The Return of the Curse

Barnabas jerked awake in his chair, the fear still fresh in his mind. He had tried to destroy the box but was stopped when it opened revealing the vampire bat. Fear kept him still until the bat got closer and closer to his neck. Before he knew what had happened, the bat had bitten him just like one had done two hundred years ago. He screamed as he fell to the ground holding his neck before he passed out. When he awoke he knew he was changed, he could feel it.

"Nooo!" He screamed into the night.

"No!" Barnabas jerked awake in his chair realizing it had been a nightmare.

He sat up in his chair looking out the window into the daylight. Although it had been a dream, it had happened. He had tried to destroy the box and the bat flew out attacking his throat. However until like two hundred years ago, he hadn't died. He didn't feel weak or sick as he had been the first time. Perhaps Jeb's plan of putting the curse back on him had failed or he had picked the wrong bat. He got up from his chair walking around the room, his hands shaking slightly from the dream. He knew he couldn't stop himself from worrying, the thought of turning back into a vampire scared him. But as he saw the sun and felt the heat on his face, he knew he was fine.

"Barnabas, you alright?" Willie asked coming into the room, "I heard you scream."

"Fine Willie, just had the nightmare again." Barnabas stated.

Willie nodded having been told about what happened when Barnabas tried to stop Jeb, and was glad to know his master hadn't been changed back. But for the past couple of days, he had been having the nightmare. Willie had come back for a visit, but ended up staying when he realized the trouble Barnabas was in. He had explained the situation to Roxanne the woman he was going to marry, and she agreed that he should stay. She had told him she would wait for him and once this was all over, then they would get married.

Willie went over to the table that held the brandy pouring his master a glass, "Here Barnabas, drink this. It should calm you."

"Thank you Willie, you've been so kind and helpful these past few days." Barnabas took the glass drinking it down, "I just wish Julia or Quentin was here."

"Me too Barnabas, but you know she had to go." Willie stated, "Those people at the hospital need her more due to that outbreak of disease they had."

"I know, and I told her to go right away when she got the word. Quentin even agreed to go and help her out." Barnabas handed him the empty glass, "I think I'm going to take a walk to the cemetery Willie."

"Sure Barnabas, I'll have some breakfast ready for you when you get back." Willie assured him.

"Thank you." He remarked before he went to the door grabbing his cane and coat.

Once he had both, he left the Old House going straight for the cemetery. As he walked, he found the sun was already bright even though it wasn't high in the sky yet. He ignored the feeling he felt in the back of his mind, continuing on his walk. When he reached the cemetery he went straight to the mausoleum where his parents and little sister were buried. Opening the old gate, he went in standing there in front of the three coffins. He bowed his head in prayer knowing they were all in heaven looking down at him. One day he would be at peace with them, but until he died he would continue to live.

After he had paid his respects, he went back outside making sure the gate was closed behind him. From there he walked over to Jerimiah's and Josette's grave, paying his respects to them as well. Long ago he had felt anger at both of them, but now he knew they were both happy in heaven together. His anger had died and was replaced with happiness knowing perhaps it was meant for them to be together. As he stood there, he glanced at the bright sky wincing at it, realizing he was getting a headache. Not wanting it to be worse than it already was, he began the walk back to the Old House.

By the time he reached the front doors, he found himself covering his eyes with his hand. The slight headache he had gotten had seemed to intensify, making him want to get into darkness. He went into the house shutting the door as quickly as he could to shut out the sunlight. After he hung up his cane and took off his coat to hang up, he went into the living room finding it still somewhat bright. Glad that his chair was facing away from the window, he went to sit realizing Willie had brought in a tray of oatmeal and toast plus some orange juice. He felt his stomach turn not sure if he wanted to eat or not.

Since Willie had gone through the trouble of making it, he decided he would at least try. He managed to eat some of the oatmeal before he moved onto the toast. The toast seemed to do better on his stomach but he realized the room was getting brighter. He started to get up and shut the curtains but as soon as he stood he had to sit back down, the pain in his head intensifying. He had to get something for his headache and quick.

