good. - Everything seems normal, doctor Balaur. - both women are puzzled, after all that´s what Agatha sees as well, though … another idea comes to her mind … what if?! … no, that is nonsense … we have scientific proof, that something like that is impossible … She bits her lower lip as a small spasm clenches her abdomen anew. As she bends over, warm hand of doctor Adameșteanu, holding the screening head, slides lower and the picture changes as well …

- Oh. - the younger doctor is the first one to react. Immediately she focuses more on the area of the lower abdomen, adding some contrasting gel on it as well. Eventually, she smiles … unlike Agatha … - It seems that we have found the little source of the ache. -

- Is it … uhm …? - she can see it very well, nevertheless hopes, her eyes are lying to her ... doctor Adameșteanu zooms the picture to take a better look. There are no more doubts ...

- Baby, yes. - it´s confirmed and if Agatha's heart was still beating, it would stop right now. The pleasantly smiling doctor turns the sound of the ultrasound on as well, completely oblivious to the horror in Agatha's eyes. Emotion of the most terrifying fear only multiplies when a loud two-tone symphony of quick lub dubs and bum bumbs follows ... - 2 babies, my mistake. -

- 2 babies. - Agatha repeats in a shock, still processing the information this examination confirmed. - With heartbeat. - she muses further and frowns. Something is amiss again ... Heartbeats? Vampires don't have ...

- I am no specialist, doctor Balaur, but this might be the 9th or 10th week. -

- Yes. - the assumptions of the younger lady seem to be correct. Lack of enthusiasm attributes the younger woman to a shock.

- Are you surprised? - she asks.

- Yes. -

- Well, I hope pleasantly. - she smiles widely, handing Agatha a box with paper towels. - Congratulations! -

- Thank you, doctor. Now I have my answers. -

- You are welcome, doctor Balaur. Anyways, I would recommend a visit to the ob-gyn if you are in such a pain, to check if the babies are alright. Such strong cramps might indicate serious issues. -

- Yes. I will. - being clean of contrasting gel, Agatha covers herself again and sits. - Can I ask you for one more favour, doctor Adameșteanu? - it surprises the fresh graduate that joined the prestigious Balaur Clinics team just four months ago, that Agatha knows her name ... she eagerly nods.

- Of course. -

- I will need the portable hemodialysis machine ... - the sharp mind of doctor Balaur is working fast, having new facts available. - and IV solution with a metal stand moved to my apartment. -

- Oh. - strange request ... that Agatha rather immediately explains.

- I just need to have it prepared and setup in my own bedroom. -

- So, do you think that the spasms are caused by improper kidney work? -

- Yes ... I have some issues with my blood and now there are ... uhm ... - she sighs and closing her eyes for a moment, says it finally aloud. - There are the ... babies ... it´s a possible blood poisoning if the … - it´s impossible this is real! - umbilical cord doesn't function properly. - that would explain all the troubles … that and an insufficient nutrition of the foetuses who must need much more than her blood offers … at this stage of pregnancy ... certainly … - Please try to prepare the tools and transport vehicle, I'll call the director and explain it further. -

- Of course. - it will be a little challenging task, but she is determined to complete it. - You can wait here, doctor Balaur. Once all is ready for your departure, I will let you know. - with these words she leaves the room and Agatha remains alone ... not alone ... not anymore ... she corrects herself immediately saddening even more ...

END OF FLASHBACK

-/-

Taking look at her now obviously slightly enlarged abdomen, Agatha scolds herself again. She noticed the weight gain around her abdomen, though did not pay it any special attention. After all, she was finally stress-free, eating well, though doing almost nothing ... not in a constant move as before, when she worked and many times forgot to feed herself ... that looked rather like 10th week ... damn ... how's that possible? She is asking herself constantly. At that time, she was still bleeding and afterwards ... well, they did not cross the borders of intimacy for the next 2 weeks that seemed as the longest ones in her life. And how hard it was to resist Vlad?! And deal with his grumpiness and puppy-eyes, cuddling moods and provocative gazes ... all for nothing? When did it happen? It doesn't mind, does it? It happened and that's all that matters ...

