I woke up around just after 6 pm. I had done all-nighters before, but never to the extent where I'd felt as groggy and fatigued as I do right now.
It's like having a hangover but without the alcohol. And as someone who is straight-edge, I'd rather not know the sensation of booze.
After showering and dressing for the day in a white tee, black jeans and my red sneaks, I made my way to the kitchen to get early evening breakfast. What I came to find was Abby was up downing a glass of A positive but also looking like she was preparing breakfast.
MJ: expecting Company?
Abby: No. Just you. *smiles*
MJ: You're making breakfast for me?
Abby: Seems only fair for me to "earn my keep."
While this was not necessary of her, I appreciated the considerate sentiment.
MJ: That's really good of you. Thanks, Abby.
Abby: You're welcome. Hope you like cheese on toast.
MJ: Sounds good.
She handed me my breakfast on a plate, looking hopeful that she had prepared it properly.
Abby: I couldn't hear any commotion from you last night. I can only presume your nightmares didn't come back?
MJ: *in between mouthfuls* no. Last night was a good night. Thanks for your concern.
Abby: No problem. How's the toast?
MJ: *enjoying* this ain't bad. You cooked before?
Abby: Nope. First time. Speaking of food….we'd better pay that Parker a visit. I've only got 6 bags left.
I looked at my watch hoping that the guy was just starting his shift as he used the Hospital job as a cover for his underground practices.
MJ: Parker doesn't start for another 30 minutes. By the time we get there, we should be able to get in through the back door. Especially with some of the gadgets I have.
Abby: I think we should be extra careful tonight.
I saw a very concerned look appear on her face like she had been disturbed.
MJ: Abby, are you ok?
Abby: I could sense my Uncle just before we got back here last night.
Oh, that's all we need. If Jebidiah managed to gain access to the safe-house that would be, game over.
MJ: Are you positive?
Abby: Yeah. I could feel his presence just as we were entering. I don't know if he saw the doors close.
MJ: I wonder if KITT can tell if he saw us.
Abby: How would he know?
MJ: He can check the surveillance cameras from the alley.
She raised my com-link to her face.
Abby: may I?
MJ: Yeah. Go ahead.
Abby: *com-link* KITT, can you check the alley cameras and see if my Uncle saw us enter?
KITT: One moment.
The monitors in his dash replayed the footage from last night's return and he watched cautiously as we re-entered the safe house tunnel, to the doors closing and then seeing the figure of Jebidiah walk past the end of the alley.
KITT: From what I can deduct, Abby, he walked past 3 seconds after the doors had closed.
A wave of relief washed over us.
Abby: Thank goodness. We'd better be sure it's clear before we leave.
MJ: alright. We'll do that. I'm afraid you'll have to wear your sneaks again.
Abby: *sighs* if I must.
MJ: I know you don't like wearing shoes, but it causes less attention.
Abby: True.
20 minutes later, we headed back to KITT.
KITT: heading back to the blood bank?
MJ: Yeah. We're running a little low.
KITT got the passenger door and Abby didn't seem so surprised this time.
Abby: Thank you.
KITT: always be chivalrous to a lady.
MJ: *gets in. Door closes* Amen to that, pal. OK, we need you to do a safety check. Is it clear for us to leave?
The Trans Am watched the surveillance feed and could see nothing out of the ordinary was happening.
KITT: All clear.
MJ: Abby?
She closed her eyes for a few moments as she concentrated on feeling out any unwanted presence.
Abby: *opens eyes smiling* we're good.
MJ: Awright. Let's roll. KITT, just to be on the safe side, close that door the second we're clear of the tunnel.
KITT: I read you loud and clear.
The engine came to life and the super car edged up to the tunnel doors as they opened as we came out into the early evening. We merged with the main road as the doors closed tight.
Fortunately, the sun was down enough for Abby to be safe.
She flinched a little at the remaining daylight that was present.
MJ: it's ok. If we come into any sunlight at all KITT can darken the windows and go on automatic.
Abby: Good.
MJ: Abby, are you sure you're ok?
She looked at me with an attempted look of reassurance.
Abby: I'll be fine.
MJ: Awright. I'm just concerned, is all.
Abby: *smiles* thank you.