"Willie!" He shouted hoping Willie was near.

Willie came into the room from the kitchen, "Yeah Barnabas?"

"Willie please shut the curtains, I have a headache and the sunlight isn't helping." He replied.

Willie went over shutting the curtains putting the room into darkness. When he came back over, he noticed Barnabas was rubbing his head, "Do you need some medicine Barnabas? I still have the pills that Julia gave me."

"Yes thank you Willie." Barnabas nodded.

Willie went upstairs grabbing two from his room before he came back downstairs handing the medicine to Barnabas, "Here you go Barnabas."

"Thank you." He put the pills into his mouth before he drank it down with the orange juice, "You can take the tray away."

"You didn't eat much." Willie commented.

"My stomach didn't feel right." He stated.

Willie turned to face his old master and friend realizing Barnabas was looking pale, "I think you should go take a nap Barnabas, you don't look so good."

Barnabas nodded, "I'm going to sit here for a moment until the medicine takes effect first and see how I feel."

"Alright Barnabas."

With that Willie left to get rid of the dirty dishes, leaving Barnabas sitting in his chair. Barnabas continued to rub his head until he felt the medicine taking effect allowing him to relax some. The medicine also seemed to allow his stomach to ease up, and he felt himself drifting off to sleep. After Willie had finished the dishes he came into the room finding Barnabas sleeping in his chair. He let out a sigh of relief glad to see him sleeping, but swore his master looked to be shivering slightly. Although it wasn't cold in the room, he quietly got a fire going to warm up the room for his master.

When Barnabas awoke, he found Willie standing near him clearly worried from how he was rubbing his hands together, "Willie?"

"Barnabas, you've been asleep all day. I tried to wake you several times to get you to drink water, but you wouldn't wake up." Willie stated.

Barnabas stood up relieved when he found his headache had left. With a glance out the window, he realized it was night, but he wasn't sure he should be worried, "It's alright Willie, nothing to worry about."

"But Barnabas, you ain't slept like that since before." He stated.

"Before I changed back to human," he said. "Yes I know Willie, but perhaps I was just more tired than I realized."

"If you are sure." Willie said still unsure, "Do you want any dinner?"

"No I think I'm going to sit here for a while before I go upstairs." Barnabas stated, "You can head to bed if you want."

"Alright Barnabas." Willie smiled.

"Oh and Willie," Barnabas called out to him waiting until he turned to face him, "Thanks for making a fire earlier. I think it allowed me to sleep."

"No problem Barnabas." Willie nodded before he went upstairs to his room.

Once Willie had left him, Barnabas sat there staring into the fire. He hadn't believed he had slept that long until he looked outside. Had it been the medicine that Willie had given him or was it something else? His hand went up to his throat where he the bat had bitten him a few days ago, but there weren't any marks. A part of him wanted to believe that meant he wasn't changing back, but there was a slight doubt in the back of his mind.

"No!" He cried out, "I will not return to that life."

He stood up pacing the room trying to figure out what he could do. Julia and Quentin weren't going to be returning anytime soon since it seemed the outbreak was more severe than anyone had thought. If she was there, then he could ask her to start treatments to keep him human. 'What was he saying?' he thought realizing he was starting to admit that that's what was happening to him. He forced the bad thoughts from his mind as he made his way upstairs to his bedroom.

Doing a quick change into his night clothes, he got into bed covering up with the blankets. He laid there on his back for a few moments before he turned onto his right side trying to get in a comfortable spot so he could sleep. When he realized his right side wasn't working, he turned over onto his left side. He found it slightly more comfortable but after a few minutes he realized he wasn't going to sleep. Usually it would take him about five or ten minutes to get to sleep, but it seemed tonight wasn't his night to sleep. He wondered if it was because he had slept all day, or if it was due to the curse. When the curse came into his mind, he pushed it away deciding it had to be due to the medicine making him sleep all day.

