开云体育

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 4:10 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself w

Yes mistress, Heidi replied, I fear it may take much harsher circumstances for him to ever recant his ways. But then again, who knows what he is undergoing, even now?

I think I read something somewhere about such a study, Marybeth replied to VanHoff, but I am not sure about it, if it actually works. And if it does, who, or what, could be mesmerizing him now?

What a thrill it was for scientist, to make Victor think she was actually going to teach him something, only to tell him that it was, none of his business, at the last moment. Part of the reason it was so thrilling, was that it was such a torture for Victor. He looked disappointed, even as the one called, Vlad, laughed out loud yet again. Now that?One there,??is a good one. He stroked Victor’s arm, poor, poor kitten, denied the chance to acquire?a most precious piece of knowledge. ?How torturing for you, especially when it’s, science. The one called Felix, laughed,?and Vlad looked around for other chuckles and nods of approval in the room.

You are a quite delicious specimen, dear kitten, Vlad told Victor, his tone conversational, even tender. I know that you very much believe in these, do you not? He showed his fangs once more, I think, I want to leave a lasting impression with you, I want to make sure you honestly believe.

Victor spoke in the dream, I do, I believe! How wonderful, Vlad replied with a smile which again showed his fangs. But, I have to make sure this is something that will stay with you, should you awaken, and return to being the man of science that you have been. You scientist sometimes need things shown to you, he looked apologetically at the young woman called scientist, not you of course, just, kitten here.

Victor would feel the sharpness of the fangs as this time, they completely pierced his throat. He would hear Vlad’s?pleasure, feel his life draining away in the dream, as everything seemed to fade, even the clapping and laughter that was going on in the room, all of the images, fading, ever so slowly fading away. He felt himself becoming sleepy, so very tired, his eyes?closed. Colors were fading, much more quickly now, and he felt himself floating, foward, then strangely,?upward,?as if he knew the way to the place where he would ultimately choose to go, if it were his choice.

He could see a door in front of him, growing ever closer;?on the other side,?it seemed to Victor that he glimpsed?such incredible beauty, that if he ever once?entered through that door, he would never want to return to such a place as that from whence?he had come.

But just as he could feel himself start to enter that door, the progression toward it suddenly ceased. It seemed as though something was, different, as he noticed that the force that was draining away his life, suddenly stopped. In its place, something soft touched his lips, something soft, and moist, that felt strangely like the skin of a man.

No! Don’t do it, it was scientist, who is giving the command, but the one called Vlad, merely shrugged, keeping what was in fact, his wrist, close to Victor’s lips. Kitten? Can you hear me, Victor? Kitten? The voice did not at all sound like the vampire that he had known earlier, it seemed a strange combination for him of some sort of almost angelic music, combined with rapidly flowing water, combining with a strange, celestial wind, to form the most melodious of words, and the most verbal of melodies, which Victor had ever heard.

In the dream, it seems that Victor had just enough strength to murmur, God. Yes, yes my child, the one called Vlad was saying; it is time for you to drink. You must drink in order to be made whole. I,?I am your only fountain of living water now. Drink, take the Crimson flow, drink the living water, and you also, will live, and you will know?power as you have never known. A power that science can only dream of giving. ?But the dream which now was claiming all of victors attention, and all of his senses, was yet to hold even more surprises.

Back in the real world, Victor’s skin was growing increasingly pale, and was now a ghost white. The doctor and Mary Beth would see this, they would probably be able to feel his life slipping away. We’re losing him Doctor, we’re losing him! God help us, we’re losing this patient!?

God loves you.

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, 1:47 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Van Hoff nodded, the motion is as painstakingly slow as the inner movement inside of his mind. The attempt to recall that one esoteric bit of forgotten wisdom that perchance may bear light on the events at hand.

?

"It might be a case of intense mesmerizing performed in the past. Anton Mesmer, not as scientific fellow by any means, reported a curious case that somebody far more solid confirmed in a different setting.

?

Mesmer believed that suggestions could be given, bordering on the bizarre and the uncanny, that the mind could accept as a given...and yet a colleague of mine confirmed?it in the case of?those dear Pagans?from Hindustan who know not Christ, but their own deities seem to have great powers as well.

?

Including the powers to guide and disrupt the course of dreams. Some invocations?to such deities created tangible effects, effects I thought were strange at the time, until our patient arrived.

?

Though if the theory be correct, who on Earth could have mesmerized our patient? I remember some priests experimenting with hypnosis and dreaming, but none were, naturally malign. This case?gets more and more interesting by the minute," Van Hoff carefully opined, almost wishing he still had his cigar at hand for relaxation.

?

"Harsher circumstances, yes. Well spoken dearest Heidi. I fear it takes a great challenge at times, to remind one of what they value, of what they seek to accomplish, of what they hold most dear. God is merciful and God is?wise, Poor Victor though, I fear the harshness of the thing might get the better of him. Is there a way to help him, I wonder? Perhaps it is but the Grace of the Lord that shall offer him his last chance at salvation," Elizabeth spoke skeptically.????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, February 7, 2022 2:51 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself with this thing, she aimed the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to study him.study him.A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

I’m not sure, Doctor, Mary Beth admitted, greatly hating to admit her uncertainty. I…, I have never seen anything like this before. This appears to be some sort of a dream that he is being forced to undergo, yet the burns and wounds popping up on his body are quite real. You can see them with your own eyes, can you not? She looked first at the doctor, then at Ludwig.

Well mistress,he sincere love of God, his mercy and grace; but sadly for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I’Well mistress, Heidi began, with some hesitation, for some people, it is the sincere love of God which draws them, his grace and mercy; but for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I honestly do not know which will be the case for master Victor. He…, He’s such a self-sufficient man of science, and men of science often do not believe in God. It takes quite a bit to move them. We can only hope that he will come back to us, more impressionable, and willing to believe.

In the dream, Victor had finally been made to drink the blood, very much against his will. Oh…, Oh God! The words were a mixture of a desperate plea, coupled with notes of anger. The one called Vlad Chuckled in his most malevolent Manor, kitten, you don’t even believe in God; you don’t even believe in…, Me. I can see you, touch you, of course I believe in you, you’re a man. But what kind of man am I, he retorted, ?I would tell you, but then again, you wouldn’t believe me. He chuckled again, noticing that it made Victor extremely nervous. ?so I will just have to, prove it to you.

Vlad once more ran his fangs across Victor’s throat, and up and down, watching his fear, and smiling. He then pierced a part of his throat, but not too much. Just enough to cause some pain. Do you know how easy it would be for me to kill you, kitten? ?With that, Victor would feel Vlads lips, almost tenderly sucking up the small droplets of blood. ?Victor yelled, and tried to slap at Vlad, which earned him yet another malevolent chuckle. It also earned him an unexpected shot from scientist. The shot did not come from a gun as such, it shot out pins, which went into Victor, causing quite a few volts of electricity to flow through him. ?He convulsed, lightning maker! Please no more lightning.

I would kill you right here and now, with only a nod from my friends, but they wish to keep you alive, so very well. Scientist nodded, at least for now, she stated. ?But now kitten, do you know what I am? He looked expectantly at Victor when he said this, and Victor replied, yes, you’re a vampire! He said the words without hesitation. Vlad threw his arms in the air and laughed?triumphantly, what do you know, the?great victor Frankenstein, man of science, believes, in, vampires! What else, will the great victor come to believe in?

Scientist smiled,??aiming the taser at Victor, who cringed. I could kill him myself with this thing here, but then I couldn’t study him the way I want to study him. No, not that, Victor stated, then his tone became conversational. What is that called? Oh, this thing here? Scientist use her sweetest tone, this is called a…, None, of, York, business. She pronounce each word slowly, just


God loves you.

On Friday, February 4, 2022, 12:14 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Ludwig found?relieved at somebody giving him instructions, even if they were the kind he was already considering himself. It didn't matter that he asked for them, it mattered more that he was confirmed in his opinion by his superior. The footman curtly nodded and proceeded to summon back Van Hoff.

?

In his haste he failed to explain what was happening, and the poor doctor, giving up on his footman, inquired the about the situation from the one he could trust, namely?Mary Beth.

?

"What is the meaning of all of this,?what is the most urgent thing I should be doing," the doctor quickly corrected himself, realizing how some bits of information were more important than others.

?

***

"And what is the best process to bring the lost soul back home? What must register within such a creature now that has not before. What sips in, and how can it be done?" Elizabeth wondered.

?

She may not have believed in Victor's recovery, but perhaps she could learn something useful from Heidi?yet, if for an entirely different purpose. The main thing was that a lack of interest on her part could be seen as suspicious, while honest curiosity would be entirely expected instead.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, January 21, 2022 7:33 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Marybeth looked a mixture of horrified and sympathetic. It…, Appears, she began with hesitation, to be some sort of an acting out of, perhaps a dream? But if it is a dream, why are these burns coming up on him for real? Yes Ludwig, I think you better get Dr. VanHoff?in here. ?these burns may well be the result of the fever, but I’ve never seen anything like this before.

Of course, Victor had no idea that anyone else was watching what was happening to him. ?it appeared to be two or three days later, this particular scene was in the lab, in the afternoon, and one word filled Victor’s mind, he thought he heard himself saying it. Hungry!! ?But his own voice did not sound normal, even to him; he thought that it sounded strangely between a fierce growl, and a piteous, animalistic wine, like a starving cat or dog, begging for a crumb.

Feeding time, the older woman stated, looking at scientist. Yep, the man called Felix iterated, time for lunch. ?He mockingly smacked his lips, as scientist picked up what appeared to be a very long skewer. Let me do it?Dear,?flycatcher requested, and she nodded. Then, turning to look at Victor, who was still lying on the table, scientist said, my husband wants to feed you. ?flycatcher men reached into his pocket, and, pulling something out, kept it carefully hidden from Victor, turning so that Victor couldn’t see him, as he placed it on the long skewer. He held it out to him, lunchtime, he stated, then smacked his lips at the creature on the table. Come on, eat up now. Victor looked at what was on the end of the skewer, and almost lost the contents of his stomach, Because what was on the end of the skewer, was a very large, dead, grasshopper.

The entire room irrupt it in laughter and applause, as the creature that was apparently now Victor, tried his best to keep from sicking up.

Get a bucket or pan, Scientist commanded, if he pukes all over the floor, you, are?cleaning up the lab. Me??The man called Felix exclaimed,?as another young man stood and volunteered, I’ll get it, you stay there with the rest of your family and watch him. Thank you, Ingvar, scientist said, as the one called Ingvar, ran to find a large bucket, as well as a pan, and quickly brought it back. ?he held the pan?in front of Victor’s face, and the specimen on the table made appropriate use of it. The man known as Ingvar hurried to dispose of the contents, as flycatcher, stepped forward, still holding the grasshopper on the skewer, and held it to Victor’s lips. As Victor made a sort of mewling sound, flycatcher took the end of the skewer, with the grasshopper on it, down a few inches, and prized Victor’s lips open. Come on now you need to eat, he stated with mock?concern and tenderness, as he punched a small button on the skewer, which would release the grasshopper into victors mouth, then began rubbing his throat, to make him swallow.

You might as well eat it, the man called Felix stated, as scientist added, yes eat it and we will give you something to drink. As?she said this, she glanced out of the corner of one eye,?at yet another person in the lab that had been sitting in the background, but watching the entire spectacle. This man smiled with undisguised malevolence, and gave?A deep, evil chuckle, as he stated slowly, with pleasure. He slowly stood to his feet, seeming to savor every moment of misery he could?cause for the man on the table. His?steps were slow, meaningful strides;?In his hand, he held a cup.

Victor finally was made to swallow the grasshopper, very much against his will, as he muled,?oh…, God! His face was a contorted mixture of pain and sickness, as it went from pale, to a ghastly green color.

Yes…, The man answered in a foreign accent, as he continued his slow, meaningful stride toward the table. You may call me your God, and it is time for the wine of wrath.

Scientist smiled, looked at Victor, and cheerfully inquired, do you know who he is? He is, Vlad Teeps!

The name mint nothing to Victor, but his face was anything but blank, as the thick, deep crimson content of the cup came into his view, ever closer. ?The one known as, Vlad,?placed a strong left arm under Victor‘s neck, forcing him to sit up, as he took the cup with his right hand, and held it to Victor‘s mouth. Victor knew that all his prayers concerning the contents of the cup, that it would not be as it appeared to be, had fallen on deaf ears. But that’s…, That’s, his voice was that sickening mewling growling cross between animal and man, that is…, blood! He pronounce the last word with a grotesque sort of wonder, so overcome was he by what he had recently eaten, and what it looked as if he were about to drink.

Very good, the one known as Vlad, purred at him. ?you will learn your place, beast-man, for as you have given life, so must you now receive it.

In the dream, victors suddenly felt such strong repulsion for the being standing in front of him, for the cup in his hand, and mainly, for the liquid in the cup, that he thought to give a strong argument. But all that would come out was a yowling, no! And even that, sounded more like the yowl of a cat, then the intelligent protest of a man.

I, won’t,?I, wo,wowowwououount!!! ?I, wowwownt! The last word drawled into a hybrid?of of human speech and cat like yowling.