MJ: Don't mention it. KITT, plot a course for the Blood bank.
KITT: right away.
25 minutes later, we arrived at St. Anne's hospital at the back entrance.
MJ: right. I'm gonna go in and conduct business. But if I need you, you come running in for me.
Abby: You think Parker will cause you problems?
MJ: He used to have Ties with Teddy Lamont. A guy who used to work for the Mob in Chicago. So yeah.
I reached into the glove box and pulled out a spare com-link.
MJ: This is a com-link, just like mine. And it's tuned to mine and KITT's frequency.
Abby: Thanks.
She strapped her wrist communicator on and she couldn't help but notice that I made it slightly more feminine than mine by having a few streaks of pearl red on the strap.
Abby: Did you add those additions for me?
MJ: I thought you'd appreciate it.
Abby: Thank you.
MJ: No problem. Now, both of you, keep your scanners pealed.
I got out and left KITT and hacked the back door with the MagiKey and entered the Hospital. I made the point of keeping to the shadows even though I had KITT knock out the security cameras for whilst I was walking to Parker's office.
I walked in to see him tapping away at his "day job."
MJ: Oooohhhh, Parker?
He knew what I was here for.
James: Awww, Dammnit!
MJ: I got $800. You know what I'm here for?
James: You know I could get in trouble for this?
MJ: Uh, isn't that what you specialise in?
James: OK, that's not fair.
MJ: Embezzling, racketeering, selling blood off on the black market? Seems like you sell trouble.
He knew I had him cornered on that.
James: $800, right?
I nodded.
James: That'll get your friend feeling positive for 2 weeks.
Aw, fudge; that was terrible. A "positive" joke in a blood bank?
MJ: Were you trying to make a joke?
James: Yeah, I know. That was terrible. I'll get what you need, but just so you know the blood has been going short.
MJ: In what way?
James: I overheard the security staff about some 13 year old boy caught on camera stealing at least 3 weeks' worth of the stuff.
MJ: Really?
I produced an extra $100.
MJ: You keep my friend's stash somewhere safe.
He was getting suspicious.
James: who is this friend of yours?
MJ: Let's just say, they have a real bad case of anaemia.
James: Why can't you take them to the Hospital?
MJ: they're poor.
James: Oh. Well that sucks.
5 minutes later, he returned with 2 larger coolers than last time.
James: If I were you, I'd bail. Security's been beefed up since the last 2 raids.
MJ: Noted. Later.
I took off with the coolers.
MJ: *com-link* KITT, knock out the cameras again and hack into the security system and find out when those thefts took place.
KITT: coming right up.
The super car disabled the security system leaving me with the short window to get back.
I exited the back door where the Trans Am was waiting.
MJ: Pop the trunk, KITT.
The trunk door opened up and I placed the medical coolers in the back and fastened them down knowing how badly Abby needed these.
MJ: *gets in and closes door* let's go.
We drove back out onto the streets and headed back in the safe house's direction.
MJ: Did you see who raided the blood bank?
KITT: yes. Would you like to see the footage?
MJ: please.
The Trans Am replayed the footage on the first monitor and Abby instantly recognised the face.
Abby: IT'S OWEN!
MJ: You're certain?
Abby: I recognise my boyfriend anywhere.
MJ: Ok. We'll get these taken back to the safe-house and then go looking for him.
After briefly returning to the safe-house to safely put Abby's food supply away, we ventured back up to the area of St. Anne's Hospital. I stopped KITT in an alley nearby.
MJ: Awright. Let's study the footage and look for the street cameras outside that would match Owen's description and see where he went.
KITT: coming right up.
The Trans Am played the Hospital surveillance on the left monitor with the street camera footage on the right.
The footage showed the remarkable quick pace and almost superhuman sharpness that the young vampire possessed as his timing and reactions were 3 times that of a human. This was easily seen on the 2nd monitor as he jumped up effortlessly to balcony ladders. One of which saw him scaling up a ladder 2 blocks from the Hospital, of which we were parked below.
I had an idea. I pushed for the left sunroof and stood up on the seat.
Abby: What are you doing?
MJ: I'll call you if I need you. KITT, gimme a boost, about 40 feet up.
KITT: Hold on.