After about an hour he finally felt his eyes getting heavy as he drifted off to sleep. But it wasn't long before he found himself waking up. At first he thought it was early in the morning since he had felt like he had slept a while. But upon looking outside, he realized it was still dark making him wonder how long he had been asleep. He glanced over at the clock on the mantle realizing it was two. That meant he only had slept for a few hours. Since he knew he wasn't going to be able to sleep, he decided to go downstairs and see if there was anything he could eat. Since he hadn't eaten anything for dinner, his stomach was starting to growl demanding food. Being quiet as he could, he went downstairs going to the kitchen relieved when he found a plate on the table with a sandwich.

Willie must have known he would need food later and left it out for him to eat. He began to eat the sandwich knowing he would have to remember to thank Willie in the morning. After he was done, he started up the stairs making it to the hallway before he felt his stomach rebel against him. Before he could move another step, he collapsed onto his hands and knees as his stomach lurches forcing what he had just ate out onto the floor. He felt his body shaking as he threw up the sandwich along with some stomach acid making him shudder.

"Barnabas!" He heard his name being called but was unable to look up.

He felt Willie's hand on his back rubbing it until it seemed the vomiting had stopped. He tried to get up but found his whole body shaking and he almost gagged at the taste that was left in his mouth. When he was fully up, he felt Willie wrap an arm around his waist supporting him until they got to his room. Once there, Willie helped him sit on the edge of the bed stating he would be right back. He didn't even nod trying to take deep breaths through his nose not wanting to vomit again.

Willie came back shortly with a glass of water, "Here Barnabas drink this. It will wash away the taste in your mouth."

Barnabas drank it down finding it did help with the taste and his stomach, "Thank you."

"Welcome Barnabas," He gave a quick smile, "Do you know what made you sick?"

"The sandwich you left I think. I ate it because I woke up hungry, but by the time I got up the stairs, my stomach was turning and I threw up." Barnabas admitted.

"I'm sorry Barnabas, I had left it for you, but perhaps I didn't check the date on the meat. I swear I just bought it so it shouldn't have gone bad that quickly." Willie stated.

"It's alright." He commented.

Willie looked down at him, "Do you think you'll be alright while I go clean up that mess?"

"I think so."

"Just yell if you need me." Willie said before he left the room.

While he was gone, Barnabas moved to put the empty glass on the table finding his hand was shaking some. His stomach felt better but at the moment he didn't really want to move for fear that it would rebel again. He wasn't sure how long he sat there but he looked up when he heard Willie coming into the room. Willie looked at his master and friend noticing he looked paler than he had been but thought it was due to him getting sick.

"How you feeling Barnabas?" Willie questioned.

"Better but still shaken up," he replied. "What were you doing up this time of night?"

Willie shrugged, "Old habits I guess, but I was actually going to get me some water when I heard you."

"I thank you Willie, for earlier and just now." He looked up at him.

Willie moved closer to him, "Do you want me to stay with you for a while?"

"No Willie, you've done too much for me already. I'm tired, I think I'm going to try and sleep. You should do the same." He remarked.

"Alright if you are sure." Willie said before he turned and left.

When Barnabas was able to move, he laid down curling up on his right side making sure he didn't put too much pressure on his stomach. He was about to fall asleep when he saw Willie coming back in the room holding a bucket setting it down by the bed. Barnabas smiled thanking him knowing it was in case he got sick once more during the night. Luckily for him, he was able to sleep not waking until he noticed the sun was shining through his window. He got up starting to stretch when he realized his body was stiffer than it had been during the night.

After he dressed, he went downstairs stopping at the bottom of the stairs to stare at himself in the mirror. His face was pale, but he could see dark circles forming around his eyes like when he was a vampire. He shook his head at the idea; he probably was just getting sick just like a normal human would. Could a sickness hit him this quickly though? Perhaps after some breakfast and rest, he would be fine. He went into the living room glad to see Willie had a fire going already. The house seemed more cold than normal, however that he wasn't sure if it was the house or him.