Vlad reached up and stroked the back of victors now quite furry head, ?oh yes you will, kitty man, kitty, he purred, kitten, he added insult to injury, seeing that Victor did not like being called kitty at all.

The newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth. ComeThe newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth.

I wouldn’t do that, the one known as Felix, cautioned behind clenched teeth, as scientist, laid a finger over her own lips. Quiet Felix, she murmured, let’s see what happens; he doesn’t know everything there is to know about Vlad, yet.

The one known as Vlad smiled, the young man speaks wisdom to you, kitty; you should heed his warning. ?now you have grown some very sharp teeth, and they are even somewhat elongated, who knows, perhaps in about…, Too, maybe 3 million years, your descendants will have choppers that look more like…, This. With that, Vlad?opened his mouth,?revealing extremely, sharp, fangs!

After allowing Victor to behold his fangs for a few seconds, Vlad spoke, now the way I see it, kitten, you have two choices. You can either drink this blood that I have brought for you here, which will probably give you strength; or, he grazed one of his fangs gently across the throat of?Victor as he concluded, you can drink your own.

I indeed also hope and pray for salvation for him, as I share in your optimistic hope for him, mistress, Heidi stated sincerely, as she smiled and nodded to Elizabeth. Who knows what he may be undergoing even now. And yet, I’ve heard that oft’?times the worst circumstances, tend?to bring a wayward soul to the foot of salvation‘s cross.???

God loves you.

On Thursday, January 20, 2022, 11:50 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Far above the commotion, and yet so near that he could almost be touched, a tall man with red hair was watching all the players in the dream scape.

?

His father might have done something subtle, if the game allowed it. His uncle might have done something more persuasive, whether or not the dream gate was fully open and ready.

?

But he was neither of them, and he only chuckled at the spectacle, enjoying the final touch. His final touch, if he could say so himself, and he could, because of who he was.

?

"See, told you Franny, you are great when you put your mind to it. Oh sorry, Keres.

?

A super bril old name by the way. I know you know, or you think you know, ?but you still don't really get it, anymore than Ren does...you really only get mom's?but not dad's or your own.?

?

Maybe if you dreamt more as you were told...still pretty good though, I think that should distract Count?Nobody for a wittle while, which is kind of all I need, told you you were awesome with dreams, and for that matter Ren too, and look at Ig," the young man happily complimented his sister who might or might not be able to hear him when distracted.

?

Though truth be told, the compliment was at his own expanse too. All the harassment, all the nudges, they finally, finally materialized. And right here, right now, at?a place that?belonged to this man. A man who could have been, but never would be, his grandfather.?How?ironic, how bril.

?

The young man wondered for a second if he should help his sister reclaim the lab, considering who else was watching. But she had matters at hand here.

?

"Well, maybe you don't know what you think you know either, dear Count.?You thought you were safe from the prophecy???You thought tricking your pawn into killing somebody important would be forgotten? Because millennia passed, and the Carrier has been gone from the world? You never thought then, that the old gods are never gone, that they might return????Tiktok little count, tiktok," the young man spoke to nobody in particular, smiling at his own inner reference.?

?

?

He was happy and his associates should be equally pleased, he knew, the smirk still playing on his face as he began vanishing from this layer of?a well crafted slice of almost real reality.

?

He?may have preferred playing it like his uncle, but the last touch was of course to honor his father, the man who had been known a long time?ago as, and had knowingly embraced once more, the identity of Captain Dance.

?

****

Ludwig stared at the patient's body, at Mary Beth, and with an understandable tremor in his limbs, hesitantly inquired, "Mam, what is the meaning of this? Should I call the doctor? What should I do?"

?

***

?

"Salvation, yes, after all, every soul needs it, and some can even get it. Will Victor be the lucky one? I hope so, I hope so, dearest Heidi," Elizabeth emphatically explained, not certain if she engaged in a bout of wishful thinking, or for the first time, had a bout of premonition.?

?

?

?

???????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, January 8, 2022 1:40 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

In his dream, Victor tried his best to fight the ghost of Frank, to get Elizabeth away from him, but Elizabeth chose to fight with Frank, against Victor. The two ghosts continued to laugh, as he was once more held over the flames, and then fell, as if the ghost wanted him to relive the scene of being dropped into the fire again and again. ?As he fell,?the scenes of the dream changed to show what could be other possibilities in Victor‘s life. He was aware of a hard thud,?And that?he was on a?table. ?he blinked, then looked around.?My science lab, he breathed,?his voice filled with relief and wonder.

The figure which stood over him smiling, looked much more solid than the ghosts of Frank and Elizabeth had looked. No, stupid, this is not your, science lab, this is my lab.

But, who are you?

The woman smiled, you may call me…, Scientist, for you see that is what I am. How did I get here, Victor wanted to know. We brought you here, she answered, science, brought you here. And before we go any further with this, I want to thank you for being such a great part of my experiment.

What? Have I now become the science, Victor demanded. There was a laugh coming from a young male voice which was somewhat behind the woman, as yet another strange looking man caught a fly and proceeded to eat it.

While?this was happening in the dream, real burns began?to pop up on Victor’s body in the real world, so that MaryBeth, Ludwig, and the doctor, would be able to see them. Marybeth gasped,?what is the meaning of this? ?The others would be able to answer her as to what they thought it was, as the dream unfolded for Victor.

I don’t think he likes you Ren,?the young male replied, the flycatcher chuckled.

Then the woman called, scientist, stepped back, as if to study him clinically, and made a motion with her hands. An older woman, the young male, the flycatcher, and another man stepped up, all of them examining Victor. And then, to add to the nightmare, there he was, the ghost of Frank.

Wonderful indeed, my daughter, the ghost stated, he’s changing already. But what will we do with him, the older woman asked. I don’t know yet, scientist said, I’m just having a lot of fun making him. Hey we could always put him in the circus, the young male stated. ?scientist frowned at the young male.

Shut up, Felix, she snapped. Circuses are made for peoples enjoyment, not to scare people, like he’s going to do.

Hey I have an idea, the one called Felix continued, instead of making him scary why don’t you make him look funny? You know so people will laugh at him, like a clown or something. Because, scientist said, most people love a clown, especially kids. I don’t want kids, or anyone drawn to him; I want them repelled by him, just like they were with dad. ?Should I show him how he looks now, the one called Felix inquired, and scientist nodded, sure go ahead. ??Felix Then took up the mirror, allowing Victor to look in it. And in his dream, Victor became very frightened indeed. No!! He screamed, get it away from me! Get it away; please, take, that, thing, away! ? everyone in the room laughed.

None of this was actually happening of course, but Victor was being allowed to see what could very well be the future for him, although he would not yet realize this.

Thank you, mistress, Heidi told Elizabeth. You see this way, Victor will have a chance to explain what he has seen, and perhaps the priest could counsel with him, and guide him into salvation. I would hope so anyway.

God?loves you.

On Saturday, January 8, 2022, 1:20 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I s'ppose our patient also believes in something...What do you reckon he is seeing, to make him move so, or is that just the fever speaking? My Lady, do you believe people can get visions from beyond? Our patient he might be a different kind than many, aye?" Ludwig wondered, trying to turn his discomfort into words the best way he knew how.

?

****

?

"Now that Heidi is a very good idea," Elizabeth admitted. Not sure if the priest would be helpful to Victor, or would at least humiliate him with his presence upon awakening, but it felt good.

?

And who knew, if Victor would be inspired by holy guidance, as only a man coming back from the brink of death could, it?might be his last chance to experience salvation, as far as she was concerned.?

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2021 9:36 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Oh yes, I do believe in the Almighty, Marybeth confessed eagerly, her nod?equally eager, although I must admit I don’t attend Sunday services perhaps as often as I should, mainly due to work and the like.?But I think you are quite perceptive,she continued, science often tries to explain various phenomenon and workings of nature,?but how can anyone truly know how these things happen???It would appear there is little or no explanation except…, Except for the fact that there is, as you say, something else out there, someone, else, out there.

Victor had been having what some would call a fever dream. In the first part of it, he had seen the gates, streets, and various aspects of heaven, at least as much as he could imagine it, as much as his imagination would allow. But now, his forehead suddenly broke into a sweat, and he began to softly moan. 狈辞…, No, please, do not burn me. I, I do Not, want to, want to go there! There was a look of terror on his face at what he was seeing. He would later describe this as, someone holding him directly above the very pit of hell, so close that the flames licked at him, hungrily eager to devour him, like so many living monsters. And the one holding him over the pit was none other than…, His very own creation.

Later in the dream, as he was dropped into the pit,?he would feel as if he were eternally falling, falling with nothing under him to catch him, no one around him to catch him, or even to Care. In his sleep, he cried out, Elizabeth! But of course, Elizabeth was not there to help. And the one which seemed to be the overseer of this dreadful, fiery place was of course, none other than…, His own creation, it was Frank. ?he was moaning that he was sorry, but in the dream, he was screaming with all the voice he had, which because of the initial sickness, was temporarily taken from him. ?The ghost of Frank mocked him, moaning just as he did, laughing at him, as it stood arm in arm with another ghost, the ghost of his own wife. ?The two ghosts laughed at him, as the ghost of Frank actually transformed into something quite beautiful, something which greatly resembled one of the angels that Victor had seen in the heaven part of the dream.

This…, Is how some people see me, the ghost of Frank said, turning from side to side, floating near him, to make certain Victor got a good view. But this…, Is how you, have always seen me. The ghost transformed again into the figure very much believed to be the appearance of…, No! Victor screamed in the dream, only barely managing a moan, as he be held the familiar appearance of the devil.

The ghost gave an ominous chuckle, you called me the devil, but it was you, who created me, you are my father, what does that make you? He moaned again, screaming in the dream. ?then he murmured four words which he thought he would never say in his waking hours. Oh God, save me!

Heidi nodded, it is a scarce hope, mistress, but when he awakens as I believe he will, we should probably have a priest on hand or nearby, to either assist him in this change, if there is indeed a change, or else, to pray for him that’s such a sickness does not befall him again in future. It is up to you though of course. ???


God loves you.

On Friday, December 17, 2021, 8:35 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam, and there are things we do not...know about. After all, surely despite your understanding of medical matters, you do believe in the Almighty?

?

Well, the other day, I took Bethany out, to listen to this young new preacher," Ludwig admitted with some embarassement, realizing he was saying too much perhaps, out of discomfort.

?

"This young priest was so passionate the the pulpit, he was talking about how none of us truly understand what the Holy word means. How when the Grace seizes you and flows through you, it is not only inspiring, not at all flattering, but could be frightening. As frightening as any Angel.

?

And I started thinking, maybe, well just maybe, some of the things we know about, don't quite act as we know they should, because there is something else out there, I beg my lady's pardon.

?

I just feel like I haven't chosen to misplace the patient...I swear he somehow slipped out of my hands and...there is more to that, and Mr Doctor might not understand what it is that has been happening, or how to stop it, if the patient is...I am not sure what I am saying m'Lady, you might have better words for all of this," the footman?hopefully offered.

?

****

"Changes, Heidi there. Sometimes they just happen, even if we did not choose. Circumstances can alter a person's path, the gentle or not so gentle hand of Fate. I fear that?our Victor has experienced something untoward in his life.

?

Maybe he would have chosen to become the man he has, but perhaps not. Perhaps he just did not know how to handle the cards dealt him..." Elizabeth suggested, noting that she was fairly uncomfortable at describing Victor as hers alone.???

?

She surely had the right to do that but wished to avoid thinking of him in such terms, even for the sake of an easily understood communication between them. She supposed, when it came to that, no such communication could be remotely easy for the things being described, were too extraordinary for ordinary polite words.

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2021 11:24 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth looked uncertain, I must admit, Ludwig, that I have passing we wondered such things. Yet, our place is not to ask such questions, but as I understand it, to do everything and all we can to heal the patient, to bring him out of whatever is holding him captive. ?Head she just said that? She reason to herself that it could be some sort of physical maladies holding him captive, but usually, when people thought of someone being held captive, it was either by other human beings, or something perhaps much more sinister than even physical diseases?could be.

Oh, mistress, do you truly think that he could be changed? Maybe this, sickness, whatever one might call it,?has been brought about for just such a thing as this, she suggested. And yes, I will do what I can to make him talk, to make him tell us what he has felt and saw, what has happened. That is, if he seems indeed to be changed.


God loves you.

On Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 9:43 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Pardon mam, but can the patient be...haunted? Me knows it sounds strange, yet I doth not like what's, I don't now, as if he can watch us while being asleep. Something odd about our patient, do you fancy?"

?

Ludwig did not know what even prompted him to ask this superior woman who knew so much and intimidated him and made him wonder if she wanted a conversation at all. And realize that perhaps he needed one all the same. A pity he did not even know how to ask the right question.

?

Even Bethany might be confused at what it was he wanted to know, so he would not blame Mary Beth if she did too.

?

***

?

"Oh, well then my dear. It shall be easy to ascertain that Victor does indeed seek God. For the change in him would then be significant. I would urge you then to make him talk. Explain what brought about the change.

?