The ejector seat propelled me up and I landed on the 5th floor balcony ladder. I climbed my way up to the roof and looked for anything that would like a make-shift home for a Vampire during the day.
I looked at my surroundings that were illuminated by the light of the moon and all I could see aside from a maintenance shed and the doorway down to the lower levels, nothing.
KITT: *com-link* can see you anything of interest?
MJ: worryingly, no.
KITT: Why should that be a bad thing?
MJ: Because it's what I can't see that frightens me.
KITT: Ohhh….
MJ: Keep your scanners pealed, buddy. For all I know, I might be hunted from the shadows and not know about it.
Abby: One of the drawbacks of the human condition I'm afraid.
MJ: Yeah, tell me about it?
Abby: At least you get to walk in the sunlight.
MJ: There is that, but it's overrated to me.
Abby: In what way?
MJ: I do my best work at night.
I heard a faint movement, like someone was stumbling to their feet. I turned in the origin of the noise and it was coming from the shed.
MJ: I don't think I'm alone up here.
KITT: That doesn't sound good.
Abby: Is it Owen?
MJ: At this point I don't know. I'm gonna go in for a closer look.
Abby: Be careful, MJ.
MJ: Don't need to tell me twice.
I saw a crack in the wall on the shed and cautiously approached. After I got within 5 feet of it, menacing silver eyes pierced the darkness staring out at me. I felt my grappling gun attached to my belt and knew I was going to be in for a ride.
Knowing how quick and agile the pace of a vampire was compared to that of even a fit and in shape human being, I was going to be outmatched on all levels. But, I wasn't about to become someone's dinner for the evening.
MJ: *whisper* KITT….be ready to come and get me.
KITT: MJ?
The tone of my whisper was sending shivers down Abby's spine.
Abby: MJ, what's going on?
Before I could utter a response, an animalistic growl came from the shed.
MJ: KITT, I need ya buddy!
I turned and ran for the roof ledge. The figure came bursting through the door and gunned for me like an animal. I could feel every heartbeat, like my heart was using every drop of blood to help me move faster just so that I wouldn't be the main course for this vampire.
KITT: on my way.
The dashboard lit up with the engine roaring to life as he followed my signal.
I knew I had a 50/50 chance of making it out of this in one piece and took a brave leap off the ledge and fire the grappling hook to a nearby building as I swung down.
Abby watched as she saw me leap from the building and swung down the grappling hook.
Abby: KITT, he's running from a vampire. A very hungry one.
KITT: let's just get him safely.
I managed to land near a street sign, but the vampire that was pursuing me got between me and KITT as he pulled into the corner.
MJ: aw, crap.
Vamp3: Tell me, human, what made you think you could outwit one of my kind?
Abby: because he has me as backup.
She jumped from KITT and pinned him to the ground.
Abby: I'll make this as simple as I can. You do NOT lay a finger on humans. ESPECIALLY this one. *enhails* ah, freshly turned. Did Jebidiah do this to you?
Vamp3: He showed me the light.
Abby: He showed you a curse, that's what he did.
And with that, she twisted his neck killing him on the spot.
She then got up and turned her attention to me and despite being grateful for her saving my neck just then, I didn't care for the intense glare she was putting out at me.
Abby: MJ….don't ever do that again. Do you have any idea how dangerous and stupid that was? YOU COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED, OR WORSE; TURNED!
MJ: I was looking for Owen.
Abby: I appreciate the sentiment. But next time if you think there's a vampire present, you take me with you.
I nodded. A look of guilt overcame her.
Abby: MJ, get down here.
I knelt down and she just embraced me.
Abby: I'm sorry. I know you're only helping. But I cannot afford to have your death on my conscience when you're the first human since Owen to help me.
MJ: Awright. I will admit, that was dumb.
Abby: DUMB, would be an improvement. What you did, was suicidal.
There was an awkward pause as neither of us really wanted to debate what I had done.
Abby: MJ…I admire your will and spirit. There's a lot of courage in that heart of yours. But you are just simply no match for my kind.
MJ: Their kind.
Abby: what?
MJ: You're a vampire in name, only, Abby. Never forget that.
She took that note in before resuming her train of thought.
