Darla and Willow

[ILLYRIAN]

DISCLAIMER: To those who hold copyright for said characters, I do not wish for any recompense for what is written here.

The memories I have told bear no relation to any time frame from the series for the series was, as you all know a fictional tale told to enhance the hope of safety for the viewer. For if a small girl could feel safe from evil while walking in a dark alley, so could you.
What I have written here could never bear relation to any time frame of the series for it is
the truthful re-enactment from the recollections told to me by beings I now know as my friends, from the years of meticulous study and from my own memories. Think of my tale of being the accurate memory of what was a reality.

Gloria A. Summers


Gloria was with a group of girls who were at the employees only door of the department store where she worked. She said goodnight to each of them then went towards where her car was in the multi-storey car park, the other girls went across the road to the bus stop. Sharon, who worked with Gloria called to her to remind her not to wear much make up on Monday as they would be on the make up counter.

What if I meet a nice man on the way to work replied Gloria.

Ever the optimist that girl said Sharon. All the girls talked and laughed amongst themselves as they waited for the bus. Gloria was going up the ramp into the multi-storey car park. She stopped to pick up a line of four passport photographs on the path. Flicking her long wavy dark brown hair back from her face, she looked at the pictures. Her arm flinched and she dropped the pictures, she tentatively looked around to see if anyone had seen her then knelt to pick them up again, she looked at them carefully. Gloria saw that the girl was an exact likeness of her in the first three, but not the last one. Gloria stared at the line of photos, she couldn’t comprehend how they looked the same, exactly the same in the first three, but the last one, how was she a vampire? She stood up and looked at the photos then to both sides around her. The guy she was with in the photos was so cute, oh declared Gloria, was he a vampire as well?

Gloria put the photos in her inside jacket pocket.

She smiled to herself and started to walk to her car she saw some people she knew who were getting into their car and meekly waved to them. Gloria stood at her cars door, she made sure no one was around then got in and closed the door quickly. She took the pictures from her pocket and put them in the glove box, she tried not to look at them.

I become a vampire she said to herself.

Gloria looked up to the rearview mirror, at her reflection in the mirror. Me, a vampire?
Gloria looked to the way out of the multi- storey car park. She promised to herself that she would never go into a dark alley again.


In the early hours of the morning Darla woke with a start she looked about her room, at the darkened shapes. As she saw the red eyes that seemed to glare at her from across the floor she quickly pulled her bed sheets over her head. Under those covers she looked side to side as the scratching in her room got louder and louder. She reached out onto her bedside table but knocked the bedside lamp to the floor; it smashed. And the scratching kept getting louder and louder. She thrust the sheets from her head to scream as loud as she could only to see a white shape slowly fly out of her wardrobe. Transfixed by it she watched as it slowly flew around the ceiling it made circles above her bed then swooped down to her. Suddenly Darla was awake. She looked about the bright room at the red velvet drapes over the window. She wondered if that was a dream, a nightmare that she had last night. She looked to her wardrobe, both of the doors were closed then she noticed her bedroom door had slowly begun to open.

Morning miss, I trust you slept well, asked Willow, her maid. She stood at the foot of her bed. Up you get it is a lovely day stated Willow and went to the curtains to open them and let the room fill with sunlight. Darla begged her to close the curtains as the sun was too bright for her eyes, she covered them with her hands As she leant forward the sunlight got on the skin of her forearm.

Darla screamed. She looked to Willow. Help, she said meekly.

Willow quickly closed the curtains, stood behind them she opened the windows and closed the shutters. She went across the room to turn on the main light before going to Darla. She told her it was okay with the curtains closed as at least she would have fresh air. Darla rolled out of bed and flicked her long wavy hair in front of her shoulders, she turned her back as she liked to look at her back she like the shape of her..

Willow there is something wrong with the mirror, there are bits of me I can’t see.

Willow took an old style dress from the wardrobe one that Darla loved. Willow held it for Darla to look at but it was turned down. Darla said the blue was too bright. She put it back and took another of the same style. A Victorian type that would cover her to the ground, the wide straps promoted her lovely shoulders while the deep cut across her front let the top of her puppies get shown as best they could. What about the red one miss said Willow.

Darla had to admit the red did look good.

After Willow had helped Darla look beautiful she enquired if she wanted her breakfast
going down the stairs Darla thanked Willow for taking care of her. About to open the door to the dining room Darla saw the letter on the sideboard. Willow opened the envelope and read the letter to her.

Rupert de Gothenberg,
Taksbul Manor,
Somnilyo, Transylvania.
The 17th of June 1989.

To my dearest daughter. My work causes me to go to the mountains.
Some elderly gentlemen, have found a creature so timid in nature,
and so timid of the passing years that time itself has forgot it.
I wish to learn its secrets for myself, and for you. That we may live
for many more years than God intended for us. Know that I will
return as soon as I can though I may not be back until several weeks
have passed from today, I look forward to the time I can hear your
voice and see your smile. I expect to hear that you are doing well in
your studies and that when I return I hear you playing the piano.

As always,
your loving father.
Rupert de Gothenberg.

Darla was sad her father still hadn’t come back.

Willow asked if she had heard anything that time if she heard anything new
but Darla hadn’t. Willow asked her what she would you like to do but knew the answer. Darla wanted to go and find her father. Willow had to convince her to wait until their tutor had been and until after the village dance. Go on miss go and have your breakfast Willow said she would wait in the music room.

As Darla entered the music room Willow was sat on the window sill. Darla sat on the piano stool and began to play on the piano the 1812 Overture. She only stopped when she looked up. Darla asked Willow why she wasn’t sat beside her she liked her to turn the pages of the sheet music. Willow asked what sheet and pointed to the empty space above the keys. Darla stood up and looked for sheet of music in the stool and soon found it. What has happened to me?

The doorbell rang.

As they went to the door Willow told Darla to wait by the stairs while she opened the door. She saw their tutor Tarambetha at the door. Willow invited her in and said they had
set up the basement for them. As Tarambetha went down the steps Darla asked what needed to be done next. You bite her said Willow.

Darla was shocked, I do what!

Willow told Darla that when she had gone into her bedroom that morning the light hurt her eyes, then the sunlight burnt her skin, the mirror didn’t reflect her body. In the music room she could play the 1812 Overture without the sheet music. Oh and you have a lovely set of teeth marks on your neck. Darla realised that what she had thought might have been a nightmare wasn’t, that she was now a vampire.