When he saw down in his chair in front of the fire, he felt himself lean towards near the heat. It seemed to reach the chill in his bones making him sigh and lean back in his chair. Willie came in shortly but stopped when he saw how Barnabas looked. His face was pale except the dark spots around his eyes and he swore he had a red tint to his cheeks. He set the tray of toast and juice beside his friend.

"Good morning Barnabas, how are you feeling?" Willie asked.

"I'm alright Willie." Barnabas stated knowing his friend had noticed how he was looking.

Willie sighed, "Barnabas, I got to say, you ain't looking so great."

"I'll be fine after breakfast." He commented unable to stop a shiver that went down his whole body.

Willie reached to touch his master's forehead before he pulled back, "You have a fever. Barnabas I'm worried for you. Are you sure that Jeb didn't change you?"

"I'm fine Willie!" Barnabas shouted before he took a deep breath, "Sorry Willie, but I'm not changing back. I can't be. I mean last time I changed, it was automatic. I haven't been this sick since the very first time with Angelique."

"It's alright, but maybe Jeb wanted you to change slowly. That fever seems high but I can't be so sure."

"Don't worry Willie, I'll be fine. I've been changed before and I know what it feels like." Barnabas assured him unsure if it was more for Willie or himself.

Willie ran a hand through his hair, "If you say so Barnabas, but I'm going go into town and get medicine for you. You just sit there and relax until I get back."

Barnabas grabbed a piece of toast starting to eat it watching Willie head towards the front door. He knew he couldn't stop Willie and at the moment he didn't really want to. The coldness was coming back and the roaring fire didn't seem to help. Once he was done eating the toast and drinking the juice, he just laid his head back against the chair shutting his eyes. He had just drifted off to sleep when he heard a knock at the front door. He knew Willie had a key to the house but it was possible he had been too worried to remember them.

When he got up, he found the sun had already become high in the sky making the room too bright again. His headache from the other day seemed to come back quickly causing him to stagger for a moment. Once he was able to regain his composure, he continued to the front door. He looked in the mirror for the moment to try and make sure he looked alright. Perhaps it was just Willie on the other side and he didn't have to worry. But as he opened the door, he felt his eyes get wide at the blond woman on the other side.

"Angelique!" He exclaimed unable to believe it was her.

"Hello Barnabas, may I come in?" Angelique smiled.

"What are you doing here?!" He demanded, "Please leave me alone."

She frowned, "Barnabas, I'm not here to harm you. I'm actually here on a happy note."

"I don't believe you." He stated, "Leave and take your witch powers with you."

She turned to look towards the driveway, "Barnabas please, you have to believe me. I've given up all my powers and I'm human. My husband is getting out of the car now; please don't say anything to him about this. I told him nothing of my past, but that we were best friends from England."

Barnabas remained in the door until a tall gentleman came up leaning over to kiss Angelique before turning to face him, "Ah, I see he was home. Good I've wanted to meet you Mr. Collins."

Barnabas reached out to shake his hand briefly. Angelique smiled, "Barnabas this is my husband Sky Rumson. Now please can we come in? We shall only stay a few minutes."

With a nod he opened the door allowing them to come in. Sky looked around the Old House loving the architecture and the old feeling. Barnabas smiled but when a wave of dizziness hit him, he grabbed onto the banister until it passed. He stood there watching Angelique and Sky looking at his portrait over the fireplace as Angelique was telling him when it had been painted. Sky was very interested and Barnabas felt some relief to see that they were indeed happy together. If what she had said was true, then he hoped Angelique could live happily with Sky for a long time.

When he was able to move he entered the room glad that the sun wasn't shinning in the room at the moment, "Please have a seat, can I get either of you a brandy?"

"Oh I would love one." Sky stated waiting for Angelique to sit before he did.

Angelique nodded, "Just a small one for me."

"How long have you been married?" Barnabas questioned pouring the drinks and bringing them over.

"Six months, I met Angelique at a costume ball and we fell in love." Sky smiled.