Abby: Regardless of that fact, thank you by the way, you do not possess the speed nor strength to combat any of them. What do you think would happen if you had to stand between my Uncle and me to stop him from hurting me?
MJ: Simple. I'd have to outsmart him. Just remember this, Abby; I will die trying before he could even be allowed to get anywhere near you.
An overwhelmed look washed onto her face.
Abby: What?
MJ: you heard me?
Abby: You would protect a vampire from another with your life?
MJ: No. I would protect, you. A person, from a vampire. And yes, I will go out swinging if I have to just to make sure you're safe.
A smile followed by tears streaming like a river from her eyes as she wrapped her arms around my shoulders.
Abby: *whisper* thank you.
MJ: You're welcome. You're more than worth it.
Abby: Just no more crazy stuff, ok?
MJ: Sure. Just merely going on my autopilot. KITT knows what I mean.
KITT: sadly, I do. *detection* MJ, there's someone else on the roof watching you.
I looked up to the roof and saw what looked like the silhouette of a tall teenage boy.
MJ: keep hold of me, Abby.
Abby: What?
I pulled my grapple gun back out and fired at the roof ledge.
MJ: Hold on.
We sailed through the air until we landed back on the roof and the boy was fleeing.
MJ: Hold up! I just wanna talk….Owen.
The boy stopped in his tracks at the mention of that name. He turned round to face me as Abby began to turn to face him. Her face lit up like a burning star at night elated that her boyfriend was standing in front of her after so long.
Owen: How did you know my name?
MJ: Because this little Angel helped me find you. *whispers in her ear* go get him.
She ran happily to her boyfriend as she flung her arms around him in a happy tearful reunion. It's almost as if they had been separated for years in the manner that they embraced each other. I've never been more pleased to see two people reunited, as I watched from afar with a content smile.
Abby: Oh Owen, I never thought I'd see you again.
Owen: I've missed you too. Where have you been?
Abby: I've been looking all over for you.
Owen: You never gave up on me.
Abby: I would never do that. I would search for all eternity if I had to.
Owen: That's my girl.
The com-link beeped 3 times. This was bad. This is KITT's signal to tell me that something awful is about to go down.
MJ: Uh-oh. KITT, what's going on?
KITT: Jebidiah is looking directly at you from across the street on the opposite building.
At that point, I felt like my heart stopped beating and a cold chill surrounded me as hearing those words from KITT was my worst fear that that heinous figure was looking at me within reaching distance.
MJ: ….what?
I looked at the opposing building and saw a tall black cloaked figure that sent a chilling wind down my spine.
I knew I had to think fast as all 3 of us were now in mortal danger. Keeping in perspective that he was a vampire far longer than Abby has been that there's no telling the depth of his capabilities and strength he possessed.
MJ: KITT….how quickly can you get into the alley on the opposite side for us to drop down?
KITT: I can make it in time. But given the unparalleled pace of a vampire, you wouldn't stand a chance, MJ.
The vampire was staring at me with yellow sinister eyes that told me everything he was planning to do just with that dark glint in his stare as he licked his fangs in a slow and cold stroke.
I knew what dark plans he had in store for Abby and given I would be no match against someone with his superhuman strength, but I was not about to let anything foul happen to someone whom I knew was trying to redeem herself and walk away from the path that she had been forced upon, all because of the selfish and soulless actions of a monster that burdened his niece with the curse of vampirism.
The deck was stacked way against me. I knew that. For me, it was the equivalent of Batman facing an army of Superman. Except Superman wasn't a vampire and I am nowhere near in Batman's league.
But….I saw hope in Abby's eyes when she understood that I wanted to help her. Hope of humanity, if you will. And I'm prepared to go out swinging, just to make that happen.
Everyone deserves a shot at redemption. Even a vampire.
And so sue me, for wanting to be the guy that can make that happen. To be that man…to make a difference.
MJ: I don't care. He's not taking Abby. Not after what she told us. I'll die before he can try to take her.
KITT: MJ, I know you want Abby to be safe, but you're out-matched.
MJ: Just be ready to roll. I got a feeling he's gonna make his move, soon.
I pushed a button 2 times on Abby's frequency. I had explained to her that was code to be ready to move fast. Her eyes shot open realising that we had trouble.