-/-

Count Dracula is scared as never before. Constantly clutching his phone in one hand and the driving wheel in the other one, he divides his attention between the screen and the road. The castle is theirs and as soon as the final signature was made, he wanted to call Agatha and announce that great news. The phone was only ringing, but no one answered the call. Automated message that the addressee is unreachable frustrates him more and more. 10 calls at least, those last 3 didn't even ring as if the phone was turned off. Immediately the worst-case scenarios found their way into his vivid mind that was persuading him that Agatha was kidnapped or seriously harmed, even though he couldn't think of anything natural that could cause that. Surely, he tried to contact the Clinic as well, however, the receptionist wasn't able to tell him if Agatha was there and the director wasn't much more helpful, basically giving him the same answer. Now, furiously, he over crossed the speed limit the moment he left the city and reached the highway leading to Bistritz and even now is hoping that no police car stops him and prevents him from seeing his wife as soon as possible. Certainly, if such a situation happened, he wouldn't hesitate to kill just to speed up the process ... not killing, manipulating their minds ... Agatha wouldn't forgive me if anything happened to her mortals without a valid reason ... shit ... he curses again, as another phone call is unsuccessful. The caller you have dialled is unreachable ... the same robotic voice repeats it again and again. Nevertheless, within 3 minutes Count Dracula finally reaches the building of their rented apartment and once the car is parked and locked, hurries to the 2nd floor. The door is unlocked and opened wide as soon as he reaches it. With a hurry, paying attention to everything suspicious he runs to the living room, from which he can hear a silent sob.

- Agatha! - he calls the name of his wife with obvious worry written all over his face. - Darling, what's going on? - he can see a strange machine with two half-empty containers filled obviously with blood as well as a metal stand with IV, that was once connected to his arm as well filled with a devious fluid.

- Vlad. - her response is quiet, though she quickly wipes her tears.

- My dear, are you sick? What happened? - he wants to know immediately and falling to his knees, hugs her sitting figure around the waist. - Tell me, love. What it is? -

- Something terrible happened. -

- Are you bleeding again? - apart from the blood in the containers, he cannot smell anything else and he has learned long time ago that Agatha's blood has unique fragrance and taste as well ... Agatha shakes her head and circling her arms around his neck, tightens the grip. She needs comfort so badly ... reassurance ... anything...

- I am not. -

- Then what it is? Why are these machines here, my love and why are they pumping your blood? - his voice is so desperate as her eyes ...

- My blood was poisoned and ... it seems that the dialysis will need to take place every two days from now on. -

- Have you been attacked? Did the army discover you? - as if expecting a secret army commando to appear out of nothing, Vlad Balaur quickly scans the surrounding. Agatha again shakes her head in negative.

- We screwed it, Vlad. - eventually, she reveals the truth, though still hesitates to say that word aloud. - Just try to listen. Eliminate the sound of this equipment. -

- Agatha, be direct Please. - obviously, he can see Agatha's discomfort and her hesitation to be direct.

- I am ... - she starts, though her voice fails her again and she just shakes her head. Dracula's worries only grow, his patience almost gone ...

- What? What are you? -

- Twins. - her response is finished with a heavy sigh full of defeat. Dracula's eyebrows though furrows in a confusion, still not understanding what she means.

- What? -

- Babies. - only now Dracula's jaw drops, his mouth is wide open, his face frozen in a shocked expression. - I am pregnant, Vlad. - she beeps and starts weeping anew. Only then Dracula's senses catch something that he has already heard in this very room, though never paid any extra attention to it. Lum dub, lum dub, lum dub and in a perfect synchronisation a solo of boom bup, boom bup, boom bup, repeating again and again.

- But you said. - hundreds of questions are finding their way to his mind ... - The tests... - how those results disappointed him and hurt his ego ... - We haven't ... - he doesn't understand how the conception could have happened. For a few weeks he felt like a monk in the celibate … though before meeting Agatha all he needed for satisfaction was blood and killing. - How long? -

- 10 weeks. -

- 10 weeks? - that puzzles him even more. - But you were bleeding then! How could …? - suddenly an explanation comes to his mind. - Oh ... that blood ... - now a tiny smile escapes his lips, however, Agatha frowns in confusion. - Blood is lives, my love, and that of yours was special ... maybe it was incorrect to suppose that the fertile period will follow once the bleeding is over. - what a perfect idea was it to make love exactly then! He is truly happy ...

- You think, that the bleeding transported your immobile sperm to my eggs like a public transport or what? - that sounds absurd and if the situation wasn't so serious, she would probably laugh.