If there were,,,say, just as an entirely random example, some hands squeezing his neck, anybody whispering words into his ears. If he remembers being shrouded by darkness, of feeling remorse over not doing more with his life.

?

After all, God has many mysterious agents working for him, you know. I suppose if the change in Victor is real and he?was graced with God's presence, perhaps he can tell us about it.

?

And then we would all be one happy household once more, because we would know the change in him is permanent, you see," Elizabeth offered though she had to wonder if even the mysterious hands choking the life out of Victor or the?face of God itself could challenge him into changing his life style and views.?She was not going to hope too much for it herself, but if Heidi needed the hope, well then, it was not Elizabeth's duty to dissuade her.???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, November 8, 2021 11:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth gave Ludwig a slight look of exasperation. She had almost started to caution him in an annoyed tone to be careful, but then he apologized for bruising the patient even more. Just let’s just get him settled, Mary Beth told him, doing her best to keep patients in her tone. ?And of course, she continued, I will need you to transport him back to bed, at least such is most likely, unless of course, he happens to come out of this seemingly in trapping ailment.

It was now Heidi‘s turn to look thoughtfully at her mistress before stating, if he does come out different, it likely can’t help but be for the good, his?good, as well as ours.

Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open?with surprise when Elizabeth actually asked her about caring for Victor. I…, I shall do my best for you, mistress, as I am always happy to help in anything you need. ?but if it turns out that he does indeed have more of a heart and thoughts toward God, and actually helping his fellow man, what then? What would you have me do?


God loves you.

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, 1:19 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes...Maa'm," Ludwig spoke obediently his prolonged sound a sign of his deep concentration. He felt odd in a manner of speaking, as of something strange and outside pulled at him. Pulled him to move?in the physical direction his own instinct would have avoided.

?

As if in mockery of his sincere words, he had managed to bruise the patient a few more times before he settled the body down completely. "Begging your pardon Mam," Ludwig apologized hastily.?Normally he would have addressed the patient, but then the patient was not available to apologize to,?so Ludwig chose this smallish woman to address instead, to rectify his mistake.

?

Perhaps if she has been a friend, he would have admitted the strangeness to her and hoped for some council that only women seemed to have. But then, even somebody like his Bethany might not have understood or believed him, so perhaps Mary Beth would merely consider him a slacker, he could not take the chance of her bad mouthing him to the doctor, so he determined to keep doing his best no matter what pull he has experienced towards wrong motions with the patient, or otherwise.

?

Elizabeth?cautiously regarded Heidi and finding no subtle undertones of?disagreement or rebuke, finally nodded her agreement. "Your words are most enlightening my pet," she complimented the maid.

?

"But do you think that means Victor would come out even more different than?previously, after he is healed, which is of course to be presumed by those who cherish his well being.

?

If he is any different, I fear I?may not know at first how to attend to him best. Perhaps I shall have to enlist you and your wisdom in helping me.

?

I rely on Abigail in many affairs, but those mysteries of the heart I worry she would not pierce any?better or faster than myself. You might be our best hope, darling Heidi.

?

I know this may put too much?pressure on your slender shoulders and am sorry in advance. Would you object greatly to taking personal care of Victor when he is back and is recovering? I hope not for you seem to have such insights," Elizabeth complimented, sincerely surprised that she found such a good conversationalist in the girl she had previously dismissed as dull. ???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, October 1, 2021 7:39 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Thank you Ludwig, Mary Beth replied, her own tone somewhat distracted, until he missed the second wall. Be careful with him, we may not know what is wrong with him yet, but he is still a patient which has come into our care. How could she expect him to have the same care for the man that she and the doctor had. ?She only wondered this, and contemplated it, as she watched the forward progress of Ludwig, carrying the patient.

Heidi regarded Elizabeth with a thoughtful expression. It is not that you are without influence in his life, mistress, for I believe you are not without such, but I think often times, men will listen to someone else telling them something, before they listen to those closest to them; perhaps you could confirm what the other person was saying, the priest or whomever you choose to speak with, but sometimes, two or three People saying the same thing, confirming one another in their assessments, I think often times this can?help one to get ones point across.

She studied Elizabeth’s expression, hoping that?what she said offered some genuine comfort and hope to her mistress. Then again, she continued, who can say what if this present set of circumstances might not do it for you. People many times have near brushes with death, and come out of it much different, thinking more of God, and their own mortality.


God loves you.

On Friday, October 1, 2021, 12:29 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam,"Ludwig obediently took on the little man and carried him, not truly paying attention to the new of his fever.?But his thoughts, of missing time with Bethany because of this unexpected change in the doctor's routine, made him upset, and distracted.

?

Though he failed to avoid the sharp edge of the wall he was crossing with the patient, he did notice his error on time. He didn't think the patient noticed any damage, and?could only hope Mary Beth didn't either. Trying to think of distracting her attention from the patient with something witty to converse about, Ludwig could only think of something little to ask the doctor's assistant.?

?

"So, have you found anything good at the grocery market," Ludwig gruffly wondered, the effort of thinking?of a topic evident in his voice. And then he realized with a start that his own question distracted him instead, prompting him to unintentionally miss another wall.

?

A good thing it was a small man he was carrying, a larger load?could have slept away from him by now, Ludwig well knew. He shuddered at the very thought of being fired by Van Hoff and loosing all access to the lovely Bethany. Now there was a girl he could easily talk to, about anything.???

?

***

"But Heidi,?Victor was encouraged to think of God. I encouraged him myself, and so did his father. Victor did not really object. I don't know that he thinks there is no God.

?

I don't know that he is not interested in God at all either. I just feel that all thoughts about God would still direct Victor to think about his own greatness.

?

The disturbing thing for me is that Victor's mind is great. But perhaps, not the rest of him. His moral core does not have the same remarkable capacity. His emotional strength, it is...not the strength of a real man. Of a scientist, but not a man.

?

I don't mean that he is not a man," Elizabeth explained, though in her heart perhaps she did mean that. "Only that some people are different from others and don't have the same strength. And Victor is smart, but not overall strong the way his peers would have been."

?

"It's not that I hold it against him," she speculated, and then decided that maybe she did hold it against him. "Only his greatness means all the more to him, when he is feeling weaker. So he insists on his greatness, he cultivates it through his scientific accomplishments, and does not accept his limitations.

?

Oh Heidi, I fear for him. For his body and the physical toll it has taken. For his mind, that may not be able to handle much more. And for his very soul that is so uninterested in God but?which without the idea of God at least, seems to fall prey to folly. I just don't know how to convince Victor that he needs something else. Something that is greater than him and is no part of him. Do you think he would listen to somebody else better than he does to me?" Elizabeth idly wondered.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 8:15 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth nodded to the doctor. All right Ludwig, she stated with a sigh why don’t we sit ?him up in a reclining position, so that even if, when…, He awakens, he will be still comfortable. We don’t want to make him uncomfortable, just get him in a position more conducive to awakening. She checked his fever, it’s gone up, she told Ludwig, and the doctor also, if he were listening.

Victor was quite frail, so should prove relatively easy for Ludwig to carry. And now, especially without his daily enhancement potions, the age in his face showed.

Perhaps he rarely, if ever, thanks of God at all, Heidi suggested. Maybe he has never thought about whether or not he is greater than God, because he’s never really thought of God in the first place.


God loves you.

On Thursday, September 16, 2021, 1:15 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I do wonder if the essential salts used in one experiment by Reuss would amount to something, or but a fanciful way to add?a semblance of originality he has uncovered elsewhere.

?

No matter. I will omit them for now,?unless the patient fails to respond to the treatment. Ludwig will help you by carrying the body, but perhaps you shall instruct him on how to arrange it perfectly, so the patient reaches a somewhat satisfactory position. Whether he is aware for now or not, matter not for his level of comfort. Ideally he would wake, and then we would be prepared...Yes, let us proceed, Ludwig," Van Hoff nodded, though he named the one doing the manual labor, he rather included both in his order. If anything Mary Beth was going to play the more crucial role on the matter. If he could have three of her, his job would have been so much easier, as well he knew.

?

?

Elizabeth could not take umbrage with herself. Despite the difficulties of conveying her outrage to somebody who in all likelihood even resisting understanding the truth of the matter, she has done fairly well in explaining the issue. If it did not fully work, the fault could not be?completely ascribed to her.

?

"I don't know, Heidi. You might be right. Some of them invoke the name of God in their introduction, which is sometimes the one piece of their writing I end up caring about. Could they be facetious in their show of respect? Perhaps if they believe their publication would be met less favorably. But I don't know why in our rational age, they would need to profess their loyalty to God if they don't feel it.

?

However, assuming that most of them are devoid of the religious sentiment, the problem remains. Not only with the men of science departing from any idea of godhood. What bothers me is when some seek to replace it with the idea of their own, equal, or possibly superior greatness.

?

At least that is how Victor seems to think a lot of the time. Perhaps such attitude is necessary for him to succeed in such a frightening enterprise as his. Perhaps his attitude was encouraged by his educators and is shared with them. I cannot say. All I know is, even if it has some benefits, the drawbacks of such thinking are too intimidating for the rest of us, who do not particularly delight in creating science.

?

I can see the necessity for utilizing its wisdom, but perhaps, when one ventures too far into the gaping maw of the unknown, one should withdraw and recover. All Victor wants to do, is to forge even further. And for all such things as pride and ambition serving the greater good, I must wonder where such emotions in their purest form would lead him. And if perhaps that in itself does not account for his mysterious ailment," Elizabeth considered.

?

She had believed herself to be done with the subject but with frustration realized she has been wrong. There were still matters unresolved, matters she has not touched upon, and voicing them?out loud?did seem to make them better.??

?

----- Original Message -----

From: Ishamael Moridin via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 1:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Yes Doctor, I shall go and heat the water right away, Mary Beth replied, waiting?only a moment to see if he needed anything else, before hurrying away to heat the water in the tub. ?Of course, she had to fill the tub first, but it wasn’t all that long before that was done, and the water was heated, not too terribly hot, but warm enough to hopefully start to increase the circulation, and bring the feeling back into this comatose man. She then returned, the tub is ready Doctor.

Heidi‘s eyebrows shot up in surprise when Elizabeth addressed her as, my pet, she said nothing, supposing there were far worse things to be called by one’s mistress or master. I…, She hesitated, I doubt if he even thinks of such things. I think, probably most men of science think of religious matters rarely at best, if even at all. Perhaps he does think of himself as a new Lord, but then again, who can say without a direct answer from him; all we have?are?his actions. I would hate to believe such things of him, but it does seem as though you are very important to him, yet it would appear that he spent so little time with you before. Perhaps you are right, perhaps he indeed deserves what he gets. Her voice sounded distracted as she mused on the entire matter. ?But somehow, I don’t think even he, could be quite that arrogant as to consider himself a new Lord, although you say that he did decline the offer of holy counsel. It may be though, she continued, that he considers himself a hero of sorts, someone who saved you from the clutches of death, but does he feel he has overcome death now, that is the question. And who knows what the answer will be, once he returns to us.

For her own part, Heidi could not see how she could ever love such a man, one whose?mind seemed tremulous, on the very fringes of reality. I think, that I should enjoy very much making him pay for how he has caused you to suffer, mistress.?

On Thursday, March 17, 2022, 1:19 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Who or what indeed," Van Hoff agreed unhappily, even the more esoteric theories falling flat in the face of harsh reality.

?

"That is not looking well," Van Hoff admitted, trying to remain calm as any good doctor had to be at some point. It was all part of the trade. Unpleasant perhaps, but nonetheless frequent. The fear of failure that made the rare success saving and improving a life all the more valuable.

?

He was willing to admit defeat, if he had to. But the time for it, has it come already, so soon? Van Hoff could not say and decided to try one more thing.

?

"Mary Beth, I shall now need your assistance. I will be injecting that experimental drug I have told you about. It may be imported from Hindustan, it may have had an uncertain reputation, but the few times it has been tried, have?proved its efficacy, so in the spirit of science itself, we must proceed.

?

There are risks involved of course, so if you?should wish to distance yourself from the experiment and ensure your own reputation remains unblemished in our community, I shall understand and ask Ludwig to assist me instead. How do you feel about one more risky adventure?" Van Hoff wondered, divided between uncertainty and a certain kind of excitement, at finally having?a seemingly good reason to give it a try.

?

***

?

"Only God in Heaven and his messengers on Earth," Elizabeth idly declared, trying to decide if she even remembered the old catechism any longer.?

?

Many words of the old religion rang false to her. Especially since she has grown beyond a mere human capability. Especially since she had to measure and?divide such empty words in relation to the one soul she felt relatively certain could appreciate them even less than she had.?

?

"We can always do what women do best, and simply pray," the young woman concluded, unable to avoid the small smile completely, and compensating for it with a hint of bitterness at the corners of her lips. Humans emotions were difficult to fake, when performed by one above humans, Elizabeth decided, and thought to share with her new friend Cylas later on. ???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 4:10 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself w

Yes mistress, Heidi replied, I fear it may take much harsher circumstances for him to ever recant his ways. But then again, who knows what he is undergoing, even now?