Abby: Owen. Get ready to move.
Owen: What's wrong?
Abby: Trouble. Don't ask. Just be ready to run.
Owen: Got it.
She looked to see what had frozen me solid in fear and then she could sense it. Him. In reuniting with Owen, she had let her guard down blinding her senses to the presence of her evil uncle.
Abby: we're in trouble. He's…..here.
Owen: who?
Abby: My…Uncle.
Owen: Jebidiah?!
She nodded frantically in fright.
Abby: *com-link* *scared tone* KITT, how close are you?
KITT: I'm very close, Abby. I will move into position to extract all 3 of you per MJ's instructions.
The evil figure's eyebrow lowered making his cold and evil stare appear all the more chilling that I knew that it would be soon time for me to run for my life. KITT's right. I will be outmatched in every detail to this undead walking figure of the night. But…..I lay down for NOBODY. Not now, not ever.
Jebidiah then actually began flying across the street. I could not comprehend what was going on, only that I had to run like the wind.
MJ: ABBY, OWEN, MOVE, MOVE, MOVE! KITT, WE NEED YA!
KITT: HOLD ON! I'M COMING!
The Trans Am throttled to the other side of the building in the alley where we were going to land in.
The 2 young vampires ran at such a speed that I didn't think was possible whilst I was running at my best pace to avoid a confrontation with Abby's sinister Uncle.
I jumped off the ledge and fired the grapple gun to a ledge on the opposite side as I abseiled down. The vampires had gotten down to the floor well before me as KITT pulled up.
Abby: OWEN, GET IN!
He dived into the back seat as Abby took her usual place in the front passenger seat.
Abby: Hurry, MJ!
Owen: do you think he can make it?
Abby: He has to, Owen. Even I'm no match for Jebidiah.
I heard a mass of weight land on a balcony some 10 feet above me and I looked up and saw her Uncle was glaring at me with an evil grin as he crouched like a gargoyle with his cloak draping over him from the updraft of air.
Jebidiah: do you really think a human crusader like yourself, can protect my niece from what I yearn to consummate with? Because, if you do; you're gravely mistaken. I will personally rip you apart limb from limb and feed you to her.
The voice was so inhuman along with the cold presence and tone that came with it. Yet, I felt the burning desire from within that was ignited by my rage and courage to protect the girl that he so badly wanted to mould with his twisted mentality from centuries of feeding off others.
MJ: If you think, for one second, that I'll let you get anywhere near Abby, YOU, are sadly mistaken. And when it's all said and done, I'll be standing over your smug-ass as the sun turns you into a crispy-critter.
He let out a maniacal laugh that sent shivers down my spine as it sounded like 2 voices laughing.
Jebidiah: I've slaughtered people like you before, human. Warriors, soldiers….Knights. They all tried to take me, some with valiant bravery, and one by one, they all suffered the same fate. You have heart. That much I can sense radiating from you. I will, PERSONALLY, enjoy feasting upon your blood before forcing my niece to feed on what's left of your cold rotting corpse as I take away what remains of her putrid humanity that I should have ripped from her 200 years ago.
That, LITERALLY, lit a fire under my ass as my fear was converting to blind rage. Part of me wanted to go up there and personally rip him a new one, but the sound of my com-link beeping snapped some sense into me.
MJ: I got something to say to that….
Jebidiah: and what would that be?
MJ: Goooo, tooooo, hell!
Abby had been listening in whilst I was trying to get down to the Trans Am and she knew that her uncle was just toying with me.
Abby: he needs to get out of there, now!*com-link* MJ, GET DOWN HERE, NOW!
This would have to be tabled for now.
MJ: This ain't finished. KITT, SUNROOF!
The Trans Am's left sunroof pealed back and I just dived in.
Abby: KITT, GO, GO, GO! AUTO-FPM!
KITT: Right away, Abby.
The air-foils and spoiler remerged and the super car bolted from the alley at 170 MPH.
Abby began checking me for injuries due to possible bite marks.
Abby: Are you hurt? Did he get you? Did he BITE you?
MJ: No. But he made me angry, instead.
Abby: he has a way of doing that. I know that better than anyone. We could hear everything, even if I didn't have the com-link, I could hear it as clear as day.