Now you want me to bite Tarambetha said Darla.

Willow agreed with her and added that she would want to be bitten next. Darla asked Willow for help as she didn’t know what to do? Tarambetha stood in the basement and looked about. Darla walked up to her and bit her, she looked to Willow and asked what now. Willow smiled she told Darla to make a cut across the top of one of her puppies and make Tarambetha drink your blood. Darla was a bit surprised to hear that and wanted Willow to tell her what made her think that was the way to do it. Willow smiled, well it was on the telly so it must be true. Just don’t forget about me.

Three hours later Tarambetha and Elizabeth woke up.

Darla wasn’t impressed that she’d had to wait until they had woken. Willow offered her apologies for not having told her the boring part. But on the bright side the three of us can go and chose what to wear for the dance.


The end of the first of many instalments.

 

[ILLYRIAN]

They each looked at the clothes in the wardrobe. Willow had said it would look good if they wore the type of dress that Darla wore. Tarambetha hadn’t been so sure until she saw the colours of the two available dresses. As luck would have it she preferred the bright blue dress and Willow wanted to wear the purple dress and an agreement was made. Willow was so glad, she had long wanted to wear one of those dresses.

As they left the house after the end of the day they wondered how they were getting to the dance?

Tarambetha offered her car but said they might get a bit cramped getting in and out. It would be awkward in the dresses they wore. Willow suggested they use Darla’s father’s pride and joy the big black hearse, knowing it needed a clean Darla hoped for rain.
As they waited in the parking are for the dance that evening Tarambetha asked what they ought to do in there Darla said simply get your victim out.

Darla told her not to worry as many of the boys have never even kissed a girl.

Willow told her to pick the guys that show interest, let them see you are willing. Let them see you smile and lead them by the hand around the back, when you are in the dark you can drink then dry. Darla said she would be waiting there to help you drain them. When we’ve had our fill we can get going.

Willow happily suggested they got on with it.

They went to the doorway stood on the steps and waited for some young men to walk towards them. As two potential blood donors approached them Willow told Tarambetha to get thirsty but she was not impressed. She told Willow she hated that name and would prefer to be known as Tara. Willow agreed and so did Darla, she heard what they had said. Soon there were eight bodies behind the dance hall. They got in the hearse and left.

With Tara at the wheel Darla and Willow were happily giving her directions.

Not that Tara needed then as the road they were on didn’t seem to have to many junctions. As dawns light crept across the sky Darla and Willow thought it would be fun to play a few tricks on the people who drove to close behind them. Whenever one did get to close one of the girls would open a coffin and pretend to stake a vampire. Anyone who drove to close behind them didn’t do so for very long.

After midday had passed them by Tara slowed the car to a stop.

She asked Darla and Willow where they were going to? Darla said that she missed her father and that they were going to see him. Tara asked where he was and Darla replied that he was in a castle just over the mountains to the west of Transylvania. Thought so stated Tara, she asked them what that road sign was in front of them.

Darla looked at the sign Calais 40 kms.

Well that is one thing we have learnt said Willow, vampires have got a bloody lousy sense of direction. Anyone fancy a quick trip to England? It seemed like a good idea at the time so that is what they did. It had seemed like a good idea until Tara stopped the hearse on the approach road to a motorway. She and Willow had decided to teach Darla how to drive.

Darla began to panic as she didn’t know how to change gears.

It only took Willow five minutes to find out that was Darla’s only excuse for not learning how to drive so Tara took great delight when she told her the hearse was an automatic. Darla was beside herself or would have been, she just didn’t want to be in the driver’s seat. With a little bit of coaxing (Willow and Tara tickled her to the extreme) Darla was soon in the driver’s seat.

Willow put the seat belt on her to make sure Darla couldn’t get out of the seat.
(I bet you thought seat belts were for your protection)

That was courtesy of holy water being dribbled all over the seat buckle. Darla was trapped, Tara pointed to a pedal on the floor by her feet telling it was the accelerator, the go faster pedal. The other pedal makes the hearse stop, very quickly. They only got stopped by the police once who pointed out there was a speed limit on the motorway so Darla got a speeding ticket.

Tara pretended to wake and asked her if they were there yet, Darla didn’t appreciate that.

Within forty minutes later they turned off the motorway then the fun really began as neither Willow nor Tara reminded Darla how to slow down. That big old hearse did not like to go round corners at high speeds, Darla began to let out a barrage of very colourful descriptive words which Tara and Willow found highly amusing.

For some reason their comments made Darla’s choice of descriptive words vary significantly.

But like all enjoyable things they reached Ambleside to quickly, it would have been quicker but Willow told Darla where the brake was. Tara decided to get out for a walk so did Willow and as she was in a good mood gave Darla a towel so she could undo the seat belt. Darla followed them onto the jetty where she gave Willow the towel back, maybe a little to forcefully but as Darla said in her defence Willow hadn’t made that much of a splash.

A slightly drenched Willow walked out of the lake.

She began to enlighten Tara and Darla about the lakes in the district when they had soaked up as much information as they possibly could Willow started to ask what mountains were in the area. Tara thought it was the Mountain at Loch Lomond while Darla guessed at Ben Nevis. Willow laughed as they were not in the area. There is a mountain in the Lake District that is the tallest in England.

It is known as the Green Mountain.

They didn’t know why it was called Green Mountain so Willow told them it was because the mountain was green all over. Darla was quiet for the first time that day, several times she had been about to say an answer but had stopped herself, she was about to give an answer as Tara suggested that a mountain covered in green was only a hill. Willow agreed with her.

Offering to drive Willow happily got into the driver’s seat.

After she had rolled the bottle of holy water under the hearse she saw Darla search for it in lots of places in the car, so Willow drove away. They had only travelled an hour or two before a man rode his horse in front of them, he pointed his guns at them and told them to stop and get out. As they walked in front of the hearse it the man asked who it belonged to.

Willow said it didn’t belong to Tara or her and pointed to Darla, it’s herse. After a while Willow stopped her hysterics and got off the ground. It is not mine it is my father’s said Darla as well you know Willow. Willow had to agree with her but argued that he couldn’t own it, it just would not be right to say it’s his. Much better to say it is hearse, no one got any sense out of Willow for a good fifteen minutes after that.