"Yes it was love at first sight." She agreed.

"I'm very happy for you both," Barnabas held up his glass, "To Angelique and Sky, I hope you the best."

All three of them drank to the toast before Angelique noticed Barnabas stagger, "Barnabas, are you alright?"

"I'm fine." He replied.

She stared at him with uncertain noticing for the first time his face was paler than normal and he had dark circles under his eyes. She watched as he placed his glass down noticing he was shaking slightly. It was then she knew something wasn't right and she felt concern for him. She handed her glass to Sky before she stood up going to Barnabas. He tried to assure her he was fine but when she touched him, she could feel the fever.

"Barnabas, you're running a fever!" She exclaimed, "Why didn't you tell me you were ill? We could have come back another time."

"I didn't want to worry you." Barnabas remarked before he felt his body waver.

Sky was on his feet before Angelique could move as he reached Barnabas guiding him over to the chair, "Perhaps we should call a doctor?"

"There is a doctor at Collinwood, her name is Julia Hoffman. She's a good friend of Barnabas." Angelique commented.

Barnabas shook his head, "She isn't there. Had to leave due to an outbreak at the hospital. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."

Angelique bent down close to him, "Barnabas, what's wrong? You know you can tell me."

Barnabas looked up at Sky before turning his attention back to her, "It's starting again like it did years ago."

"Oh no!" She cried.

Sky looked at them, "What's wrong with him?"

Angelique stood up, "I didn't want to tell you this because it was Barnabas personal matter, but he's been sick most of his life. Every now and then he has a recurring fever and he has to have someone watch over him. With Julia gone, I'm afraid to leave him."

Sky took her in his arms, "Darling don't worry I understand. Will he get better soon?"

"Yes in a few days he should be fine." She smiled, "Are you sure it's alright for me to stay?"

"Yes darling, I can see that Barnabas means a great deal to you. And if that doctor is gone, then he will need someone. And since you seem to know about his illness, I trust you. Will you want your luggage out of the car so you can have changes of clothes?" He asked.

"Oh thank you for understanding, yes I would need it." Angelique hugged him.

Sky kissed her forehead, "You know I won't be back in town for another week. But you know where to reach me if you need anything. Mr. Collins I hope you get better soon." He turned to Barnabas before looking back at his wife, "I'll go get your bag."

Angelique waited until Sky had left the house before she turned to Barnabas noticing he was shivering uncontrollably, "It's going to be alright Barnabas. I'm going to stay with you."

"Why?" He muttered trying to stop his shivering, "Willie will be back with medicine."

"Alright, you just sit there until then. We will figure this out." She commented not wanting to say much with her husband there.

Sky returned shortly with her bag putting it down inside the living room. Angelique went to give him a hug and a kiss before he stated he had to go. He said his goodbyes to Barnabas as well before he left. Angelique watched him leave before she shut the door rushing back to Barnabas who was still shivering in the chair. She reached out to touch his forehead realizing his fever was getting higher.

"Barnabas, what happened? How did this happen?" She asked.

"Tried to destroy the box, but bat came out. It attacked me but I didn't change." Barnabas muttered, "It was a trap set by Jeb."

"Who's Jeb? Actually never mind, how long have you been feeling bad?"

"Yesterday morning, had a headache and last night I got sick. Fever started this morning." Barnabas explained.

Angelique remembered this was how he was when she first put the curse on him. She shut her eyes trying to get the memory out of her head, "Oh Barnabas I'm so sorry."

"Please Angelique, please stop it from happening again." He pleaded.

She felt her heart sink, "Barnabas, I don't have my powers anymore. But I'm going to stay with you. I won't leave your side."

"I'm cold…" He shivered.

She looked around for anything she could use to help him but realized there wasn't anything there. Telling him she would be back, she went upstairs to Josette's room grabbing the blanket off the bed. Although it was slightly dusty she didn't care as long as it helped him. She came back down as quick as she could before she placed the cover over him. Since she knew he was changing back into the vampire, there wasn't anything that could be done except for keeping him comfortable.