MJ: That guy made my blood boil. Never felt so angry in wanting to beat someone to a pulp before.
Abby: Don't let him get to you, MJ. That's his way of messing with your head.
She went to feel my forehead and was surprised how much heat I was radiating from that verbal confrontation with Jebidiah.
Abby: you weren't kidding when you said your blood was boiling. Your forehead feels like it's on fire.
MJ: You heard what he said, didn't you? What kind of man would even think about doing that to his own flesh and blood?
Abby: that's just it; he's not a man. He's a monster that's only driven by his own sick and twisted dark desires.
She quickly recollected how I stood up for her and how I was prepared to put my life on the line to protect her.
Abby: the difference between a man and a monster, is that a man knows principles, decency, honor and what is good. And you're a good man, MJ. You know how precious a life is and will do anything to protect it. You stood between us to protect me. You're 10 times the man he will ever be.
Her words were making sense to me as they were calming my inner rage.
MJ: Thank you.
Abby: No problem. KITT, double-check MJ for any injuries no matter how insignificant.
The Trans Am analysed me once more from head to toe.
KITT: Comprehensive analysis reveals only minor bruising that will take place once the adrenaline has worn off from his abrupt landing in the front seat. In answer to your question, Abby; no bite marks or any lacerations of any kind from vampyric nature.
Abby: That's a relief. All it takes is one bite from us, and there goes humanity. And given the situation we're in, we need someone human to be able to help us. But on top of that, I'm glad you're alright.
MJ: Thank you, Abby. I feel a little better after hearing you say that. You know; there are times I really wish you were my niece. Sweetest girl I've ever known.
Owen smiled knowing that his girlfriend had touched someone else's life as well.
Owen: She sure is.
MJ: Nice to meet ya, Owen. *shakes hand* I'm MJ Knight.
Owen: Hi, MJ. How do you know Abby?
MJ: Long story.
KITT: that's for sure.
MJ: *points to voice vox* And he's an even longer story.
KITT: I beg your pardon?
Owen: A talking car?
MJ: Talking car, super computer and my friend. Say hello to KITT.
Owen: Hi….KITT?
KITT: Hello, Owen.
MJ: Head straight back to the safe-house, pal. Not knowing if Jebidiah can match pace with you at FPM I don't want to run that risk.
KITT: I read you loud and clear. ETA 11 minutes.
11 minutes later….
We pulled into the alley and I made the point of pushing the button those 5 seconds early so that we could just shoot down into the tunnel. KITT made the point of closing the doors the instant we were in the tunnel. We came to a stop on the turntable and Owen was taking the hideout in for the first time.
Owen: What is this?
Before I could get a word out…
Abby: This is the Foundation safe house. It's where they go when they need to operate off the grid.
She winked at me trying to look impressive. I merely smiled, pleased that she was becoming more knowledgeable.
I placed my hand on the palm print recognition plate and the security door opened.
MJ: Owen, you can come in.
He gave me a shocked looked as if to say 'how does he know?'
Abby: its ok, Owen. He knows and I trust him.
The telecom monitor began going off.
KITT: *beep* Michael's calling.
MJ: Transfer it to the monitor in the lab. You two make yourselves at home.
Abby: C'mon, Owen. We've got fresh blood in the kitchen.
Owen: Oh, good! I'm starving.
I quickly made my way into the lab where KITT redirected the call to the computer I had been monitoring the vampire problem from.
MJ: go ahead, Michael.
Michael: *on screen* oh thank heavens you're safe, son.
MJ: I suppose you've heard about the problem here?
Michael: Maggie informed us after she reported that two figures stalked the local area attacking people and draining them of blood.
MJ: The Mansion is still under lock-down?
Michael: Yeah. She said you went straight to the safe-house?
MJ: Yes. KITT and I were looking into a Police caller about a similar incident on Main Street when we got surprised by a figure that just leapt down from the building. We didn't run the risk of being traced back to the mansion so we went straight for the safe-house.
Michael: That's good instincts, MJ. People are acting like its vampires.
He doesn't know how right he is.
MJ: Michael….I've actually encountered them.
Michael: You have?
MJ: Yup. And I can tell you first hand; the strength and pace these people have….it's beyond human.