Even Edward the modern day highwayman waited for her to stand up..

As Willow began to behave with a semblance of a slightly intelligent person they continued. Tara was puzzled as to why he would confront them, Darla asked him if he wanted to rob them. He held his guns toward them and told them to give him their money or else. Willow thought it funny to threaten them with guns. Edward wished they were blokes, blokes are so much easier to rob he said.

Darla was upset that he thought men were easier to rob.

Just on the off chance that you are not sure if these guns are real, give me your money or else. He faced Tara, he told her he’d put a big hole in her dress if she didn’t comply. Tara looked down at her dress then at Darla. Gimme some money so I can give it to him I want to keep this dress and without a hole in it. Willow didn’t see the problem, so if he puts a hole in the dress we’ll get you another one she said.

Edward told Tara the hole would be in her as well, I will kill you, you will be dead .

Tara shrugged her shoulders. You’ve got to be the strangest people I have ever robbed so there will be no doing anything next week. He shot Tara. The impact knocked her off her feet, she lay on the ground, her blood flowing from her stomach. Willow looked at her and said she didn’t have a pulse so shooting you has done nothing. It’s put a hole in her dress said Darla.

Er hello, remember me, why don’t you see if she has a pulse now asked Edward.

Darla asked why she would bother doing that and Willow agreed with her. It is a bit pointless. No it isn’t said Edward if she had a pulse yesterday when she was alive but no pulse today that means she isn’t alive now. But we are talking so we must be alive yet we don’t have a pulse so does that mean we are dead? Asked Willow.

Yeah, you listen to her, he looked to Willow then Darla, at least I think she was right..

Darla looked to Edward, let’s see if I have got this right, if I have no pulse I’m dead but if I can talk I must be alive? Willow thought for a minute, we don’t have a pulse so we are dead yet as we are talking to each other we are alive. It is a bit confusing you know.
Edward looked to them, so how about you are the undead.

Darla looked up, undead, yes I can live with that.

Well no you can’t, said Edward, you just agreed that you are un-dead, so you are not alive, and obviously you cannot live with it can you? He stepped back, and folded his arms, he looked to them. Did I just say that? Can someone help me up asked Tara. Edward looked to her, umm he muttered. Willow helped Tara to stand up, Darla faced her, I’m so glad you are alive. We’ve just been through that she is undead, said Edward.

Too bloody right I am, can I kill him now, look what he did to my dress.

Edward looks to Tara, Tara asked what they were doing? That is a thought said Willow, I guess we must have been bonding. Well un-bond, and bloody quickly! That rotten sod just shot me, look at my dress! Tara ran at him, she knocked him off his feet. She was about to rip a hole in his neck. Hey, hang on just a minute, we were talking with him. Besides you are dripping blood on him. It’ll get very distracting.


Yet more eventful events will eventually get here at the end of the week.

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Tara was exasperated she looked at the hole in her stomach and more importantly at the hole in her dress. She saw the blood dribbling out of her and onto Edwards leather coat. Tara looked to him underneath her and had almost started to apologise to him when she stopped herself, she wondered why she was about to apologise to him. She stood up and went to Darla and asked what she had been saying.

I can’t tell you, I’ve forgotten what we were talking about, what about you Willow?

Willow admitted that she had forgotten as well. So Tara asked them if they wouldn’t mind if she killed him? Darla didn’t feel like having an argument so she told Tara to go for it. Tara went to him she began to move his head over but stopped Tara was distraught, unhappy, she looked to the ground. I don’t want to now, the moods gone said a despondent Tara.

What are you people? asked Edward

Willow grinned to him and informed him they were vampires. Edward looked straight into Willow’s eyes, he acted surprised at what she said they were though he made it clear he doubted she had told him the truth. How could I prove it said Willow, the fact that she was suddenly stood behind him persuaded him. Now if you were to join with us the benefits could outweigh the risks real quick.

But Edward was concerned that if he got caught they’d put him in prison.

Willow laughed, she had just shown him how quick they could be, catching us could be a problem. And think of the benefits of somewhere nice to live in nice clothes, and you get to be in the company of three very beautiful girls. He looked at them and admitted that he had little to lose.

Edwards first job was to drive the hearse for them, unknown to them he took them to a city.

Darla wanted to know why he had taken them into the heart of a city. Simple he said to them, to look at the people, each of them went about their lives separate from most others, so they could easily blend in there. And where they were at the exit of a train station they could see people who would be going to their homes. He told them to pick a couple of nicely dressed people.

Stood at an exit, Darla began to read people thoughts to find people who had a home.

Soon Darla pointed to two hopefuls I hope her name is Mary. They followed the people to their home, as soon as they had opened the door three vampires had a drink. Edward put the kettle on to make himself a coffee, he looked at the people and said to the girls if the people were not dead he could talk and ask them what they did.

That’s easy said Tara slicing her wrist and making the woman drink from her.

Late that afternoon Mary sat in her front room watching a VHS. Willow joined her and asked what the film was about. Mary didn’t know she just said it was one of the Hammer films about Dracula. Willow soon found out that Mary had a thing for vampires, that her life was surrounded with tales about them. She gave Willow a business card for a club she went to, a Goth club in Putney.

Mary said she was an extra for a vampire film being made at the Hammer studios.

It was something Willow had never thought of, pretending to be a vampire in a vampire film. The though oft it did appear interesting, lucrative and quite apt. She could really let herself go. As the evening began to unfold she convinced the others it would be something of interest. So having served her purpose Mary was deadified, Edward rang the films casting agent and the three of them got work for the night.

On the way to the film studios they stopped at the side of the road.

They carried Mary’s body into a field then put her fellas against it, staking them down for the sun’s rays to finish the job. After getting back in the hearse Edward took them to where the film was being made. Edward had expected a big film lot that was well sign posted, it wasn’t he had to stop for directions.

The people Darla asked didn’t want to help they just wanted to rob her.

She refused to give them any money and laughed in their faces, as one of the men threatened her with a knife the other threatened her and shot her. Luckily she was shot in the head. (getting her dress repaired at that time of night could be a problem). Instantly Willow and Tara were stood next to her. Darla offered Tara an apology as it was then that she knew the pain of being shot.

Two of the men stared at Darla, even as she was about to bite them.

A voice from the car told her to stop, Edward went to her and told her to kill them in a way that us human’s would kill a person. What none of them knew was that there was a third man, he had kept quite still and he had listened to them. When he was alone he escaped but was arrested by police because of a robbery he had made earlier that evening.