About to ask if he wanted anything, she heard the front door opening figuring that had to be Willie returning. She looked up from besides Barnabas side watching as Willie came around the corner carrying a bag of groceries. As Willie saw her, he dropped the bag rushing to put himself in between Barnabas and her. She backed away glad to see how loyal he was to Barnabas.

"Who are you?! What are you doing with Barnabas?" Willie demanded.

"I'm not sure if you remember me or not Willie, but I'm Angelique. I know Barnabas and I came for a visit." She commented.

"Angelique!" He shouted, "Get out of here and leave Barnabas alone!"

"Willie…please." Barnabas called from behind him.

Willie turned to his master, "Easy Barnabas, I'm not going let her hurt you anymore."

"Listen…to her…" He pleaded grabbing the blanket tightly.

"Willie, I don't mean Barnabas harm." Angelique explained, "I came to let him know I had given up my witch powers and I'm happily married."

"Why you still here then?" Willie questioned.

She let out a sigh, "Barnabas was burning up with fever and even though we have had our differences, I couldn't just leave him like that."

"You are staying because he has a fever?" Willie looked puzzled, "I can do that just fine without any help."

"Willie, don't you realize what is happening to Barnabas right now?" She asked.

"He's just sick, that's all and I'm taking care of him." Willie stated.

Angelique frowned, "Willie, Barnabas is changing back into a vampire. He's dying Willie to become the vampire just like he did two hundred years ago."

"No I won't believe it!" Willie shouted.

"It's…true…" Barnabas muttered.

"Oh no!" Willie cried not wanting that for Barnabas, "Isn't there something you can do?"

She shook her head, "No Willie, I'm human now and that means no powers."

"So we just watch him die? What about the serum Julia worked on, we should have some of that in the basement." Willie pointed out before he rushed out of the room before Barnabas or Angelique could stop him.

Angelique stayed with Barnabas, both actual hopeful that Willie would find some more serum. But a few minutes passed when Willie came up, his head bowed making them realize he hadn't found anything. When Barnabas noticed he was crying he threw the covers off determined to go to him. Angelique saw what he was planning and tried to stop him stating he wasn't strong enough. Barnabas just glared at her through fevered eyes knowing he was going to do it.

He stood first holding onto his chair when dizziness and weakness hit him. When he was sure he could walk, he made his way over to Willie, "Willie."

Willie looked up surprised and shocked that his master was standing, "Barnabas! You shouldn't be up, sit back down."

"Willie, listen to me," he commented. "I know you don't want this for me. Neither do I, but it was my choice to go against Jeb. I will change…just need to wait…until Julia comes back and ….then she will start treatments…"

Willie reached out to grab Barnabas noticing he was starting to stagger, "Easy Barnabas, we should get you up to your bedroom."

Barnabas nodded weakly before he cried out as the sun came out from behind clouds lighting up the room, "Too bright…please!"

Angelique rushed to shut the curtains before she came over to help Willie get Barnabas upstairs to his room. Together they managed to get him up the stairs and down the hall to his bedroom. As they entered, Angelique felt déjà vu hit her remembering this was exactly the same way it happened the first time. Except instead of Willie carrying Barnabas, it was Ben. Once Barnabas was sitting on the side of the bed, Angelique had Willie take off his coat, tie and shirt so he wouldn't get over heated quicker. Willie was quick to do what he was instructed before he helped Barnabas lay down on top of the covers. Angelique questioned why he did that, but he explained he would get a thin blanket instead to cover him.

Angelique just nodded as Willie left the room coming back with his blanket covering Barnabas, "Here you go Barnabas, this will keep you warm."

"Thanks….Willie.." Barnabas spoke between chattering teeth before he shut his eyes.

"Willie, I want you to go downstairs and get a bowl of water and as many rags as you can find." Angelique instructed.

"Sure right away." He ran out of the room.