Michael: Are you sure?
MJ: KITT? Send the footage of our encounters with them and note the speed and reflex difference between human and vampire.
KITT: transmitting as we speak.
A file opened on Michael's laptop in his Chicago hotel room and he saw the quick pace that the enemy had.
Michael: That is really quick.
MJ: Show him the ultra-violet light incident.
The Trans Am did as asked and Michael watched in disbelief at the very sight of a being catching alight when the ultra-violet light function from the car's high beams hit the figure.
Michael: My….
MJ: show him the close up before the sun-effect.
Michael saw the image of a face that was monster looking.
Michael: how is this even possible?
KITT: MJ would have been dead if it wasn't for Abby.
Michael: who's Abby?
MJ: someone who understands how these creatures think and operate. That's because she's one of them.
Michael: MJ….you didn't invite her into the safe-house?
MJ: Michael, before you say anything, she has been helping me take most of them out. She can tell when their victims are turning after being bitten.
Michael: HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?
MJ: Actually no. Her thirst is being controlled.
Michael: How?
MJ: I've been getting her supplies of donated blood from James Parker.
Michael: The local con-artist?
MJ: it pays to have people in places that I can't go, Michael. You all of people should know, you taught me that.
In my early academy training days 3 years ago, when Michael saw the potential in me as I was put through my paces mentally and physically; Michael had approached me and gave me a piece of advice to use underground contacts as a Knight as a means of getting intel where you couldn't get it, conventionally. I think this was his way of motivating me to push and excel harder to becoming a Knight as he saw something in me even back then.
Michael: Fair point. Anything else you can tell me?
MJ: we know it's her Uncle that's committing these attacks and turning civilians. She knows the pattern, because some 200 years ago….he did the same to her.
Michael: 200 years?
MJ: and I barely escaped with my life this evening. He sees me as a threat because I'm for all intents and purposes protecting her.
Michael: From what?
MJ: he wants her as his bride.
Just repeating that makes me cringe. Vampire or not, the very notion and idea of a man wanting to take his niece for his bride is just too sick to contemplate.
Michael: why do I feel like I just heard a Jerry Springer story?
MJ: it wouldn't surprise me. Poor girl is scared out of her mind.
Michael: I can only imagine. 200 years and her Uncle still wants her? That's sick.
MJ: indeed. Would it make things worse if I told you she's been 12 for 2 centuries?
Michael: Actually it would. Where's Chris Hansen when you need him?
MJ: Yeah, I'm sure a vampire would "take a seat" and then chew him up afterwards, literally.
Michael: I'll bet.
I felt the anger slowly rising again from what Jedidiah said before I escaped in KITT.
MJ: I've never wanted to personally beat someone within an inch of their life before I heard of what he wanted to do to her, especially when he told me in person.
Michael: he actually spoke to you?
MJ: Just as I was jumping down to KITT, he told me of his dark plans for her. And, Michael…..it made my, skin, CRAWL!
Michael: I can only imagine, son. From the description you're giving me, even if he was human he sounds like a sick individual.
MJ: I've made it, PERSONALLY, clear that I will die protecting Abby before he even can even lay a finger on her.
Michael: I'd expect nothing less from you, MJ. That's the same mentality I had was when I was your age.
MJ: Regardless of the fact that Abby is a vampire, no one deserves that kind of mistreatment.
Michael: I'm glad to hear that. Where is Abby?
MJ: she's resting in the kitchen.
Michael: Can you take a moment just to calm down before you call her in, MJ.
MJ: Sure.
I had been irate enough for one evening and the idea of Abby seeing me angry again this soon was not something she wanted to see. I took a few moments to try and force any angry thoughts of that evil douchebag out of my mind as right now, keeping those 2 vampires safe was far more important.
MJ: I'll get her. *com-link* Abby, can you come in here? Michael would like to meet you.
Abby: Sure.
She walked into the lab and Michael found it difficult to take in that for a girl that was over 200 years old she did not look a day over 12.
MJ: Abby, I'd like you to meet my mentor, Michael Knight. The first man to drive KITT.
Abby: Pleasure to meet you, sir.
Michael: wow! Very polite. MJ tells me you're over 200 years old.