A minor setback to their first time as extras on a vampire film.

But the third mugger had created quite a story and Darla’s plight was made taken advantage of in the media.
But not all media was against her as she soon found out when a booking agent for a late night variety show called her as she was wanted to appear on the show

Darla would have turned them down but Willow thought it might be fun.

Darla waited at the entrance to the stage, she heard the interviewer, Simon Symes, preparing the audience. He told them that his first guest that evening was an aspiring actor who was recently the victim of an attempted mugging. But one of those who attempted to mug her had accused her of being an actual vampire.

The interviewer, Simon Symes, made himself presentable.

He looked down at his card he couldn’t believe he was about to say it. I am sorry for this he told the audience, I know it sounds really corny but if I don’t say it somebody will so here goes. Several newspapers have sensationalized this story he breathed in deeply. And I do apologise for this but this could actually be an interview with a vampire. Some of the audience began to applaud, some watched as Darla went to the chair and sat down.

The interviewer told Darla he was sorry but he had to ask if she was really a vampire?

Darla sat and waited for him to say something else but he didn’t. She tried to prompt him but he told her that he didn’t think he had another line. Darla said she thought he was going to add, ‘if you are, please, do not bite me’. Simon saw the humour in what she said he also knew that she had just put him at ease.

He grinned. Now, the films you have been in, you are always a vampire why is that?

Darla thought about her reply, she didn’t know what else she could say. She had to admit that she was the best at what she did. Simon was a bit incensed at such a comment so he asked her to prove it to him and the audience. Darla grinned then asked that he allow her a minute or two to prepare herself. She leant forward and pretended to put in a pair of contact lenses.

Darla looked towards him and let out a long low pitch rumbling growl.

Simon Symes sat back in he had suddenly felt nervous. He congratulated her and told her the takings for the next film just increased - she pounced onto his desk flashing her yellows eyes to him, baring her fangs she growled wilder than any tiger he had ever heard. He didn’t even realise it but he had jumped from his seat and had left the stage. He came back onto the stage and stared at her. What can I say said Darla I am the best at what I do.

Simon Symes wanted to say so much to her, now all he could think of was Holy Crap.

He stood behind his desk Simon watched as Darla left the stage. Standing behind his desk he told the audience that she was really good, not that he had to as the first three rows had emptied. Look at me he told them, he was still shaking. Simon went back to his desk and looked at his cards to see who his next guest was. He didn’t know the newspaper journalist was who had made the accusations against her.

An audience member said the journalist was thick, what is she was a vampire?

The next person came on to the stage, she was the lead singer from a successful group she said she had heard the last interview she wondered what would have happened if that Darla had been a vampire who was trying to hide, she would be upset with the journalist.
Simon Symes tried to laugh and not sound nervous but for some reason he wasn’t able to.



To travel across countries can be so much fun when you are 3 dead vampires in a hearse.

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Forgetting/ignoring the automatic directions from the rear seats of the hearse Edward found his way to where Darla’s father Rupert was. As they drew closer Darla could sense him near and directed them to a dilapidated old castle, over the bridge and through the gap where a portcullis had once been. Getting out of the hearse Edward watched as the directional qualities of the vampires sent them in circles.

He called them to him and pointed to the light in the window.

When they stood next to him they could see where to go, Darla thanked him and set about to find the room. Darla led the way to the room where the light from the candle lit the room was seen, standing in the doorway Darla was upset to see her father alone, he was reading a book.

If you got out more you wouldn’t need to read these books said Willow.

In a blur he was halfway to them before the flame had time to react as his body flashed by it. He recognised his daughter Darla, and hugged her tightly. He saw Elizabeth and hugged her as well, he felt another near and hugged her too. He stopped then looked to Darla then to Willow. Oh dear I don’t know you do I? No, you don’t said Tara. Does your daughter mind you getting fresh with her friends? I’m so sorry said Rupert.

I bet you say that to all the girls said Willow. He wryly smiles to her.

So what brings you to the castle Bran he asked. I wanted to see you father, I would have been here before but our directions were slightly amiss. Darla looked around the room, you don’t seem to be doing much with here. Tara rub’s her finger along the fireplace mantle. Look at the state of.. oh, there’s no dust.

Yes, this place is clean but it is past its former glory.

It needs a lot of money to pay her wages or to put this place in the condition it was when it was first built. Money we can get anytime by playing the pools or lotto, hang on, whose wages would you have to pay? asked Tara. My housekeeper, I have a woman that lives in the village, she comes here and takes care of the castle for me. She is a human.

That explains why there’s no dust but really you got a human? Tara feigned anger.

The woman who comes here, I want her to stay, as a human. You have a human who comes here? That is awful, you let her come into this castle, your home? And you haven’t drunk from her, why not? Asked Tara. Because she is good, she is nice company
also, on her first day here I said to her, if she was to work here she would have to wear a neck lace.

Like the one I found put in my jewellery box said Darla.

Yes, I coated it with Monkshood so that I couldn’t bite you. Didn’t change anything though, when that other one got you. Well I’m glad she didn’t wear it, I’d like to meet this, human, all of us would said Willow. I have told Eleanor I have a daughter, I never thought I would see you again though.

A human? Do you really allow a human to be here? Disgraceful stated Tara.

Heading to the long table in the great hall Rupert put in front of them a big bottle of fresh blood and four glasses. He explained that it was human blood, bought from the undertakers in the town to the south of there freshly drained so to speak. He has other he uses when his housekeeper is on duty, fresh cows blood that is sieved to get the bits out. Are you there Mr. Gothenberg?

Quick hide the blood and the glasses under the table. I’d prefer not to lie to her.

A woman walked into the room. Miss Gor, welcome. I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were coming today, I have visitors said Rupert. The girls stand up as the woman walks to the table, they go to stand next to Rupert. Eleanor Gor looked at them. Oh my god she is your daughter. Are they all like you Rupert? vampires?

You knew? How? I thought I was careful not to let you know said Rupert

Eleanor smiled. I knew of vampires long before you came here Rupert. The one who was here before you he would often take people from the village she said. Sounds like I did you a favour when I killed him said Rupert. On that day that I had been chosen by the villagers to be the next victim. When he didn’t come to the village I was sent here.