I think I read something somewhere about such a study, Marybeth replied to VanHoff, but I am not sure about it, if it actually works. And if it does, who, or what, could be mesmerizing him now?

What a thrill it was for scientist, to make Victor think she was actually going to teach him something, only to tell him that it was, none of his business, at the last moment. Part of the reason it was so thrilling, was that it was such a torture for Victor. He looked disappointed, even as the one called, Vlad, laughed out loud yet again. Now that?One there,??is a good one. He stroked Victor’s arm, poor, poor kitten, denied the chance to acquire?a most precious piece of knowledge. ?How torturing for you, especially when it’s, science. The one called Felix, laughed,?and Vlad looked around for other chuckles and nods of approval in the room.

You are a quite delicious specimen, dear kitten, Vlad told Victor, his tone conversational, even tender. I know that you very much believe in these, do you not? He showed his fangs once more, I think, I want to leave a lasting impression with you, I want to make sure you honestly believe.

Victor spoke in the dream, I do, I believe! How wonderful, Vlad replied with a smile which again showed his fangs. But, I have to make sure this is something that will stay with you, should you awaken, and return to being the man of science that you have been. You scientist sometimes need things shown to you, he looked apologetically at the young woman called scientist, not you of course, just, kitten here.

Victor would feel the sharpness of the fangs as this time, they completely pierced his throat. He would hear Vlad’s?pleasure, feel his life draining away in the dream, as everything seemed to fade, even the clapping and laughter that was going on in the room, all of the images, fading, ever so slowly fading away. He felt himself becoming sleepy, so very tired, his eyes?closed. Colors were fading, much more quickly now, and he felt himself floating, foward, then strangely,?upward,?as if he knew the way to the place where he would ultimately choose to go, if it were his choice.

He could see a door in front of him, growing ever closer;?on the other side,?it seemed to Victor that he glimpsed?such incredible beauty, that if he ever once?entered through that door, he would never want to return to such a place as that from whence?he had come.

But just as he could feel himself start to enter that door, the progression toward it suddenly ceased. It seemed as though something was, different, as he noticed that the force that was draining away his life, suddenly stopped. In its place, something soft touched his lips, something soft, and moist, that felt strangely like the skin of a man.

No! Don’t do it, it was scientist, who is giving the command, but the one called Vlad, merely shrugged, keeping what was in fact, his wrist, close to Victor’s lips. Kitten? Can you hear me, Victor? Kitten? The voice did not at all sound like the vampire that he had known earlier, it seemed a strange combination for him of some sort of almost angelic music, combined with rapidly flowing water, combining with a strange, celestial wind, to form the most melodious of words, and the most verbal of melodies, which Victor had ever heard.

In the dream, it seems that Victor had just enough strength to murmur, God. Yes, yes my child, the one called Vlad was saying; it is time for you to drink. You must drink in order to be made whole. I,?I am your only fountain of living water now. Drink, take the Crimson flow, drink the living water, and you also, will live, and you will know?power as you have never known. A power that science can only dream of giving. ?But the dream which now was claiming all of victors attention, and all of his senses, was yet to hold even more surprises.

Back in the real world, Victor’s skin was growing increasingly pale, and was now a ghost white. The doctor and Mary Beth would see this, they would probably be able to feel his life slipping away. We’re losing him Doctor, we’re losing him! God help us, we’re losing this patient!?

God loves you.

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, 1:47 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Van Hoff nodded, the motion is as painstakingly slow as the inner movement inside of his mind. The attempt to recall that one esoteric bit of forgotten wisdom that perchance may bear light on the events at hand.

?

"It might be a case of intense mesmerizing performed in the past. Anton Mesmer, not as scientific fellow by any means, reported a curious case that somebody far more solid confirmed in a different setting.

?

Mesmer believed that suggestions could be given, bordering on the bizarre and the uncanny, that the mind could accept as a given...and yet a colleague of mine confirmed?it in the case of?those dear Pagans?from Hindustan who know not Christ, but their own deities seem to have great powers as well.

?

Including the powers to guide and disrupt the course of dreams. Some invocations?to such deities created tangible effects, effects I thought were strange at the time, until our patient arrived.

?

Though if the theory be correct, who on Earth could have mesmerized our patient? I remember some priests experimenting with hypnosis and dreaming, but none were, naturally malign. This case?gets more and more interesting by the minute," Van Hoff carefully opined, almost wishing he still had his cigar at hand for relaxation.

?

"Harsher circumstances, yes. Well spoken dearest Heidi. I fear it takes a great challenge at times, to remind one of what they value, of what they seek to accomplish, of what they hold most dear. God is merciful and God is?wise, Poor Victor though, I fear the harshness of the thing might get the better of him. Is there a way to help him, I wonder? Perhaps it is but the Grace of the Lord that shall offer him his last chance at salvation," Elizabeth spoke skeptically.????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, February 7, 2022 2:51 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself with this thing, she aimed the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to study him.study him.A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

I’m not sure, Doctor, Mary Beth admitted, greatly hating to admit her uncertainty. I…, I have never seen anything like this before. This appears to be some sort of a dream that he is being forced to undergo, yet the burns and wounds popping up on his body are quite real. You can see them with your own eyes, can you not? She looked first at the doctor, then at Ludwig.

Well mistress,he sincere love of God, his mercy and grace; but sadly for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I’Well mistress, Heidi began, with some hesitation, for some people, it is the sincere love of God which draws them, his grace and mercy; but for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I honestly do not know which will be the case for master Victor. He…, He’s such a self-sufficient man of science, and men of science often do not believe in God. It takes quite a bit to move them. We can only hope that he will come back to us, more impressionable, and willing to believe.

In the dream, Victor had finally been made to drink the blood, very much against his will. Oh…, Oh God! The words were a mixture of a desperate plea, coupled with notes of anger. The one called Vlad Chuckled in his most malevolent Manor, kitten, you don’t even believe in God; you don’t even believe in…, Me. I can see you, touch you, of course I believe in you, you’re a man. But what kind of man am I, he retorted, ?I would tell you, but then again, you wouldn’t believe me. He chuckled again, noticing that it made Victor extremely nervous. ?so I will just have to, prove it to you.

Vlad once more ran his fangs across Victor’s throat, and up and down, watching his fear, and smiling. He then pierced a part of his throat, but not too much. Just enough to cause some pain. Do you know how easy it would be for me to kill you, kitten? ?With that, Victor would feel Vlads lips, almost tenderly sucking up the small droplets of blood. ?Victor yelled, and tried to slap at Vlad, which earned him yet another malevolent chuckle. It also earned him an unexpected shot from scientist. The shot did not come from a gun as such, it shot out pins, which went into Victor, causing quite a few volts of electricity to flow through him. ?He convulsed, lightning maker! Please no more lightning.

I would kill you right here and now, with only a nod from my friends, but they wish to keep you alive, so very well. Scientist nodded, at least for now, she stated. ?But now kitten, do you know what I am? He looked expectantly at Victor when he said this, and Victor replied, yes, you’re a vampire! He said the words without hesitation. Vlad threw his arms in the air and laughed?triumphantly, what do you know, the?great victor Frankenstein, man of science, believes, in, vampires! What else, will the great victor come to believe in?

Scientist smiled,??aiming the taser at Victor, who cringed. I could kill him myself with this thing here, but then I couldn’t study him the way I want to study him. No, not that, Victor stated, then his tone became conversational. What is that called? Oh, this thing here? Scientist use her sweetest tone, this is called a…, None, of, York, business. She pronounce each word slowly, just


God loves you.

On Friday, February 4, 2022, 12:14 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Ludwig found?relieved at somebody giving him instructions, even if they were the kind he was already considering himself. It didn't matter that he asked for them, it mattered more that he was confirmed in his opinion by his superior. The footman curtly nodded and proceeded to summon back Van Hoff.

?

In his haste he failed to explain what was happening, and the poor doctor, giving up on his footman, inquired the about the situation from the one he could trust, namely?Mary Beth.

?

"What is the meaning of all of this,?what is the most urgent thing I should be doing," the doctor quickly corrected himself, realizing how some bits of information were more important than others.

?

***

"And what is the best process to bring the lost soul back home? What must register within such a creature now that has not before. What sips in, and how can it be done?" Elizabeth wondered.

?

She may not have believed in Victor's recovery, but perhaps she could learn something useful from Heidi?yet, if for an entirely different purpose. The main thing was that a lack of interest on her part could be seen as suspicious, while honest curiosity would be entirely expected instead.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, January 21, 2022 7:33 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Marybeth looked a mixture of horrified and sympathetic. It…, Appears, she began with hesitation, to be some sort of an acting out of, perhaps a dream? But if it is a dream, why are these burns coming up on him for real? Yes Ludwig, I think you better get Dr. VanHoff?in here. ?these burns may well be the result of the fever, but I’ve never seen anything like this before.

Of course, Victor had no idea that anyone else was watching what was happening to him. ?it appeared to be two or three days later, this particular scene was in the lab, in the afternoon, and one word filled Victor’s mind, he thought he heard himself saying it. Hungry!! ?But his own voice did not sound normal, even to him; he thought that it sounded strangely between a fierce growl, and a piteous, animalistic wine, like a starving cat or dog, begging for a crumb.

Feeding time, the older woman stated, looking at scientist. Yep, the man called Felix iterated, time for lunch. ?He mockingly smacked his lips, as scientist picked up what appeared to be a very long skewer. Let me do it?Dear,?flycatcher requested, and she nodded. Then, turning to look at Victor, who was still lying on the table, scientist said, my husband wants to feed you. ?flycatcher men reached into his pocket, and, pulling something out, kept it carefully hidden from Victor, turning so that Victor couldn’t see him, as he placed it on the long skewer. He held it out to him, lunchtime, he stated, then smacked his lips at the creature on the table. Come on, eat up now. Victor looked at what was on the end of the skewer, and almost lost the contents of his stomach, Because what was on the end of the skewer, was a very large, dead, grasshopper.

The entire room irrupt it in laughter and applause, as the creature that was apparently now Victor, tried his best to keep from sicking up.

Get a bucket or pan, Scientist commanded, if he pukes all over the floor, you, are?cleaning up the lab. Me??The man called Felix exclaimed,?as another young man stood and volunteered, I’ll get it, you stay there with the rest of your family and watch him. Thank you, Ingvar, scientist said, as the one called Ingvar, ran to find a large bucket, as well as a pan, and quickly brought it back. ?he held the pan?in front of Victor’s face, and the specimen on the table made appropriate use of it. The man known as Ingvar hurried to dispose of the contents, as flycatcher, stepped forward, still holding the grasshopper on the skewer, and held it to Victor’s lips. As Victor made a sort of mewling sound, flycatcher took the end of the skewer, with the grasshopper on it, down a few inches, and prized Victor’s lips open. Come on now you need to eat, he stated with mock?concern and tenderness, as he punched a small button on the skewer, which would release the grasshopper into victors mouth, then began rubbing his throat, to make him swallow.

You might as well eat it, the man called Felix stated, as scientist added, yes eat it and we will give you something to drink. As?she said this, she glanced out of the corner of one eye,?at yet another person in the lab that had been sitting in the background, but watching the entire spectacle. This man smiled with undisguised malevolence, and gave?A deep, evil chuckle, as he stated slowly, with pleasure. He slowly stood to his feet, seeming to savor every moment of misery he could?cause for the man on the table. His?steps were slow, meaningful strides;?In his hand, he held a cup.

Victor finally was made to swallow the grasshopper, very much against his will, as he muled,?oh…, God! His face was a contorted mixture of pain and sickness, as it went from pale, to a ghastly green color.

Yes…, The man answered in a foreign accent, as he continued his slow, meaningful stride toward the table. You may call me your God, and it is time for the wine of wrath.

Scientist smiled, looked at Victor, and cheerfully inquired, do you know who he is? He is, Vlad Teeps!

The name mint nothing to Victor, but his face was anything but blank, as the thick, deep crimson content of the cup came into his view, ever closer. ?The one known as, Vlad,?placed a strong left arm under Victor‘s neck, forcing him to sit up, as he took the cup with his right hand, and held it to Victor‘s mouth. Victor knew that all his prayers concerning the contents of the cup, that it would not be as it appeared to be, had fallen on deaf ears. But that’s…, That’s, his voice was that sickening mewling growling cross between animal and man, that is…, blood! He pronounce the last word with a grotesque sort of wonder, so overcome was he by what he had recently eaten, and what it looked as if he were about to drink.

Very good, the one known as Vlad, purred at him. ?you will learn your place, beast-man, for as you have given life, so must you now receive it.

In the dream, victors suddenly felt such strong repulsion for the being standing in front of him, for the cup in his hand, and mainly, for the liquid in the cup, that he thought to give a strong argument. But all that would come out was a yowling, no! And even that, sounded more like the yowl of a cat, then the intelligent protest of a man.

I, won’t,?I, wo,wowowwououount!!! ?I, wowwownt! The last word drawled into a hybrid?of of human speech and cat like yowling.

Vlad reached up and stroked the back of victors now quite furry head, ?oh yes you will, kitty man, kitty, he purred, kitten, he added insult to injury, seeing that Victor did not like being called kitty at all.

The newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth. ComeThe newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth.