It wasn't long before he came back with a bowl of water in his hands and several rags thrown over both shoulders. Angelique felt relieved that Willie seemed to care a lot of Barnabas since he had done his task so quickly. She took the rags from him while he set the bowl down on the table beside the bed. While she dipped one rag into the water, she handed Willie a dry one telling him to wipe Barnabas chest off. He nodded starting to wipe Barnabas chest not realizing how much sweat was already on his friend. Angelique nodded stating it was normal since his fever was already high. When she was sure her rag was soaked enough in the water, she let the excess run off before she dabbed at Barnabas face and neck. Barnabas who had been still at the time jerked away in his sleep.

"Easy Barnabas, this is going to help you." She spoke.

He seemed to calm down but still flinched when she continued. She knew it was due to the fever but had to get him cooled down. After she had wiped his face down, she laid the wet rag on his forehead. Willie finished wiping Barnabas chest off before he questioned whether he should put some cold rags on his chest also. Angelique agreed stating it might help keep his fever down. Willie nodded taking a few rags dipping them into the water before he put them on Barnabas chest. Barnabas whimpered in his sleep but calmed down when Angelique and Willie spoke soothing words to him.

As the day slowly passed, the fever continued to plague Barnabas not allowing Angelique or Willie any moment of rest. Both tried to take turns while the other got up to stretch their legs but Angelique swore his fever was higher than the first time. Around dinner time Willie brought up some soup for them to eat. Angelique told him to eat his first before she touched hers since Barnabas seemed to be quiet at the moment. Willie managed to eat half before he put it down realizing Barnabas should be eating first.

"Angelique, I can watch over him while you eat." Willie stated.

She nodded moving to get her bowl, "He's been calm since you left to fix it."

"That's good ain't it?" He asked before looking down at his master and friend, "Shouldn't we be getting him something to eat also?"

"I'm afraid he wouldn't be able to keep it down." She told him, "But I can't really say if it's a good thing or not."

A knock came from downstairs making Willie look to Angelique, "Who could that be?"

"I don't know, go find out. I'll stay with him." She said putting down her bowl of soup.

Willie nodded leaving the room going downstairs opening the door. On the other end was Maggie standing there smiling, "Hello Willie, I came to see Barnabas. Is he home?"

Willie gulped, "Maggie, this ain't a good time."

"I know it's late, but I just needed to talk to Barnabas. I'm afraid Jeb knows about me working with him and I wanted him to be careful." She stated.

Willie was about to reply when they both heard screaming coming from upstairs. "Barnabas!" Willie shouted rushing up the stairs.

Maggie felt her heart sink at the scream as she came in shutting the door before she ran upstairs behind Willie. When they came into the room, Angelique was pushing Barnabas back down on the bed. Willie rushed to his side speaking soothing words while Maggie stood in the doorway feeling tears coming to her eyes. Had this been what Jeb was talking about, getting punishment on Barnabas?

Once he seemed to settle down, Maggie came into the room further, "What's wrong with him?"

"What are you doing here?" Angelique asked.

"I came to tell Barnabas, Jeb found out that I was working with Barnabas." Maggie explained, "Did he do this to Barnabas?"

"Maggie," Willie looked over to Angelique who nodded, "You better sit down."

"Willie, Angelique, tell me." She stated, "What exactly did Jeb do to him?"

"He's making Barnabas into a vampire." Angelique spoke out.

Maggie felt the color drain from her face, "You can't be serious."

"I'm afraid she is Maggie. Jeb made a vampire bat attack Barnabas and now he's dying so that the vampire side can come out." Willie explained.

"You mean he is going to die?" She questioned, "Isn't there something you can do?"

"I'm afraid there isn't anything we can do." Angelique wiped Barnabas face and neck, "Just keep him comfortable until he passes."

Maggie looked about to collapse as Willie reached to grab her bringing her over to a chair, "Easy Maggie, he's going to be alright. Once Julia comes back, she can help him, I'm sure. We just gotta keep him comfy and not leave him."

"Maggie…" Barnabas called from the bed.