Was that when I first met you? asked Rupert.

Yes it was, so when you asked me to work for you, but I had to wear this neck lace, I knew then that you were a vampire. He smiled to her, yes they are vampire. Are you in here girls! Edward walked into the room, casually looking to everyone, he walked up to Ruprecht. You do look alike I take it you are Darla’s father, pleased to meet you. Edward offered his hand for a handshake.

What! exclaimed Rupert, are you human?

Rupert looked to Tara, you little.. Edward looked to Darla he said he had given the hearse the once over he wanted to know if there was anything to eat? Eleanor laughed. If you are lucky there might be some almost stale bread that you can make Cheese on toast with but that is about all you will get here but there‘s plenty of tea and coffee.

There might be some well sieved tomato paste that I added a drop of vinegar too. But he keeps trying to drink the stuff because it is red.

Just the bread and cheese then and a few cups of coffee said Edward. Eleanor looked at him and smiled, it is nice to have another human here ‘cos I’d like a coffee as well. Rupert was still a bit peeved with Tara after all she had said to him about having a human, he wanted to know why she allowed one to be with her Tara casually looked to him, Hmm? What? she replied.

Rupert wanted to know what she was doing when friends were made with the human?

Your daughter and Willow had just had a deep and meaningful discussion with Edward about if us vampires were alive, dead or un-dead. Rupert asked why she hadn’t said anything. Tara said that she had just been shot by Edward and was still on the ground. And it was beneficial for them to have a human around.

What are the people like in the village asked Edward.

They used to be easy going people but I should warn you the priest created a lot of unrest amongst the people he says that no vampire should be at this castle as they are all evil. Rupert said he’d like to stay in the castle but the priest kept making things awkward for Rupert in the village. The priest feels he needs to come here with his followers or have a meeting of an afternoon.

The priest just keeps trying to cause a problem said Eleanor.

Tonight, when you go back I will go with you, together we will try to get our friends accepted by the priest. It might be a good idea to leave a note so that Rupert and the girls know what we are doing. They agreed it would be best to leave the note in the kitchen as it was 1 pm, so that it would be found whenever one of them went to get a drink.

The shadows had begun to cover over the castle before the letter was found.

Willow found the letter when she had gone to the kitchen, she rushed to tell the others what Edward and Eleanor had done, seven hours and they haven’t returned. Darla said to get the hearse ready. They would be going to the village. Willow drove, she kept it as quiet as possible going to the priests house. But no sign of them was there so they went to the police station.

Rupert found a note saying of a hanging just before dusk. And a meeting in the village hall.

They headed for the village hall thinking Eleanor and Edward had been able to get a meeting. As they drove through the village square Willow stopped the hearse when she saw two bodies hanging at the gallows. She got out, I’m just going to make sure it isn’t them. When they saw Willow drop to her knees they knew who it was.

Each of them got out of the hearse and went to join Willow.

Darla told her father to help Willow put their bodies in the back of the hearse she had Tara go with her to the village hall, we know what the people of this village want we shall give it to them, find what you can and we’ll block off the rear doors then wait at the front doors until Willow and Rupert get there it’ll give me some time to plan our revenge.

As humans we can make a trap for the people here. As vampires we can spring the trap.

There will be plenty of time for what we want afterwards. We will get their revenge, when we get it, everyone will know of it. That is my vow Edward, my love. Elizabeth, Virginia and Ruprecht looked surprised to each other. Standing near the steps of the meeting hall, looking through the windows they see and hear the priest and the village leaders inciting hatred against them.

If hatred is what he wants, I won’t hold back said Willow.

Darla looked to her. The two people at the back of the room, those holding the weapons. I wonder if they can fly? Willow, take them as high as you like before you let go. What about your father and I? asked Tara. Get the priest, tie him to the floor. Kill those with him. And what about the villager asked Tara

Darla told her she wanted to incite some of my own hatred.

The priest and his two others from the church were preaching hatred to the twenty three villagers. Elizabeth flew through the doors she grabbed the two armed men and took them high into the sky. Rupert and Tara bit the priests men, killing them. The villagers ran to the priest as Darla released her inner demon it took a physical form on the outside of her body.



Fear would soon know a new name as Darla released her inner demon.

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Darla smiled, to see the people running from her made her happy. She would still kill them but now she could do it with a grin on her face. Unfortunately her face bore the same glistening brown wrinkly leathery look that glistened all over her body and her wide wings. The only parts of her that didn’t glisten were her teeth and the talons on those wings.

As she stepped towards the priest the villagers went to huddle at the sides of the hall.

Darla picked up the priest and breathed in deeply, he had been lifted to within inches of her face, she opened her mouth to let her saliva drip from her teeth onto him. She let out an ear piercing high pitched scream that had everyone cover their ears. The priest stared into the vague emptiness in front of him. Darla had just removed his sanity.

Rupert looked to Tara. I know she is my daughter, but Jesus, she is scary.

Darla turned to look at the villagers, she accused them of watching Edward and Eleanor as they hung on the ropes that would kill them. What do you think I’m going to do, said Darla. Willow flew back into the hall, she stopped next to Rupert and stared at the demon. Rupert told her it was Darla. Tara asked what they should do with the villagers and that priest.

Willow was in favour of killing him.

No, the villagers on my right, bite them, turn them, said Darla. Those on the left, just bite them then go to the priest and tie him down so when the sun comes up the villagers should be hungry for blood. Fairs fair, all the violence he was inciting on us, the villagers can do it to him. Darla said they could stay and watch the fun or go to the castle, she would be there soon.

Tara, Willow and Rupert went to the hearse, they heard screams and saw the darkness of night glow a fiery red.

As Darla walked through the village each building beside her burst into flames, the occupiers screams faded fast. Darla went back to the village hall, she carried several wooden crosses and she placed each one of them by each of the windows and doors. And she did so with a smile on her face.

Darla called to every one of the villagers who would live beyond the dawn of the new day.

For every wooden cross you see from this time on, you shall now it as evil. Darla flew back to the castle, as she waited for the hearse to return the demon returned to be within her. She saw her friends with eyes that were almost human. Rupert said he didn’t want to remain at the castle, Willow suggested they go to Taksbul Manor. She wanted to hear any good news of her mother.

Going up the steps and opening the basement door in their Taksbul Manor Rupert and Darla met Mr. Olivers passing the doorway.