I wouldn’t do that, the one known as Felix, cautioned behind clenched teeth, as scientist, laid a finger over her own lips. Quiet Felix, she murmured, let’s see what happens; he doesn’t know everything there is to know about Vlad, yet.

The one known as Vlad smiled, the young man speaks wisdom to you, kitty; you should heed his warning. ?now you have grown some very sharp teeth, and they are even somewhat elongated, who knows, perhaps in about…, Too, maybe 3 million years, your descendants will have choppers that look more like…, This. With that, Vlad?opened his mouth,?revealing extremely, sharp, fangs!

After allowing Victor to behold his fangs for a few seconds, Vlad spoke, now the way I see it, kitten, you have two choices. You can either drink this blood that I have brought for you here, which will probably give you strength; or, he grazed one of his fangs gently across the throat of?Victor as he concluded, you can drink your own.

I indeed also hope and pray for salvation for him, as I share in your optimistic hope for him, mistress, Heidi stated sincerely, as she smiled and nodded to Elizabeth. Who knows what he may be undergoing even now. And yet, I’ve heard that oft’?times the worst circumstances, tend?to bring a wayward soul to the foot of salvation‘s cross.???

God loves you.

On Thursday, January 20, 2022, 11:50 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Far above the commotion, and yet so near that he could almost be touched, a tall man with red hair was watching all the players in the dream scape.

?

His father might have done something subtle, if the game allowed it. His uncle might have done something more persuasive, whether or not the dream gate was fully open and ready.

?

But he was neither of them, and he only chuckled at the spectacle, enjoying the final touch. His final touch, if he could say so himself, and he could, because of who he was.

?

"See, told you Franny, you are great when you put your mind to it. Oh sorry, Keres.

?

A super bril old name by the way. I know you know, or you think you know, ?but you still don't really get it, anymore than Ren does...you really only get mom's?but not dad's or your own.?

?

Maybe if you dreamt more as you were told...still pretty good though, I think that should distract Count?Nobody for a wittle while, which is kind of all I need, told you you were awesome with dreams, and for that matter Ren too, and look at Ig," the young man happily complimented his sister who might or might not be able to hear him when distracted.

?

Though truth be told, the compliment was at his own expanse too. All the harassment, all the nudges, they finally, finally materialized. And right here, right now, at?a place that?belonged to this man. A man who could have been, but never would be, his grandfather.?How?ironic, how bril.

?

The young man wondered for a second if he should help his sister reclaim the lab, considering who else was watching. But she had matters at hand here.

?

"Well, maybe you don't know what you think you know either, dear Count.?You thought you were safe from the prophecy???You thought tricking your pawn into killing somebody important would be forgotten? Because millennia passed, and the Carrier has been gone from the world? You never thought then, that the old gods are never gone, that they might return????Tiktok little count, tiktok," the young man spoke to nobody in particular, smiling at his own inner reference.?

?

?

He was happy and his associates should be equally pleased, he knew, the smirk still playing on his face as he began vanishing from this layer of?a well crafted slice of almost real reality.

?

He?may have preferred playing it like his uncle, but the last touch was of course to honor his father, the man who had been known a long time?ago as, and had knowingly embraced once more, the identity of Captain Dance.

?

****

Ludwig stared at the patient's body, at Mary Beth, and with an understandable tremor in his limbs, hesitantly inquired, "Mam, what is the meaning of this? Should I call the doctor? What should I do?"

?

***

?

"Salvation, yes, after all, every soul needs it, and some can even get it. Will Victor be the lucky one? I hope so, I hope so, dearest Heidi," Elizabeth emphatically explained, not certain if she engaged in a bout of wishful thinking, or for the first time, had a bout of premonition.?

?

?

?

???????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, January 8, 2022 1:40 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

In his dream, Victor tried his best to fight the ghost of Frank, to get Elizabeth away from him, but Elizabeth chose to fight with Frank, against Victor. The two ghosts continued to laugh, as he was once more held over the flames, and then fell, as if the ghost wanted him to relive the scene of being dropped into the fire again and again. ?As he fell,?the scenes of the dream changed to show what could be other possibilities in Victor‘s life. He was aware of a hard thud,?And that?he was on a?table. ?he blinked, then looked around.?My science lab, he breathed,?his voice filled with relief and wonder.

The figure which stood over him smiling, looked much more solid than the ghosts of Frank and Elizabeth had looked. No, stupid, this is not your, science lab, this is my lab.

But, who are you?

The woman smiled, you may call me…, Scientist, for you see that is what I am. How did I get here, Victor wanted to know. We brought you here, she answered, science, brought you here. And before we go any further with this, I want to thank you for being such a great part of my experiment.

What? Have I now become the science, Victor demanded. There was a laugh coming from a young male voice which was somewhat behind the woman, as yet another strange looking man caught a fly and proceeded to eat it.

While?this was happening in the dream, real burns began?to pop up on Victor’s body in the real world, so that MaryBeth, Ludwig, and the doctor, would be able to see them. Marybeth gasped,?what is the meaning of this? ?The others would be able to answer her as to what they thought it was, as the dream unfolded for Victor.

I don’t think he likes you Ren,?the young male replied, the flycatcher chuckled.

Then the woman called, scientist, stepped back, as if to study him clinically, and made a motion with her hands. An older woman, the young male, the flycatcher, and another man stepped up, all of them examining Victor. And then, to add to the nightmare, there he was, the ghost of Frank.

Wonderful indeed, my daughter, the ghost stated, he’s changing already. But what will we do with him, the older woman asked. I don’t know yet, scientist said, I’m just having a lot of fun making him. Hey we could always put him in the circus, the young male stated. ?scientist frowned at the young male.

Shut up, Felix, she snapped. Circuses are made for peoples enjoyment, not to scare people, like he’s going to do.

Hey I have an idea, the one called Felix continued, instead of making him scary why don’t you make him look funny? You know so people will laugh at him, like a clown or something. Because, scientist said, most people love a clown, especially kids. I don’t want kids, or anyone drawn to him; I want them repelled by him, just like they were with dad. ?Should I show him how he looks now, the one called Felix inquired, and scientist nodded, sure go ahead. ??Felix Then took up the mirror, allowing Victor to look in it. And in his dream, Victor became very frightened indeed. No!! He screamed, get it away from me! Get it away; please, take, that, thing, away! ? everyone in the room laughed.

None of this was actually happening of course, but Victor was being allowed to see what could very well be the future for him, although he would not yet realize this.

Thank you, mistress, Heidi told Elizabeth. You see this way, Victor will have a chance to explain what he has seen, and perhaps the priest could counsel with him, and guide him into salvation. I would hope so anyway.

God?loves you.

On Saturday, January 8, 2022, 1:20 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I s'ppose our patient also believes in something...What do you reckon he is seeing, to make him move so, or is that just the fever speaking? My Lady, do you believe people can get visions from beyond? Our patient he might be a different kind than many, aye?" Ludwig wondered, trying to turn his discomfort into words the best way he knew how.

?

****

?

"Now that Heidi is a very good idea," Elizabeth admitted. Not sure if the priest would be helpful to Victor, or would at least humiliate him with his presence upon awakening, but it felt good.

?

And who knew, if Victor would be inspired by holy guidance, as only a man coming back from the brink of death could, it?might be his last chance to experience salvation, as far as she was concerned.?

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2021 9:36 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Oh yes, I do believe in the Almighty, Marybeth confessed eagerly, her nod?equally eager, although I must admit I don’t attend Sunday services perhaps as often as I should, mainly due to work and the like.?But I think you are quite perceptive,she continued, science often tries to explain various phenomenon and workings of nature,?but how can anyone truly know how these things happen???It would appear there is little or no explanation except…, Except for the fact that there is, as you say, something else out there, someone, else, out there.

Victor had been having what some would call a fever dream. In the first part of it, he had seen the gates, streets, and various aspects of heaven, at least as much as he could imagine it, as much as his imagination would allow. But now, his forehead suddenly broke into a sweat, and he began to softly moan. 狈辞…, No, please, do not burn me. I, I do Not, want to, want to go there! There was a look of terror on his face at what he was seeing. He would later describe this as, someone holding him directly above the very pit of hell, so close that the flames licked at him, hungrily eager to devour him, like so many living monsters. And the one holding him over the pit was none other than…, His very own creation.

Later in the dream, as he was dropped into the pit,?he would feel as if he were eternally falling, falling with nothing under him to catch him, no one around him to catch him, or even to Care. In his sleep, he cried out, Elizabeth! But of course, Elizabeth was not there to help. And the one which seemed to be the overseer of this dreadful, fiery place was of course, none other than…, His own creation, it was Frank. ?he was moaning that he was sorry, but in the dream, he was screaming with all the voice he had, which because of the initial sickness, was temporarily taken from him. ?The ghost of Frank mocked him, moaning just as he did, laughing at him, as it stood arm in arm with another ghost, the ghost of his own wife. ?The two ghosts laughed at him, as the ghost of Frank actually transformed into something quite beautiful, something which greatly resembled one of the angels that Victor had seen in the heaven part of the dream.

This…, Is how some people see me, the ghost of Frank said, turning from side to side, floating near him, to make certain Victor got a good view. But this…, Is how you, have always seen me. The ghost transformed again into the figure very much believed to be the appearance of…, No! Victor screamed in the dream, only barely managing a moan, as he be held the familiar appearance of the devil.

The ghost gave an ominous chuckle, you called me the devil, but it was you, who created me, you are my father, what does that make you? He moaned again, screaming in the dream. ?then he murmured four words which he thought he would never say in his waking hours. Oh God, save me!

Heidi nodded, it is a scarce hope, mistress, but when he awakens as I believe he will, we should probably have a priest on hand or nearby, to either assist him in this change, if there is indeed a change, or else, to pray for him that’s such a sickness does not befall him again in future. It is up to you though of course. ???


God loves you.

On Friday, December 17, 2021, 8:35 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam, and there are things we do not...know about. After all, surely despite your understanding of medical matters, you do believe in the Almighty?

?

Well, the other day, I took Bethany out, to listen to this young new preacher," Ludwig admitted with some embarassement, realizing he was saying too much perhaps, out of discomfort.

?

"This young priest was so passionate the the pulpit, he was talking about how none of us truly understand what the Holy word means. How when the Grace seizes you and flows through you, it is not only inspiring, not at all flattering, but could be frightening. As frightening as any Angel.

?

And I started thinking, maybe, well just maybe, some of the things we know about, don't quite act as we know they should, because there is something else out there, I beg my lady's pardon.

?

I just feel like I haven't chosen to misplace the patient...I swear he somehow slipped out of my hands and...there is more to that, and Mr Doctor might not understand what it is that has been happening, or how to stop it, if the patient is...I am not sure what I am saying m'Lady, you might have better words for all of this," the footman?hopefully offered.

?

****

"Changes, Heidi there. Sometimes they just happen, even if we did not choose. Circumstances can alter a person's path, the gentle or not so gentle hand of Fate. I fear that?our Victor has experienced something untoward in his life.

?

Maybe he would have chosen to become the man he has, but perhaps not. Perhaps he just did not know how to handle the cards dealt him..." Elizabeth suggested, noting that she was fairly uncomfortable at describing Victor as hers alone.???

?

She surely had the right to do that but wished to avoid thinking of him in such terms, even for the sake of an easily understood communication between them. She supposed, when it came to that, no such communication could be remotely easy for the things being described, were too extraordinary for ordinary polite words.

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2021 11:24 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth looked uncertain, I must admit, Ludwig, that I have passing we wondered such things. Yet, our place is not to ask such questions, but as I understand it, to do everything and all we can to heal the patient, to bring him out of whatever is holding him captive. ?Head she just said that? She reason to herself that it could be some sort of physical maladies holding him captive, but usually, when people thought of someone being held captive, it was either by other human beings, or something perhaps much more sinister than even physical diseases?could be.

Oh, mistress, do you truly think that he could be changed? Maybe this, sickness, whatever one might call it,?has been brought about for just such a thing as this, she suggested. And yes, I will do what I can to make him talk, to make him tell us what he has felt and saw, what has happened. That is, if he seems indeed to be changed.


God loves you.

On Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 9:43 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Pardon mam, but can the patient be...haunted? Me knows it sounds strange, yet I doth not like what's, I don't now, as if he can watch us while being asleep. Something odd about our patient, do you fancy?"

?

Ludwig did not know what even prompted him to ask this superior woman who knew so much and intimidated him and made him wonder if she wanted a conversation at all. And realize that perhaps he needed one all the same. A pity he did not even know how to ask the right question.

?

Even Bethany might be confused at what it was he wanted to know, so he would not blame Mary Beth if she did too.

?

***

?

"Oh, well then my dear. It shall be easy to ascertain that Victor does indeed seek God. For the change in him would then be significant. I would urge you then to make him talk. Explain what brought about the change.

?

If there were,,,say, just as an entirely random example, some hands squeezing his neck, anybody whispering words into his ears. If he remembers being shrouded by darkness, of feeling remorse over not doing more with his life.

?

After all, God has many mysterious agents working for him, you know. I suppose if the change in Victor is real and he?was graced with God's presence, perhaps he can tell us about it.

