What We Do In the Shadows: "Jen..."

What We Do In The Shadows: "Jen..." Part LXXXIII...

What We Do In The Shadows: "Jen..."

Summary: There are unexpected consequences when Laszlo seeks a new human familiar...

Part LXXXIII...

Hotel Gran Ciudal de Mexico...

Hotel room of Dr. Philippe Acura...aka Prince Vlad of the Dracule, Dracula...Dad to his daughter, Althea...Philippe to modern day friends and colleagues...Vlad to wife, sis, and old (pre 1890s) frienemies and associates.

"So, my dear..." Dr. Acura beams at the seated Susan. "Now that I've assured you that I've done nothing more to your friend Phyllis than calm her anxieties a bit for the funeral, what can I do for you?" he took a seat across from her.

"I'd ask you to leave my friends in peace..." she shrugs. "But I have a feeling the answer would be no."

"It would...But I wouldn't be leaving them 'in peace', dear. I'd be sentencing them to eternal death. I know you can't understand that in your current state..." he nods, a bit sadly... "But I assure you, I mean them nothing but the best."

"Even if they don't want it?" she sighs. "They prefer to live...Unlive...And we love them. Can't you just leave us all be, for now at least?"

"This is a critical time for them...The moment is coming...It may not come again, possibly ever. I know I'm taking a risk telling you that, but I feel it's important you understand the gravity of the situation, Susan." He nods. "Believe me, or please, try to, that I do care for them and pity their situation. They should not fear...And they will not die..."

"Right, 'cause they're already dead..."

"Debatable, but I am being quite literal. They won't die, Susan...If all goes well..."

"If..." sour look. "You mean they'll remain here, souled like you, some power, seeking to do good things and all to earn their ticket to Heaven?"

"Something very like that, yes."

"And if it doesn't go well? They go poof..."

"Probably not 'poof'. Sadly, that's mainly in the movies. But if we can redeem them, even that will not be the end for them. They'll be safe."

"Uh-huh...In Heaven?"

"Probably more like the Catholic Purgatory, if you're familiar with the concept...Some atonement required. Or they might be reincarnated, as Althea and my wife have been, in my case and theirs, to do what good we can."

"I was raised on it. Reincarnated? As mortals, like me?"

"Indeed...Though I'm selfish enough to hope we get them to stay as they are, with souls restored. They're needed in this world."

"Fightin' the good fight, with you?"

"I hope so..." he smiles. "It would be something to go to battle with Nandor at my side again, in a less military scenario."

"It's not what they want. I know I can't fight you myself, but they will." She sighs. "And we'll be with them, fighting as best we can."

"That would not be wise...Nor what even in their current states I believe they want."

"No...They're good people, whatever they are, they don't want us hurt." She agrees. "But we can't sit by and watch them suffer. We love them."

"I understand. But know that when they are free, at last, they will be glad of this...And both honored and ashamed to know of your efforts to protect them." Firm nod.

"I'm not...Eager...To die..." she sighs. "But you of all people know I and the others will, for them. Isn't it wrong? Against your redemption creed or whatever? To put us at risk like this?"