He was as surprised to see them as they were to see him, he greeted Tara then Willow but Willow felt that something was wrong. She kept a hold on his
hands. What is it, what is wrong? she asked. The townspeople here have gone crazy they think anyone who is a bit different is a witch and they are killed. They don’t care if a person is a witch or not, replied Mr. Olivers.

Both his sons and his wife had been taken away as witches, they were now dead.

Willow was beside herself as she pointedly asked after her mother. Due to be hung when the sun has gone down said Mr. Olivers. At least my wife she was a vampire, hanging and burying a vampire is like giving them a holiday. I had intended to free her from her grave tonight. The idiot priest wouldn’t allow her in consecratedground.

Willow stated that as she had left her mother here she ought to make sure she should remain safe.

I want to protect her from this claim of witchcraft. Darla smiled to Willow let me. Know this, I will put on a display like this town has never seen, I will release your mother. Darla’s father Rupert said he would take Willow’s mother far away, that he would never leave her. Mr. Olivers said after he had dug his wife up he would leave. One point that might help is that the person to be hung always wears a hood.
Before he left Rupert warned Mr Olivers that if he went to make sure Willow’s mother had been saved or not he should not to be scared of the winged demon.

Going to the village Darla transformed then clambered to the top of a church steeple.

When Willow’s mother was brought out Darla screamed as loud as she could then dove onto the gallows. As Willow and Tara made the villagers panic Rupert freed Willow’s mother. In the ensuing panic he ‘borrowed’ a car and left for greener pastures. Mr. Olivers stopped at a graveyard he pointed to an area not of consecrated ground where his wife was buried. Tara had helped him retrieve his wife before going to help Willow.

Edward was sat behind the steering wheel, England next stop I know a few places we can hide.

As they drove across France the hearse began to run erratically Darla said they needed something else. Edward agreed to stay a few days in Paris so new transport could be bought. The girls had been travelling over the rough roads for two days, and they were ‘tender’ in certain areas of their anatomy.

Tara who had been at the wheel slowed at a signpost; Paris.

I hope we get to stop soon I vote we go there, if for no other reason than to buy a new carriage one that will move over these lands smoother. And to have a bath and get some clean clothes. Willow agreed and they found a big townhouse with an enclosed courtyard. Darla agreed with Willow that she should get the new transport.
A storm the following afternoon allowed Willow to go in search of new transport for them.

Tara was incensed when she found out. She wondered what monstrosity Willow would come back, as she told Darla Willow’s sense of humour was not getting better. Darla chose to ignore her remarks but knew a mistake had been made.

Upon hearing horse’s hooves and old fashioned wheels on the cobblestones of the courtyard Darla feared the worst.

They rushed from the house to see what it is that Willow had returned with. Stunned and dismayed at Willow’s choice, they stood and stared. Whatd’ya think, stated Willow she thought it was great. Willow had bought a top of the range undertakers horse drawn carriage with a team of six horses. Darla, Tara and Edward wanted to say something intelligent or derogatory, anything would have been good.

The incredulity of their stares must have been a bit of a give-away reaction but Willow wasn’t fazed.

Willow was so happy she explained in great detail about the black curtains to each window. Of the team of six horses that each had black leather and black sprays of feathers on the heads of the horses, and get this Willow sat on the drivers platform, the seats are well padded. She had even bought undertakers costumes for each of them. Wanting to get the journey started and finished they left for the coast that night.

A surprise was to follow as the other road users appeared to be mindfull of them, even when a line of vehicles gathered behind them.

The French police pulled them to the side of the road and were about to lay charges on them when Edward opened the coffin, Tara was laid out. The French policemen stepped back and reverently took their hats off, passing motorists knew what was. Those police organized for a police car in front and behind them. All was well on the journey to the coast, except for one thing and it gave them many moments of mirth though it would not have appeared right if Willow, Darla or Edward could be seen to be laughing as they sat at the head of the undertaker’s wagon.

They had many thoughts for poor Tara having to remain in the coffin. They wished those thoughts had not have involved their laughter.

Willow kept repeating why she had bought the horse drawn coffin bearer, to have a laugh. Poor Tara. As they drew near to the port of Calais the police escort left and of course they would have rushed to tell Tara had they not been surrounded by people. Even when they took their place inside the belly of the ferry people gathered around the hearse.

Willow and Darla went up onto the deck and left Edward in charge.

Edward opened the coffin in front of fifty witnesses, having been asked why he had opened the coffin he explained that they had travelled from the village near the castle where the Dracula legend was born, that he had to open the coffin to make sure the legend was not real. The people were so amazed at his tale so it was no surprise to him that when Tara’s hand appeared the people ran screaming.

When Tara sat up and looked to Edward she was very pleased.

On the main deck Willow and Darla had gone to stand at the bow of the ferry, to look at the lights of the land on the approach to Dover. Darla thought it would be half an hour before they made land. She heard the massed screams coming from below deck and faced Willow, make that five minutes till we land added Darla.



The horses that pulled the hearse liked the small round rose coloured sunglasses, no one who saw them coming did though.

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Wondering where to go Willow said she had heard of a club in Putney, a suburb of London that was sympathetic to people of their kind. The following day as soon as the sun had left the sky they walked into the place. Other people in the bar and the dance floor were dressed as vampires though that wasn’t what they were.

Edward felt at home with others that looked like him he went to the bar to buy a drink.

When the barman got around to serving him Edward asked for a packet of type ’O’. The barman didn’t think he was very funny and told him where to go and how to get there. Back with the girls Edward said they wouldn’t get served there so he went and got the thermos from under the seat.

Willow said she would get a glass for each of them.

The barman had seen them supply themselves with the drink and told them if he saw them get their own drinks he would throw them out. Tara suggested he carry the drink they wanted he was about to reply to her when he saw Edward smile to him, type ‘O’
The barman stared at each of them.

For a club like this you ought to be nice to the real thing, said Darla.

He didn’t like it when they referred to him as you human, he didn’t like being called a Van Helsing wannabe either. He left the table after reiterating they would be kicked out if he thought they had their own drinks. When each of them had finished their drink they left, Willow and Tara led the way.

They were attacked and dragged into an alley.

As their bodies became ash their attackers left quickly, too quickly for Darla or Edward to see who they were. Collecting them Edward and Darla put Willow’s and Tara’s remains into a coffin each. Edward drove them to the town’s park as they needed to calm and being near water did that best.