?

And then we would all be one happy household once more, because we would know the change in him is permanent, you see," Elizabeth offered though she had to wonder if even the mysterious hands choking the life out of Victor or the?face of God itself could challenge him into changing his life style and views.?She was not going to hope too much for it herself, but if Heidi needed the hope, well then, it was not Elizabeth's duty to dissuade her.???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, November 8, 2021 11:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth gave Ludwig a slight look of exasperation. She had almost started to caution him in an annoyed tone to be careful, but then he apologized for bruising the patient even more. Just let’s just get him settled, Mary Beth told him, doing her best to keep patients in her tone. ?And of course, she continued, I will need you to transport him back to bed, at least such is most likely, unless of course, he happens to come out of this seemingly in trapping ailment.

It was now Heidi‘s turn to look thoughtfully at her mistress before stating, if he does come out different, it likely can’t help but be for the good, his?good, as well as ours.

Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open?with surprise when Elizabeth actually asked her about caring for Victor. I…, I shall do my best for you, mistress, as I am always happy to help in anything you need. ?but if it turns out that he does indeed have more of a heart and thoughts toward God, and actually helping his fellow man, what then? What would you have me do?


God loves you.

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, 1:19 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes...Maa'm," Ludwig spoke obediently his prolonged sound a sign of his deep concentration. He felt odd in a manner of speaking, as of something strange and outside pulled at him. Pulled him to move?in the physical direction his own instinct would have avoided.

?

As if in mockery of his sincere words, he had managed to bruise the patient a few more times before he settled the body down completely. "Begging your pardon Mam," Ludwig apologized hastily.?Normally he would have addressed the patient, but then the patient was not available to apologize to,?so Ludwig chose this smallish woman to address instead, to rectify his mistake.

?

Perhaps if she has been a friend, he would have admitted the strangeness to her and hoped for some council that only women seemed to have. But then, even somebody like his Bethany might not have understood or believed him, so perhaps Mary Beth would merely consider him a slacker, he could not take the chance of her bad mouthing him to the doctor, so he determined to keep doing his best no matter what pull he has experienced towards wrong motions with the patient, or otherwise.

?

Elizabeth?cautiously regarded Heidi and finding no subtle undertones of?disagreement or rebuke, finally nodded her agreement. "Your words are most enlightening my pet," she complimented the maid.

?

"But do you think that means Victor would come out even more different than?previously, after he is healed, which is of course to be presumed by those who cherish his well being.

?

If he is any different, I fear I?may not know at first how to attend to him best. Perhaps I shall have to enlist you and your wisdom in helping me.

?

I rely on Abigail in many affairs, but those mysteries of the heart I worry she would not pierce any?better or faster than myself. You might be our best hope, darling Heidi.

?

I know this may put too much?pressure on your slender shoulders and am sorry in advance. Would you object greatly to taking personal care of Victor when he is back and is recovering? I hope not for you seem to have such insights," Elizabeth complimented, sincerely surprised that she found such a good conversationalist in the girl she had previously dismissed as dull. ???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, October 1, 2021 7:39 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Thank you Ludwig, Mary Beth replied, her own tone somewhat distracted, until he missed the second wall. Be careful with him, we may not know what is wrong with him yet, but he is still a patient which has come into our care. How could she expect him to have the same care for the man that she and the doctor had. ?She only wondered this, and contemplated it, as she watched the forward progress of Ludwig, carrying the patient.

Heidi regarded Elizabeth with a thoughtful expression. It is not that you are without influence in his life, mistress, for I believe you are not without such, but I think often times, men will listen to someone else telling them something, before they listen to those closest to them; perhaps you could confirm what the other person was saying, the priest or whomever you choose to speak with, but sometimes, two or three People saying the same thing, confirming one another in their assessments, I think often times this can?help one to get ones point across.

She studied Elizabeth’s expression, hoping that?what she said offered some genuine comfort and hope to her mistress. Then again, she continued, who can say what if this present set of circumstances might not do it for you. People many times have near brushes with death, and come out of it much different, thinking more of God, and their own mortality.


God loves you.

On Friday, October 1, 2021, 12:29 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam,"Ludwig obediently took on the little man and carried him, not truly paying attention to the new of his fever.?But his thoughts, of missing time with Bethany because of this unexpected change in the doctor's routine, made him upset, and distracted.

?

Though he failed to avoid the sharp edge of the wall he was crossing with the patient, he did notice his error on time. He didn't think the patient noticed any damage, and?could only hope Mary Beth didn't either. Trying to think of distracting her attention from the patient with something witty to converse about, Ludwig could only think of something little to ask the doctor's assistant.?

?

"So, have you found anything good at the grocery market," Ludwig gruffly wondered, the effort of thinking?of a topic evident in his voice. And then he realized with a start that his own question distracted him instead, prompting him to unintentionally miss another wall.

?

A good thing it was a small man he was carrying, a larger load?could have slept away from him by now, Ludwig well knew. He shuddered at the very thought of being fired by Van Hoff and loosing all access to the lovely Bethany. Now there was a girl he could easily talk to, about anything.???

?

***

"But Heidi,?Victor was encouraged to think of God. I encouraged him myself, and so did his father. Victor did not really object. I don't know that he thinks there is no God.

?

I don't know that he is not interested in God at all either. I just feel that all thoughts about God would still direct Victor to think about his own greatness.

?

The disturbing thing for me is that Victor's mind is great. But perhaps, not the rest of him. His moral core does not have the same remarkable capacity. His emotional strength, it is...not the strength of a real man. Of a scientist, but not a man.

?

I don't mean that he is not a man," Elizabeth explained, though in her heart perhaps she did mean that. "Only that some people are different from others and don't have the same strength. And Victor is smart, but not overall strong the way his peers would have been."

?

"It's not that I hold it against him," she speculated, and then decided that maybe she did hold it against him. "Only his greatness means all the more to him, when he is feeling weaker. So he insists on his greatness, he cultivates it through his scientific accomplishments, and does not accept his limitations.

?

Oh Heidi, I fear for him. For his body and the physical toll it has taken. For his mind, that may not be able to handle much more. And for his very soul that is so uninterested in God but?which without the idea of God at least, seems to fall prey to folly. I just don't know how to convince Victor that he needs something else. Something that is greater than him and is no part of him. Do you think he would listen to somebody else better than he does to me?" Elizabeth idly wondered.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 8:15 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth nodded to the doctor. All right Ludwig, she stated with a sigh why don’t we sit ?him up in a reclining position, so that even if, when…, He awakens, he will be still comfortable. We don’t want to make him uncomfortable, just get him in a position more conducive to awakening. She checked his fever, it’s gone up, she told Ludwig, and the doctor also, if he were listening.

Victor was quite frail, so should prove relatively easy for Ludwig to carry. And now, especially without his daily enhancement potions, the age in his face showed.

Perhaps he rarely, if ever, thanks of God at all, Heidi suggested. Maybe he has never thought about whether or not he is greater than God, because he’s never really thought of God in the first place.


God loves you.

On Thursday, September 16, 2021, 1:15 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I do wonder if the essential salts used in one experiment by Reuss would amount to something, or but a fanciful way to add?a semblance of originality he has uncovered elsewhere.

?

No matter. I will omit them for now,?unless the patient fails to respond to the treatment. Ludwig will help you by carrying the body, but perhaps you shall instruct him on how to arrange it perfectly, so the patient reaches a somewhat satisfactory position. Whether he is aware for now or not, matter not for his level of comfort. Ideally he would wake, and then we would be prepared...Yes, let us proceed, Ludwig," Van Hoff nodded, though he named the one doing the manual labor, he rather included both in his order. If anything Mary Beth was going to play the more crucial role on the matter. If he could have three of her, his job would have been so much easier, as well he knew.

?

?

Elizabeth could not take umbrage with herself. Despite the difficulties of conveying her outrage to somebody who in all likelihood even resisting understanding the truth of the matter, she has done fairly well in explaining the issue. If it did not fully work, the fault could not be?completely ascribed to her.

?

"I don't know, Heidi. You might be right. Some of them invoke the name of God in their introduction, which is sometimes the one piece of their writing I end up caring about. Could they be facetious in their show of respect? Perhaps if they believe their publication would be met less favorably. But I don't know why in our rational age, they would need to profess their loyalty to God if they don't feel it.

?

However, assuming that most of them are devoid of the religious sentiment, the problem remains. Not only with the men of science departing from any idea of godhood. What bothers me is when some seek to replace it with the idea of their own, equal, or possibly superior greatness.

?

At least that is how Victor seems to think a lot of the time. Perhaps such attitude is necessary for him to succeed in such a frightening enterprise as his. Perhaps his attitude was encouraged by his educators and is shared with them. I cannot say. All I know is, even if it has some benefits, the drawbacks of such thinking are too intimidating for the rest of us, who do not particularly delight in creating science.

?

I can see the necessity for utilizing its wisdom, but perhaps, when one ventures too far into the gaping maw of the unknown, one should withdraw and recover. All Victor wants to do, is to forge even further. And for all such things as pride and ambition serving the greater good, I must wonder where such emotions in their purest form would lead him. And if perhaps that in itself does not account for his mysterious ailment," Elizabeth considered.

?

She had believed herself to be done with the subject but with frustration realized she has been wrong. There were still matters unresolved, matters she has not touched upon, and voicing them?out loud?did seem to make them better.??

?

----- Original Message -----

From: Ishamael Moridin via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 1:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Yes Doctor, I shall go and heat the water right away, Mary Beth replied, waiting?only a moment to see if he needed anything else, before hurrying away to heat the water in the tub. ?Of course, she had to fill the tub first, but it wasn’t all that long before that was done, and the water was heated, not too terribly hot, but warm enough to hopefully start to increase the circulation, and bring the feeling back into this comatose man. She then returned, the tub is ready Doctor.

Heidi‘s eyebrows shot up in surprise when Elizabeth addressed her as, my pet, she said nothing, supposing there were far worse things to be called by one’s mistress or master. I…, She hesitated, I doubt if he even thinks of such things. I think, probably most men of science think of religious matters rarely at best, if even at all. Perhaps he does think of himself as a new Lord, but then again, who can say without a direct answer from him; all we have?are?his actions. I would hate to believe such things of him, but it does seem as though you are very important to him, yet it would appear that he spent so little time with you before. Perhaps you are right, perhaps he indeed deserves what he gets. Her voice sounded distracted as she mused on the entire matter. ?But somehow, I don’t think even he, could be quite that arrogant as to consider himself a new Lord, although you say that he did decline the offer of holy counsel. It may be though, she continued, that he considers himself a hero of sorts, someone who saved you from the clutches of death, but does he feel he has overcome death now, that is the question. And who knows what the answer will be, once he returns to us.

For her own part, Heidi could not see how she could ever love such a man, one whose?mind seemed tremulous, on the very fringes of reality. I think, that I should enjoy very much making him pay for how he has caused you to suffer, mistress.?

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, March 21, 2022 4:50 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

If you wish to pray for Victor, mistress, Heidi began, I am most willing to pray with you. Would you like to do that, now? She tentatively offered her hand, in case Elizabeth might want to join with her in prayer. She added, something tells me he’s going to truly need it.

I am indeed most ready for one more adventure, Doctor, Mary Beth stated, my reputation in this community being of?little concern, at least in so far as medicine goes. But tell me, if you will, what does this drug actually do? Will it awaken him? It looks as if we are, about to lose him.

In the dream, Victor could feel what would feel much like a wrist, pressed to his lips, something warm dripping from the wrist, touching his lips. He could hear the seductive voice, very hypnotic in its sound, trinket, kitten, it is what you need; it will make you strong, so that you may live forever, and practice, science. The hypnotic way he said the last word almost made Victor want to open his mouth, and partake of the contents of that wrist, which in and of itself, seemed to be as tempting an invitation as anything at that moment.

Enough!! It was a clear, authoritative voice, yet strangely calm and serene, which broke the hypnotic spell of the one offering him the wrist.

Once again, there was a scene change in the dream, and Victor recognized where he was now. He looked at the streets of gold, and the gates, made of pearl, which now looked familiar to him, since he had seen them in the first part of the dream, yet, no less fascinating. ?He now stood face-to-face with the speaker, the one possessing that authoritative calm voice, who had called a halt to what the one known as, Vlad, was about to perform. ?Victors face was now extremely pale, back in the real world, and no one would hear him say what he was about to say in the dream.

I know this place, I remember. Heaven. The voice now spoke to him, a calming tone that in and of itself sounded soothing, but without the hypnotic quality of the other.

Yes, you have been here before, but you have not yet met me. I have come, Victor, to tell you that it is time now, for you to make a choice.

I wouldn’t choose him, if I were you. That bit of advice came to victors left, and it was the voice of a beautiful lady. She gave him a hand to help him up, since presently he had fallen to his knees. ?Victor thought to himself that the lady sounded in many ways, like his beloved Elizabeth, and yet,?her voice?had another quality to it, One which sounded strangely familiar, as if he had just heard it. ?His eyes were momentarily turned to look at the beautiful lady, who are you, he inquired of her. Let him tell you who??he is first, then I will tell you who I am. Save the Best for last, you know?