Abby: Yes, sir. I was born during the Colonial times before George Washington signed the declaration of Independence.
Michael: Older than America itself?
Abby: Yes and no. If we're talking about the America you know it as today, then yes. But the continent itself has been around for centuries more.
MJ: Bet ya didn't see that coming?
Michael: good point. I don't mean to ask this Abby, but I need to see your vampire look.
She looked at me very worried as she hated this side of herself.
MJ: Abby….you just show it for 5 seconds. No more.
Abby: I don't want to….i hurt people like that.
I decided to give her something to hold on to so that she wouldn't lose it.
MJ: alright….if you feel like you're about to lose it, think of Owen and me, and just focus on us.
Abby: Why?
MJ: because positive reinforcement and focusing on people you care about will override that nature.
Abby: What if it doesn't?
MJ: It will. *hands on her shoulders* because I have faith in you.
She smiled, touched that I had that much confidence in her.
Abby: Alright.
She turned to face the monitor and Michael watched on in disbelief as he saw her face change, her teeth elongate and her nails grow to look like a monster.
She looked like she was struggling to keep a grip until I pointed my fingers at my eyes, motioning her to focus on me.
She began to calm down with her breathing shallowing from a sinister and chilling sound of growls to a normal breath rate.
Michael: Ok, MJ. That's proof enough for me.
MJ: Thanks, Michael. Sorry to make you do that, hone.
Michael: MJ, has she committed any of the murders?
MJ: No, Michael. She's been with me the entire time. That and I've had KITT verify for her.
Michael: In what way?
KITT: stress variables in her voice, Michael. Even I am able to tell when a vampire is lying.
Michael: KITT, you've really got to stop it with the eve's dropping. Nearly 30 years on and you're still doing this?
KITT: Actually it's nearly 28 years on.
Michael: Smart-ass.
I decided to get the conversation back on track to where it needed to be before these 2 decided to have a classic married couple's argument.
MJ: also….vampires only kill to feed when they absolutely have to. She can go a week without blood before having to feed. So, I've kept her on a course of donated blood to keep her hunger at bay.
Michael could see that Abby was still visibly upset from being asked to show her true form.
Michael: Listen…Abby? I'm sorry I made you do that. I just needed to see.
She didn't say anything as she was still shaken.
MJ: I know what she needs. Abby, do you need a hug?
She nodded and just wrapped her arms around me as I knelt down.
MJ: its ok, sweetheart. Michael meant what he said. He meant no harm, he just needed to see to believe.
Abby: *sobbing* I know. I just hate that side of myself.
MJ: That side is not you. The real you is the one that saved my life tonight. 2nd time you've done that. That's another step towards redemption. And remember what I told you about redemption?
Abby: that, It's a great thing, because you never stop getting chances at it?
MJ: You got it in one. You're not alone in this, ok?
Abby: ok.
MJ: at a girl.
Michael smiled as I was acting like a loving big brother to her.
Michael: MJ, I'm going to return to LA. You keep Abby safe from her Uncle.
MJ: No encouragement needed there.
Michael: Stay safe, son. *call ends*
After that commotion I needed to get something to eat.
MJ: come on. Let's get you and Owen fed. We got some fresh blood in.
Abby: We already ate.
MJ: Oh….oh, it'll just be me then? I could really use a pizza.
Abby: MJ?
MJ: ….
Abby: Will Michael accept me the way you have?
MJ: He will.
Abby: How?
MJ: Because like me, he has good judgement. Who do you think he handpicked to replace him as KITT's partner?
Abby: You?
MJ: Yup. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm hungry.
Abby: Are you going to eat alone?
MJ: You just said you already ate.
Abby: we can starve our hunger off more if we overfeed.
MJ: wouldn't that be the equivalent to how humans over eat?
Abby: Not really. For us, it would cause us not to have to eat for even longer. Feeding daily would be more preferable.
I suppose that would make sense. Given that blood is not only the source of their strength and powers and life-force, the more they would put it would fill up them up for longer. I suppose it's in the same vein if you over-filled an energy tank and would have more reserves for longer.
MJ: I see. So, you're only looking to eat with me purely for company?
Abby: That, and its good dinner manners.
MJ: sounds good to me.