Finding the town’s park Edward and Darla went and sat on a park bench beside the lake.

Darla wasn’t sure why but she loved to be sat near water where she could throw dry bits of bread to feed the ducks and the ducks didn’t mind who gave them the bread they were glad when someone did. Darla didn’t know what it was inside her that caused her to like being there so much.

Maybe it is something about the demon in me said Darla.

She told herself she had to know more about the demon for all she knew it might be the ducks that had brought out a latent memory the demon once had, Edward gripped Darla’s hand. He walked to the end of the lake. They walk hand in hand around the end of the lake, they slowed as another couple approached.

The younger of them a woman approached her, she was glad they were leaving as they liked to feed the ducks as well.

Darla looked to the ducks. I don’t know why congregate around me they always have done, wherever I go. The woman threw a few pieces of dry bread into the water and several ducks chased for them. The woman, Gloria asked if Darla would stay with her, until the ducks came.
About to agree Darla turned to face her.

Gloria froze, she stared at Darla.

Its you! Gloria fumbled about in her inside, I always keep these on me they must be yours Darla looked at what was being handed to her. Edward look she had our passport photos. Gloria’s boyfriend stepped forward to see what they meant as he looked at them he saw Gloria and a man.

He looked at the two women they looked exactly the same.

Are you twins he asked. I know who my mother is, I still live with her said Gloria. My mother died when I was young, I can’t remember when, but we are not twins, said Darla. Not exactly the same stated Edward he held Darla’s hand as he looked at Gloria. As they were leaving Darla held up the line of photos, for this I owe you one.

A year had passed, Edward and Darla had bought a nice house away from the noise of the town.

It wasn’t that they wanted to have a semblance of security but they had fitted cameras around the house. Not to stop people getting in as the front door was usually left open, but it would give them something to do on those quiet evenings when they had nothing to do. To trace those folk who had entered their home.

Thinking of new ways to pass the time had become quite hard.

Edward had just parked their car in the driveway, he looked to Darla. Put the shopping away first Edward took his gaze away from her, he looked to the house. Knowing that another was there Darla stated it was another vampire. She went to the front door thinking she knew the feeling, eventually she laughed to herself. She declared she should, it’s my father.

They went into the house and saw a silhouette in the kitchen, Darla turned on the light.

Rupert smiled to her he said he had been doing some research about her. He saw Edward and offered him his hand, he gripped Edwards hand Rupert suddenly took a step back he was surprised, when did you become one of us? Edward winked to Darla he told Rupert
that he had been fooling around with his daughter when she started to.. Please stop, begged Rupert, I don’t want to know this.

Edward continued to tell Rupert that they were locked in a passionate embrace and they got carried away. Edward and Darla grinned to each other.

Darla grinned sheepishly to her father, he kept on.. and I kept on.. then he wanted to.. and so did I, then I started to give him a love bite, but well I er, I got a bit to carried away and.. well you can guess the rest, said Darla. Darla dear, please don’t tell your father all about what we did, those details are, I can’t believe your father wants to know about.. unless your father is a bit of a pervert. Edward looks coyly to Rupert.

I was wearing those sexy black and red lace.. Rupert covered his ears, he begged her to stop talking

So, Rupert, do you remember when I was hung, asked Edward. Rupert realised he’d been had. Darla wanted to know how her father had found her? He smiled and said it was because of the black necklace, I can follow it everywhere, said Rupert. Edward recollected that he saw it on Willow the night she died. Rupert glanced to Darla, something you ought to know about yourself.

He asked his daughter if Willow and Tara were in the basement, Darla grinned.

Her father asked Edward if he knew she was the Princess de Gothenberg 15th in line for the crown, until she became a vampire that is. Edward laughed, ah poor pook-ums, you missed out. Rupert looked at Edward, then he looked to Darla, pook-ums? he shuddered. Edward, what do you know about the vampire who caused Darla to be?

Edward faced her father, not much, nothing really he admitted.

The one that bit her was the first, the act of biting Darla caused his last energy to fade and he ceased to be. When he faded Darla became as he was, the last and only descendant of the devil. In human terms Darla is the devils daughter. Rupert asked to be taken to see Willow and Tara. Darla said their coffins had been sealed into the basement. The brick wall had been cemented.

But the wall was too strong for either of them to break, said Edward.

As a direct descendant, you should be accumulating powers, like when you changed
into that winged demon. Your powers of regeneration have become greater than any before you as has your strength increased, should you get angry you will know more about yourself. I dare say you can heal any vampire who has died, no matter how it died.

I hope that includes piles of ashes, said Darla.

So we will need to get you really angry no matter how much of a problem that is said her father. I lived with you for eighteen years, I saw you upset but you were never angry. Edward stated that he could (he clicked his thumb and finger) just like that. He began to tickle her, whatever she said he kept tickling her.

Darla said it didn’t make her angry but it did cause her to lose control.

Darla looked fondly to Edward, Rupert quickly looked away, he was embarrassed he didn’t think he needed to know that and he definitely don’t want to hear that again. Edward turned the stereo on. One way to really cause Darla to get angry is to sing to her favourite song really badly.

He looked through the shelves and thanked the day he had put the CD’s in alphabetical order.

Edward put the CD in the player, he pressed number four so they could listen to the Evanescence track My Immortal, Darla loved listening to it being played on the Piano she thought it was so emotional. Edward knew to sing it as an angry person an octave lower and just a bit faster. He had just started as Darla underwent a metamorphosis

She lost her looks just after Edward and Rupert left the room.

Speakers had been placed on three of the four walls, Darla took her anger out on the other brick wall, she completely demolished it. Suddenly she was in that room by herself. As her inner demon calmed she became the person again. Opening both of the coffins she slit a wrist and dropped some of her blood on each of Willow’s and Tara’s ashes.

Sat in the kitchen Darla, Rupert and Edward were having a cuppa each when Willow and Tara joined them.

Tara was unsure what had happened to bring them back, Rupert hadn’t helped when he asked them if they could remember who killed them. Willow said they were followed out of the Goth club, she didn’t know who it had been but they had been targeted. Edward suggested they were to visit the club again but be pro-active in weeding out the perpetrators.

The following afternoon as they went into the alley three police detectives were sifting through the rubbish.