Cursed is your pride, the first speaker said to the lady, and Victor could now tell that the first speaker was now on his right. ?The lady only giggled, and gave the first speaker a smirk.

Sir, who is she, who are you, and what is the meaning of all of this?

The man now answered, she has been brought here to represent your other, choice.

Victor now noticed the soft angelic hum of many of the heavenly beings, as they hovered, and flew about the man.

People have been asking the meaning of life since time began, but the whole responsibility of mankind is to love me, to know me, and to respect me. Many?think I require so much work, all I require is your trust. The outward works, or only a showing, exhibiting what I can do, and will do in the life of anyone who will allow it.

The woman on Victor’s left side smirked, fine, he won’t tell you who he?is, so I will tell you who I am; I, my dearest Victor, have been your mistress all your life. No, I’m not your beloved Elizabeth, I am your first true love, you may call me, lady science. ?Don’t listen to him, the lady continued, her voice calm and seductive, please, don’t listen to him. If you do, he, will have you floating around on a cloud playing a harp forever and ever. I, on the other hand, can offer you so much more, you’ll be able to live on the earth, just like your friend told you when he was offering you the drink, before you were so rudely snatched away by this man.

Can science create life? The man did not sound angry as he asked, his voice was one of complete assurance, as if he already knew the answer. Of course it can, lady?science replied, this man here is one of the greatest creators that ever lived. ?In fact, he has already created life.

But can science create life from, dust?

Victors eyes grew wide as he now looked fully at the man. I have never created anything from dust, he admitted. But you probably could, lady science countered, pay no attention to her, the man stated, after which Victor inquired, are you…, He said the last word with??a reverence totally uncharacteristic for him, God??

There is no God, lady science interjected, you’ve never believed in him in your life, well maybe your mom at once taught you a little about him, but who needs that anymore? You have science now, you have me.

Perhaps she is right, Victor replied, perhaps you are an angel? Like the one I saw at the first?

It was then that lady science covered her mouth, and emitted a rather large sneeze. We sneezed him out of existence years, centuries ago, she told Victor. Man is supreme, you had it right all along, Man is his own ultimate God.

And yet, Victor stated, when someone sneezes, is it not polite to say, bless you? Lady science frowned, as the man replied, that is correct, and who do you think it is that gives the blessings? ?You have come to the correct conclusion when you ask if I am god, for I am indeed one with him, I, who?speak to you now, am He, the Son of the one true, and living, God.

Poppicock!

It was lady science who gave the exclamation, he’s no more god?than anything else. But it was then that the man, held out his hands, and spread his arms open wide to Victor.

All of your adult life, you have doubted me, and now is your hour of decision.

Victor would now see that the hands of the man were indeed scarred. Has?science, died for you, Victor? Can you give its life for you? Does it keep you warm at night? Can it comfort you in?the death of your loved ones? Where was science when your beloved Elizabeth was killed?

I helped him bring her back, the woman countered. Yes, but you?brought back a mirror shell, a ghost of the?person that she was before.

He turned back to Victor, now, I will show you yet another vision, I will show you a brief glimpse of what will happen should you make the wrong choice.

In his dream, Victor was once more back in his own lab, concocting and creating. He would see glimpses from the past, as well as from the future. ?He??now felt himself being propelled forward by some strange force, the wind which he could not control. The wind at last dropped him, after whirling?and twirling through seemingly many areas of space, and he would later?find out, time. The wind dropped him, on the same table, where he had been in the dream. The scene changed, he now looked different, and was being made to stand and walk, but he could no longer stand as before. For his hands had become four?paws.

Behold, said the man, the lady science is none other than the one you call, scientist!

Victor now saw himself and heard himself, actually begging for death, but he could not die. For he now lived forever, and was given a bowl of something to drink. He was glad for the water, until he looked and saw that it was not water. The dark crimson color of the liquid in the bowl told him exactly what it was. And there was that same voice saying, drink it now kitten, for you must learn to hunt for this.

This is all wrong, lady science protested,?but Victor looked at her now, and he saw her for who she truly was, although?he knew no other name except what he called her.

You…, You have lied to me, he said to lady science. You told me all this time that man was supreme, you’ve made me think that you were so beautiful even now, when it was in fact you, who made me a beast.

I only made you what you truly are, Lady science said, now in the voice Victor knew full well, for the man was making it impossible for her, even in the vision, to hide herself anymore.

The man known as, God, now spoke kindly to Victor. You see Victor, I have now shown you just some of what will happen. Science was meant to help mankind, never to reign supreme. Science was never meant to take my place, but sadly, you and many others, have filled the void in your life by using it, instead of turning to me. But it is not too late, not yet.

He shows you only lies, lady science once more looked beautiful and sounded seductive as she spoke, but of course, it is up to you. On that point, we agree, the man said, it is now, your hour of decision.???


God loves you.

On Thursday, March 17, 2022, 1:19 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Who or what indeed," Van Hoff agreed unhappily, even the more esoteric theories falling flat in the face of harsh reality.

?

"That is not looking well," Van Hoff admitted, trying to remain calm as any good doctor had to be at some point. It was all part of the trade. Unpleasant perhaps, but nonetheless frequent. The fear of failure that made the rare success saving and improving a life all the more valuable.

?

He was willing to admit defeat, if he had to. But the time for it, has it come already, so soon? Van Hoff could not say and decided to try one more thing.

?

"Mary Beth, I shall now need your assistance. I will be injecting that experimental drug I have told you about. It may be imported from Hindustan, it may have had an uncertain reputation, but the few times it has been tried, have?proved its efficacy, so in the spirit of science itself, we must proceed.

?

There are risks involved of course, so if you?should wish to distance yourself from the experiment and ensure your own reputation remains unblemished in our community, I shall understand and ask Ludwig to assist me instead. How do you feel about one more risky adventure?" Van Hoff wondered, divided between uncertainty and a certain kind of excitement, at finally having?a seemingly good reason to give it a try.

?

***

?

"Only God in Heaven and his messengers on Earth," Elizabeth idly declared, trying to decide if she even remembered the old catechism any longer.?

?

Many words of the old religion rang false to her. Especially since she has grown beyond a mere human capability. Especially since she had to measure and?divide such empty words in relation to the one soul she felt relatively certain could appreciate them even less than she had.?

?

"We can always do what women do best, and simply pray," the young woman concluded, unable to avoid the small smile completely, and compensating for it with a hint of bitterness at the corners of her lips. Humans emotions were difficult to fake, when performed by one above humans, Elizabeth decided, and thought to share with her new friend Cylas later on. ???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 4:10 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself w

Yes mistress, Heidi replied, I fear it may take much harsher circumstances for him to ever recant his ways. But then again, who knows what he is undergoing, even now?

I think I read something somewhere about such a study, Marybeth replied to VanHoff, but I am not sure about it, if it actually works. And if it does, who, or what, could be mesmerizing him now?

What a thrill it was for scientist, to make Victor think she was actually going to teach him something, only to tell him that it was, none of his business, at the last moment. Part of the reason it was so thrilling, was that it was such a torture for Victor. He looked disappointed, even as the one called, Vlad, laughed out loud yet again. Now that?One there,??is a good one. He stroked Victor’s arm, poor, poor kitten, denied the chance to acquire?a most precious piece of knowledge. ?How torturing for you, especially when it’s, science. The one called Felix, laughed,?and Vlad looked around for other chuckles and nods of approval in the room.

You are a quite delicious specimen, dear kitten, Vlad told Victor, his tone conversational, even tender. I know that you very much believe in these, do you not? He showed his fangs once more, I think, I want to leave a lasting impression with you, I want to make sure you honestly believe.

Victor spoke in the dream, I do, I believe! How wonderful, Vlad replied with a smile which again showed his fangs. But, I have to make sure this is something that will stay with you, should you awaken, and return to being the man of science that you have been. You scientist sometimes need things shown to you, he looked apologetically at the young woman called scientist, not you of course, just, kitten here.

Victor would feel the sharpness of the fangs as this time, they completely pierced his throat. He would hear Vlad’s?pleasure, feel his life draining away in the dream, as everything seemed to fade, even the clapping and laughter that was going on in the room, all of the images, fading, ever so slowly fading away. He felt himself becoming sleepy, so very tired, his eyes?closed. Colors were fading, much more quickly now, and he felt himself floating, foward, then strangely,?upward,?as if he knew the way to the place where he would ultimately choose to go, if it were his choice.

He could see a door in front of him, growing ever closer;?on the other side,?it seemed to Victor that he glimpsed?such incredible beauty, that if he ever once?entered through that door, he would never want to return to such a place as that from whence?he had come.

But just as he could feel himself start to enter that door, the progression toward it suddenly ceased. It seemed as though something was, different, as he noticed that the force that was draining away his life, suddenly stopped. In its place, something soft touched his lips, something soft, and moist, that felt strangely like the skin of a man.

No! Don’t do it, it was scientist, who is giving the command, but the one called Vlad, merely shrugged, keeping what was in fact, his wrist, close to Victor’s lips. Kitten? Can you hear me, Victor? Kitten? The voice did not at all sound like the vampire that he had known earlier, it seemed a strange combination for him of some sort of almost angelic music, combined with rapidly flowing water, combining with a strange, celestial wind, to form the most melodious of words, and the most verbal of melodies, which Victor had ever heard.

In the dream, it seems that Victor had just enough strength to murmur, God. Yes, yes my child, the one called Vlad was saying; it is time for you to drink. You must drink in order to be made whole. I,?I am your only fountain of living water now. Drink, take the Crimson flow, drink the living water, and you also, will live, and you will know?power as you have never known. A power that science can only dream of giving. ?But the dream which now was claiming all of victors attention, and all of his senses, was yet to hold even more surprises.

Back in the real world, Victor’s skin was growing increasingly pale, and was now a ghost white. The doctor and Mary Beth would see this, they would probably be able to feel his life slipping away. We’re losing him Doctor, we’re losing him! God help us, we’re losing this patient!?

God loves you.

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, 1:47 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Van Hoff nodded, the motion is as painstakingly slow as the inner movement inside of his mind. The attempt to recall that one esoteric bit of forgotten wisdom that perchance may bear light on the events at hand.

?

"It might be a case of intense mesmerizing performed in the past. Anton Mesmer, not as scientific fellow by any means, reported a curious case that somebody far more solid confirmed in a different setting.

?

Mesmer believed that suggestions could be given, bordering on the bizarre and the uncanny, that the mind could accept as a given...and yet a colleague of mine confirmed?it in the case of?those dear Pagans?from Hindustan who know not Christ, but their own deities seem to have great powers as well.

?

Including the powers to guide and disrupt the course of dreams. Some invocations?to such deities created tangible effects, effects I thought were strange at the time, until our patient arrived.

?

Though if the theory be correct, who on Earth could have mesmerized our patient? I remember some priests experimenting with hypnosis and dreaming, but none were, naturally malign. This case?gets more and more interesting by the minute," Van Hoff carefully opined, almost wishing he still had his cigar at hand for relaxation.

?

"Harsher circumstances, yes. Well spoken dearest Heidi. I fear it takes a great challenge at times, to remind one of what they value, of what they seek to accomplish, of what they hold most dear. God is merciful and God is?wise, Poor Victor though, I fear the harshness of the thing might get the better of him. Is there a way to help him, I wonder? Perhaps it is but the Grace of the Lord that shall offer him his last chance at salvation," Elizabeth spoke skeptically.????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, February 7, 2022 2:51 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself with this thing, she aimed the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to study him.study him.A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

I’m not sure, Doctor, Mary Beth admitted, greatly hating to admit her uncertainty. I…, I have never seen anything like this before. This appears to be some sort of a dream that he is being forced to undergo, yet the burns and wounds popping up on his body are quite real. You can see them with your own eyes, can you not? She looked first at the doctor, then at Ludwig.

Well mistress,he sincere love of God, his mercy and grace; but sadly for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I’Well mistress, Heidi began, with some hesitation, for some people, it is the sincere love of God which draws them, his grace and mercy; but for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I honestly do not know which will be the case for master Victor. He…, He’s such a self-sufficient man of science, and men of science often do not believe in God. It takes quite a bit to move them. We can only hope that he will come back to us, more impressionable, and willing to believe.

In the dream, Victor had finally been made to drink the blood, very much against his will. Oh…, Oh God! The words were a mixture of a desperate plea, coupled with notes of anger. The one called Vlad Chuckled in his most malevolent Manor, kitten, you don’t even believe in God; you don’t even believe in…, Me. I can see you, touch you, of course I believe in you, you’re a man. But what kind of man am I, he retorted, ?I would tell you, but then again, you wouldn’t believe me. He chuckled again, noticing that it made Victor extremely nervous. ?so I will just have to, prove it to you.

Vlad once more ran his fangs across Victor’s throat, and up and down, watching his fear, and smiling. He then pierced a part of his throat, but not too much. Just enough to cause some pain. Do you know how easy it would be for me to kill you, kitten? ?With that, Victor would feel Vlads lips, almost tenderly sucking up the small droplets of blood. ?Victor yelled, and tried to slap at Vlad, which earned him yet another malevolent chuckle. It also earned him an unexpected shot from scientist. The shot did not come from a gun as such, it shot out pins, which went into Victor, causing quite a few volts of electricity to flow through him. ?He convulsed, lightning maker! Please no more lightning.