- Can you think of a better explanation? - his worries are replaced by happiness that he freely shows unlike Agatha who isn't cheerful at all.

- No. - she admits … even this sounds crazy, but quite reasonable at the same time. Still, she doesn't feel relieved at all, only guilt, panic, fear find their way to her complicated mind. - What have we done, Vlad? What will we do now? -

- We did nothing wrong, honey. - he tries to reassure her, caressing her back, listening to the melody of two little hearts.

- Oh, no?! - now she sounds sarcastic and irritated at the same time. - I am pregnant! -

- And I can hear two heartbeats. -

- But Vlad, just remember what was the little vampire creature like! -

- That ONE had no heartbeat, Agatha. Ours have. - which in his eyes means, they simply cannot be blood-thirsty creatures.

- We cannot have a normal child, Vlad, we are not normal! - if only he tried at least understand this anger and feel a bit of it too ... - If it wasn't for modern medicine those two little ones would already die from insufficient nutrition, probably killing me too due to blood poisoning by their ... excretion. - by this way they announced her after all to be on their way to this world ...

- Luckily, we live in a modern era and can keep you all safe, right? - Agatha just snorts and releasing the tight embrace, straightens, leaning back to the couch´s backrest.

- We know nothing about it, Vlad. - her hands are spread in a gesture of resignation. - Do you realise how dangerous this can be? It's not hypothetical anymore. The threat is real. -

- There is no threat, Agatha. We will manage and have ... twins. - now, being able to look at her from the front, eyes of the proud father rest on Agatha's abdomen. - There's nothing else we can do. - he would expect a sigh of resignation, but that does not come... that makes him think further and only then horror reaches his eyes. - Agatha, are you thinking about ... - he swallows empty.

- NO! You fool! How could I? - immediately her arms encircle her abdomen in a protective gesture. - I wouldn't take a life of another human being, how could I take the one belonging to my ... children. I am no beast! - she said it. Dracula breaths out in a huge relief, finally relaxing the tensed muscles of his face, emitting a heavy sigh.

- Well then. - he gets from his knees and joins her on the couch. - Two strikes at once...good job...did I. -

- Allow me to remind you of the tail's absence. - Dracula just rolls his eyes and with a little hesitation, even shyness, touches Agatha's abdomen in this way for the first time ever.

- Two little Balaurs are resting here. - his dreams of offspring are slowly becoming true. - I will make sure that you eat and rest properly and all will be good. -

- Vlad. -

- Hm? -

- I am scared. This is the most dangerous situation I have ever been in. - Dracula has to chuckle and to her offended stare, reacts by embracing her tightly …

- Really? -

- We don't know what will happen. -

- And we don't need to care about it right now. - as much as he loves her mind, now her overthinking is unnecessary and unwelcome. - I have one more great news ... not so great as this little surprise ... well surprises ... - nothing can beat that. - Poenari castle is ours again and will welcome fresh blood of our lineage. See Agatha, babies know, this is the country their father ruled once. - even though, Agatha is happy with the outcome of Dracula's meeting, her joy cannot be expressed fully.

- Sure. - now she though wants only one thing. - Can we go home now, Vlad? I will need this treatment almost daily as I said ... and would prefer our Manor and Carfax Clinic. -

- Tomorrow evening, we will be already home, love. I promise. - and he seals it with a soft kiss and a caress of her swollen abdomen … How could I have missed that? - Now, don't you have some pictures already to share? - worries are gone, proud soon-to-be father wants more … his good mood seems to be contagious. Even Agatha has to smile eventually. Such happiness on his face is something unique and although it´s not the first time she witnesses it, never before was it so radiant and genuine ...

- I do. - the younger doctor printed the ultrasound picture immediately, not even asking if she wants any, even made a copy of the DVD record that certainly my husband would like to play … - My purse is in the kitchen. - with those words, Vlad Balaur leaves her side for a moment but in the next minute returns with the precious evidence of his happiness and as predicted watches it over and over again ...

- TBC -

So ... vampire babies are on their way! Dracula's dreams are coming true. Regarding the conception concept ... what do you think about it? Does it make a sense in your eyes? I just thought that if the process was the same as in humans, it would be even stranger ...

Nevertheless ... we will have BABY BALAURS hopefully ...