Willow asked them why they were there, one of the police said the CCTV cameras showed people being killed in the alley but no one had been charged with the murders. Many people had died in the alley but they were no closer to solving any of the murders than they had been the first time they had gone there.

Willow stated that she and her friends were there to uncover who had been involved that if they could open their minds they’d know who had done the killings.




How would the police cope when they found out the dead sought revenge?

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Rupert suggested that the police officers look about the room to see if there was anyone they who they recognised who were thought of as suspects in the case. After the policemen had finished looking about the room they told Darla that the three men sat at the table nearest the right side of the bar were similar in looks.

Rupert said they had thought the barman had acted suspiciously.

They watched the barman, he would serve a patron then look to the men. Edward and Rupert went to the bar, they intended that they would distract the barman so that Darla could wander behind their table and look into the minds of the men. She returned to the table and told the policemen about them.

None of them were what I’d suggest were of interest.

Willow looked to the policemen, do you think their minds might get to be active should they recognise me. Tara told Darla that she and Willow ought to be stood near them when she was there. Darla agreed with her, Willow suggested for Tara and her to make it obvious what they were to the men. So they went to the bar nearest the table and waited for Darla to get in place.

Willow drew a cut on Tara’s shoulder, and waited for the blood.

As it ran down Tara’s arm Willow licked all the blood off her arm then stood to one side as the cut repaired itself. Willow turned away from the bar, she could tell the men recognised her as one of the women they had killed previously. Casually she spoke to the men, this is the second time I’ve been here, if I don’t get served soon I might I might have to put on a show.

Tara tried to think what she could mean and she was a bit hopeful at the same time.

They noticed Willow wiping her fingertips down her long front teeth before she turned to Tara. When Darla got back to the table she told the police that they had committed all the murders in the alley. That the man in the middle had a set of false teeth in his inside jacket pocket.

The teeth that were used to get the police to consider a supernatural being.

The set of false teeth had a pair of real extra-long incisors, one of the others had several empty blood packets so they could drain the blood from their victims. Rupert asked the police officers if they wanted to lock and charge the people or would they prefer Darla to deal with them.

The police men asked what was meant by deal with them?

Rupert said that as they were vampires and thirsty ones at that, deal with them meant they would drink them dry. The policemen looked to each other, they said it was deserved but each of the officers knew they get into trouble though they did say they had no proof it was them. Darla smiled and asked to be given two minutes alone with each of them.

The police officers called for backup and a bit later the men were arrested.

At Edward and Darla’s home Rupert found that one of the taps of the bathroom sink didn’t work. Edward said he’d get a new tap as it was late night shopping, Willow said she would go with him. Two hours later they walked into the Home Renovation Centre, they looked at all the rows of produce.

They wondered which row the taps were on.

Willow saw a sign that said Shop Floor Attendant’s Office, she waved two of them over, as the first floor attendant came towards them Edward leant forward to look at his name tag, he read it aloud, ’If you can read this you are too close.’ Edward straightened quickly, he looked to the attendant who smiled to him. Yeah I know, you expected to see my name and instead you read that, it annoys the heck out of my bosses as well.

When both of them stood next to her Willow said what it was they were looking for.

She asked them for some help. The young man, Graeme said he would, he told her that going to the tap section was quite straight forward though he said he was surprised there were at the shop without a rain jacket though he did admit while it hadn’t rained so far it would rain later that day. Willow said she didn’t think it would, she wanted to know what he meant.

Graeme said it was a virtual guarantee it would rain outside very soon.

Edward went into the car park and looked at the clear blue cloudless sky, going back into the shop Edward asked him if he was sure it would rain outside. Graeme said it was a virtual guarantee, that he would promise he would sell his soul to the devil if he was wrong. Willow casually informed him the devil was dead though if he repeated the promise she would make sure the devils daughter was told.

Somewhat suspiciously Graeme pointed to the ceiling.

He said how wonderful it was and above that it had metal roof which was a virtual guarantee it would only rain outside. Edward was confused, he asked if it would rain in the car park. No, but it will definitely rain outside, somewhere in this big wide world. The other floor attendant, Martha, looked to them. Can you believe it she asked, the bosses are going to let him go. What did you come here for?

Willow looked to Edward and asked him if he could remember why they were there.

Edward stared at the floor for a few seconds before exclaiming it was to get a tap. Taps! Exclaimed Graeme, not a problem sir I can give you directions right now. If you go to the row in front of us turn to face the right although if you do you will be looking straight in front just go three rows along, turn left and go to the end of the row then turn right. No, I meant turn left.

Go to the end of that aisle until the junction with the wide aisle then turn right.

Yes that sounds better. Are you sure? asked Martha she drew a diagram in the air and shook her head. Martha pointed diagonally to the left of them to the main aisle, forget what he said just follow that aisle to its end, that is where the tap section is. Spoil sport muttered Graeme. As Willow and Edward walked to where the taps were Willow said about what that guy had said, his directions,

it gave an explanation for something else.

Edward glanced to her. About why a bride is usually late for her own wedding said Willow it won’t be anything to do with it being her prerogative to be late anymore. Edward didn’t know what she meant. It won’t, what will it be, he asked. The driver of the limousine was trying to follow Graham’s GPS directions, added Willow.

Edward went and bought the tap.

When they returned home Darla gave them all a drink before Rupert turned off the water prior to taking off the old tap and fitting the new one. The evening and nights hours were passed with Rupert telling them about what had bitten Darla and what sort of changes would or might happen he said about her ability to appear as a demon he also said about her regenerative powers.

But what else could there be, asked Willow.




Morning young miss I trust you slept well, asked Darla. Darla went to be stood at the foot of her bed. Up you get it is a lovely day, stated Darla and went to the curtains she opened them and let the room fill with sunlight. Willow begged her to close the curtains as the sun was too bright for her eyes, she covered herself with the blanket. Willow leant as far back on the beds headboard.

How can you bear to be in the sunlight, asked Willow.

Darla closed the curtains going to be stood behind them she opened the windows and closed the shutters and drew the curtains wide open. She went across the room to be stood at the door, as soon as you get dresses we can go down for a meal or would you prefer it here Willow was about to answer her when Rupert walked into the room with a couple of glasses of blood, whose is it asked Willow. He looked to Darla.

Over the next few weeks you will get some of her blood, my daughter would prefer it if you were the same as her, with all the same powers as her, and as you saw this morning she can walk in the sun.




THE END