Maggie came forward grabbing the hand he had reached out towards her, "I'm here Barnabas, oh I'm so sorry this had to happen to you."

"Don't…be…I'll be fine…" He spoke before his manner seemed to change and he was withering on the bed, "Get it away!"

Willie pushed Maggie out of the way as he grabbed onto Barnabas, while Angelique changed the dry rag with a wet one, "Easy Barnabas, it's alright."

"The bat….the bat it's there!" He screamed pointing off to the corner.

All three of them looked frowning when they didn't see anything. Angelique dabbed his face, "Barnabas, it's alright the bat is gone. It won't hurt you anymore."

"Please get it away!" He screamed before he went still.

"Barnabas!" Maggie screamed coming close to the bed, "Is he?"

Angelique shook his head, "He just passed out, but I'm afraid his time is near."

"No!" Maggie cried as Willie wrapped her in a hug.

Angelique felt a few tears run down her face, remembering this was exactly how the first time was when she put the curse on him. She had tried to keep him human but found her powers weren't strong enough. Now she had to watch him die again, this time once again out of her hands. When Maggie had stopped crying, Angelique wiped her tears away quickly reaching for Barnabas hand finding his fever seem to be going away. However she knew it was just another sign that his time was near and that when he rose after he died, he would be a vampire.

Wanting to be helpful, Willie went into the other room coming back with a chair for Angelique before he went and got one for himself. All three of them sat around Barnabas wanting to be there for him in his last moments of being human. At one point Barnabas woke up smiling at all three of them reaching out for Angelique and Willie. Both took his hands in theirs while Maggie laid her hand on his arm. He fell asleep like that, as all three of his friends couldn't hold back the tears. While each one knew it truly wasn't the end, it still felt like they were losing him.

As the hours passed and it became dark outside, all three realized Barnabas breaths were getting slower and slower. At one point Maggie got up rushing out of the room crying. Willie started to go after her but Angelique stopped him. She stated Maggie needed just a few minutes alone. Willie nodded reaching out to dab sweat off Barnabas face and neck. It was then he noticed Barnabas was opening his eyes.

"Barnabas!" Willie gave a cry of relief glad that he was awake.

Angelique who had been over at the window turned rushing to the bed, "Barnabas!"

"Willie…Angelique…." He smiled weakly, "Where's…Maggie?"

"She stepped out for a moment." Angelique smiled.

"Please…get her….need to speak…" Barnabas struggled to get the words out.

Willie rushed out of the room quickly to bring Maggie back in as they gathered around Barnabas bed. "Sit me up Willie."

Willie nodded helping Barnabas prop him up against some pillows. "Thanks Willie." Barnabas smiled, "Maggie, please don't cry. I'll be fine…just make sure you stay here…don't go back to Collinwood….please."

Maggie nodded, "I'll stay here Barnabas."

"Willie, please watch over her…until I rise again….protect her." Barnabas said before catching his breath, "You are a great servant and friend…"

"I promise to watch over her Barnabas." Willie agreed.

Barnabas turned to Angelique, "Seems like we've been here before….but I want you to know something…" He stopped as a cough erupted from him.

"Barnabas, I understand." Angelique stated.

"No…please listen…when I rise…I want you to leave….go to Sky. He loves you….and you love him….go be happy….together…forget me and Collinwood…" Barnabas told her.

Angelique wiped her tears away, "I will Barnabas but not until you are safe."

Barnabas nodded, "I love all of you…"

With that, they all watched as his eyes closed and his body became still. Maggie cried in Willie's arms while Angelique stayed by Barnabas side. They all knew he truly wasn't dead but it didn't make watching him die any easier. Willie held Maggie looking over at Angelique noticing she was taking it hard as well. But as he stood there with them, he knew this wasn't the end and he wasn't going to leave Barnabas when he needed him the most. He would stay with him until he rose as a vampire the next night. He would stick with Maggie and Barnabas determined to destroy Jeb and the Leviathans once and for all.

The End.