I would kill you right here and now, with only a nod from my friends, but they wish to keep you alive, so very well. Scientist nodded, at least for now, she stated. ?But now kitten, do you know what I am? He looked expectantly at Victor when he said this, and Victor replied, yes, you’re a vampire! He said the words without hesitation. Vlad threw his arms in the air and laughed?triumphantly, what do you know, the?great victor Frankenstein, man of science, believes, in, vampires! What else, will the great victor come to believe in?

Scientist smiled,??aiming the taser at Victor, who cringed. I could kill him myself with this thing here, but then I couldn’t study him the way I want to study him. No, not that, Victor stated, then his tone became conversational. What is that called? Oh, this thing here? Scientist use her sweetest tone, this is called a…, None, of, York, business. She pronounce each word slowly, just


God loves you.

On Friday, February 4, 2022, 12:14 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Ludwig found?relieved at somebody giving him instructions, even if they were the kind he was already considering himself. It didn't matter that he asked for them, it mattered more that he was confirmed in his opinion by his superior. The footman curtly nodded and proceeded to summon back Van Hoff.

?

In his haste he failed to explain what was happening, and the poor doctor, giving up on his footman, inquired the about the situation from the one he could trust, namely?Mary Beth.

?

"What is the meaning of all of this,?what is the most urgent thing I should be doing," the doctor quickly corrected himself, realizing how some bits of information were more important than others.

?

***

"And what is the best process to bring the lost soul back home? What must register within such a creature now that has not before. What sips in, and how can it be done?" Elizabeth wondered.

?

She may not have believed in Victor's recovery, but perhaps she could learn something useful from Heidi?yet, if for an entirely different purpose. The main thing was that a lack of interest on her part could be seen as suspicious, while honest curiosity would be entirely expected instead.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, January 21, 2022 7:33 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Marybeth looked a mixture of horrified and sympathetic. It…, Appears, she began with hesitation, to be some sort of an acting out of, perhaps a dream? But if it is a dream, why are these burns coming up on him for real? Yes Ludwig, I think you better get Dr. VanHoff?in here. ?these burns may well be the result of the fever, but I’ve never seen anything like this before.

Of course, Victor had no idea that anyone else was watching what was happening to him. ?it appeared to be two or three days later, this particular scene was in the lab, in the afternoon, and one word filled Victor’s mind, he thought he heard himself saying it. Hungry!! ?But his own voice did not sound normal, even to him; he thought that it sounded strangely between a fierce growl, and a piteous, animalistic wine, like a starving cat or dog, begging for a crumb.

Feeding time, the older woman stated, looking at scientist. Yep, the man called Felix iterated, time for lunch. ?He mockingly smacked his lips, as scientist picked up what appeared to be a very long skewer. Let me do it?Dear,?flycatcher requested, and she nodded. Then, turning to look at Victor, who was still lying on the table, scientist said, my husband wants to feed you. ?flycatcher men reached into his pocket, and, pulling something out, kept it carefully hidden from Victor, turning so that Victor couldn’t see him, as he placed it on the long skewer. He held it out to him, lunchtime, he stated, then smacked his lips at the creature on the table. Come on, eat up now. Victor looked at what was on the end of the skewer, and almost lost the contents of his stomach, Because what was on the end of the skewer, was a very large, dead, grasshopper.

The entire room irrupt it in laughter and applause, as the creature that was apparently now Victor, tried his best to keep from sicking up.

Get a bucket or pan, Scientist commanded, if he pukes all over the floor, you, are?cleaning up the lab. Me??The man called Felix exclaimed,?as another young man stood and volunteered, I’ll get it, you stay there with the rest of your family and watch him. Thank you, Ingvar, scientist said, as the one called Ingvar, ran to find a large bucket, as well as a pan, and quickly brought it back. ?he held the pan?in front of Victor’s face, and the specimen on the table made appropriate use of it. The man known as Ingvar hurried to dispose of the contents, as flycatcher, stepped forward, still holding the grasshopper on the skewer, and held it to Victor’s lips. As Victor made a sort of mewling sound, flycatcher took the end of the skewer, with the grasshopper on it, down a few inches, and prized Victor’s lips open. Come on now you need to eat, he stated with mock?concern and tenderness, as he punched a small button on the skewer, which would release the grasshopper into victors mouth, then began rubbing his throat, to make him swallow.

You might as well eat it, the man called Felix stated, as scientist added, yes eat it and we will give you something to drink. As?she said this, she glanced out of the corner of one eye,?at yet another person in the lab that had been sitting in the background, but watching the entire spectacle. This man smiled with undisguised malevolence, and gave?A deep, evil chuckle, as he stated slowly, with pleasure. He slowly stood to his feet, seeming to savor every moment of misery he could?cause for the man on the table. His?steps were slow, meaningful strides;?In his hand, he held a cup.

Victor finally was made to swallow the grasshopper, very much against his will, as he muled,?oh…, God! His face was a contorted mixture of pain and sickness, as it went from pale, to a ghastly green color.

Yes…, The man answered in a foreign accent, as he continued his slow, meaningful stride toward the table. You may call me your God, and it is time for the wine of wrath.

Scientist smiled, looked at Victor, and cheerfully inquired, do you know who he is? He is, Vlad Teeps!

The name mint nothing to Victor, but his face was anything but blank, as the thick, deep crimson content of the cup came into his view, ever closer. ?The one known as, Vlad,?placed a strong left arm under Victor‘s neck, forcing him to sit up, as he took the cup with his right hand, and held it to Victor‘s mouth. Victor knew that all his prayers concerning the contents of the cup, that it would not be as it appeared to be, had fallen on deaf ears. But that’s…, That’s, his voice was that sickening mewling growling cross between animal and man, that is…, blood! He pronounce the last word with a grotesque sort of wonder, so overcome was he by what he had recently eaten, and what it looked as if he were about to drink.

Very good, the one known as Vlad, purred at him. ?you will learn your place, beast-man, for as you have given life, so must you now receive it.

In the dream, victors suddenly felt such strong repulsion for the being standing in front of him, for the cup in his hand, and mainly, for the liquid in the cup, that he thought to give a strong argument. But all that would come out was a yowling, no! And even that, sounded more like the yowl of a cat, then the intelligent protest of a man.

I, won’t,?I, wo,wowowwououount!!! ?I, wowwownt! The last word drawled into a hybrid?of of human speech and cat like yowling.

Vlad reached up and stroked the back of victors now quite furry head, ?oh yes you will, kitty man, kitty, he purred, kitten, he added insult to injury, seeing that Victor did not like being called kitty at all.

The newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth. ComeThe newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth.

I wouldn’t do that, the one known as Felix, cautioned behind clenched teeth, as scientist, laid a finger over her own lips. Quiet Felix, she murmured, let’s see what happens; he doesn’t know everything there is to know about Vlad, yet.

The one known as Vlad smiled, the young man speaks wisdom to you, kitty; you should heed his warning. ?now you have grown some very sharp teeth, and they are even somewhat elongated, who knows, perhaps in about…, Too, maybe 3 million years, your descendants will have choppers that look more like…, This. With that, Vlad?opened his mouth,?revealing extremely, sharp, fangs!

After allowing Victor to behold his fangs for a few seconds, Vlad spoke, now the way I see it, kitten, you have two choices. You can either drink this blood that I have brought for you here, which will probably give you strength; or, he grazed one of his fangs gently across the throat of?Victor as he concluded, you can drink your own.

I indeed also hope and pray for salvation for him, as I share in your optimistic hope for him, mistress, Heidi stated sincerely, as she smiled and nodded to Elizabeth. Who knows what he may be undergoing even now. And yet, I’ve heard that oft’?times the worst circumstances, tend?to bring a wayward soul to the foot of salvation‘s cross.???

God loves you.

On Thursday, January 20, 2022, 11:50 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Far above the commotion, and yet so near that he could almost be touched, a tall man with red hair was watching all the players in the dream scape.

?

His father might have done something subtle, if the game allowed it. His uncle might have done something more persuasive, whether or not the dream gate was fully open and ready.

?

But he was neither of them, and he only chuckled at the spectacle, enjoying the final touch. His final touch, if he could say so himself, and he could, because of who he was.

?

"See, told you Franny, you are great when you put your mind to it. Oh sorry, Keres.

?

A super bril old name by the way. I know you know, or you think you know, ?but you still don't really get it, anymore than Ren does...you really only get mom's?but not dad's or your own.?

?

Maybe if you dreamt more as you were told...still pretty good though, I think that should distract Count?Nobody for a wittle while, which is kind of all I need, told you you were awesome with dreams, and for that matter Ren too, and look at Ig," the young man happily complimented his sister who might or might not be able to hear him when distracted.

?

Though truth be told, the compliment was at his own expanse too. All the harassment, all the nudges, they finally, finally materialized. And right here, right now, at?a place that?belonged to this man. A man who could have been, but never would be, his grandfather.?How?ironic, how bril.

?

The young man wondered for a second if he should help his sister reclaim the lab, considering who else was watching. But she had matters at hand here.

?

"Well, maybe you don't know what you think you know either, dear Count.?You thought you were safe from the prophecy???You thought tricking your pawn into killing somebody important would be forgotten? Because millennia passed, and the Carrier has been gone from the world? You never thought then, that the old gods are never gone, that they might return????Tiktok little count, tiktok," the young man spoke to nobody in particular, smiling at his own inner reference.?

?

?

He was happy and his associates should be equally pleased, he knew, the smirk still playing on his face as he began vanishing from this layer of?a well crafted slice of almost real reality.

?

He?may have preferred playing it like his uncle, but the last touch was of course to honor his father, the man who had been known a long time?ago as, and had knowingly embraced once more, the identity of Captain Dance.

?

****

Ludwig stared at the patient's body, at Mary Beth, and with an understandable tremor in his limbs, hesitantly inquired, "Mam, what is the meaning of this? Should I call the doctor? What should I do?"

?

***

?

"Salvation, yes, after all, every soul needs it, and some can even get it. Will Victor be the lucky one? I hope so, I hope so, dearest Heidi," Elizabeth emphatically explained, not certain if she engaged in a bout of wishful thinking, or for the first time, had a bout of premonition.?

?

?

?

???????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, January 8, 2022 1:40 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

In his dream, Victor tried his best to fight the ghost of Frank, to get Elizabeth away from him, but Elizabeth chose to fight with Frank, against Victor. The two ghosts continued to laugh, as he was once more held over the flames, and then fell, as if the ghost wanted him to relive the scene of being dropped into the fire again and again. ?As he fell,?the scenes of the dream changed to show what could be other possibilities in Victor‘s life. He was aware of a hard thud,?And that?he was on a?table. ?he blinked, then looked around.?My science lab, he breathed,?his voice filled with relief and wonder.

The figure which stood over him smiling, looked much more solid than the ghosts of Frank and Elizabeth had looked. No, stupid, this is not your, science lab, this is my lab.

But, who are you?

The woman smiled, you may call me…, Scientist, for you see that is what I am. How did I get here, Victor wanted to know. We brought you here, she answered, science, brought you here. And before we go any further with this, I want to thank you for being such a great part of my experiment.

What? Have I now become the science, Victor demanded. There was a laugh coming from a young male voice which was somewhat behind the woman, as yet another strange looking man caught a fly and proceeded to eat it.

While?this was happening in the dream, real burns began?to pop up on Victor’s body in the real world, so that MaryBeth, Ludwig, and the doctor, would be able to see them. Marybeth gasped,?what is the meaning of this? ?The others would be able to answer her as to what they thought it was, as the dream unfolded for Victor.

I don’t think he likes you Ren,?the young male replied, the flycatcher chuckled.

Then the woman called, scientist, stepped back, as if to study him clinically, and made a motion with her hands. An older woman, the young male, the flycatcher, and another man stepped up, all of them examining Victor. And then, to add to the nightmare, there he was, the ghost of Frank.

Wonderful indeed, my daughter, the ghost stated, he’s changing already. But what will we do with him, the older woman asked. I don’t know yet, scientist said, I’m just having a lot of fun making him. Hey we could always put him in the circus, the young male stated. ?scientist frowned at the young male.

Shut up, Felix, she snapped. Circuses are made for peoples enjoyment, not to scare people, like he’s going to do.

Hey I have an idea, the one called Felix continued, instead of making him scary why don’t you make him look funny? You know so people will laugh at him, like a clown or something. Because, scientist said, most people love a clown, especially kids. I don’t want kids, or anyone drawn to him; I want them repelled by him, just like they were with dad. ?Should I show him how he looks now, the one called Felix inquired, and scientist nodded, sure go ahead. ??Felix Then took up the mirror, allowing Victor to look in it. And in his dream, Victor became very frightened indeed. No!! He screamed, get it away from me! Get it away; please, take, that, thing, away! ? everyone in the room laughed.

None of this was actually happening of course, but Victor was being allowed to see what could very well be the future for him, although he would not yet realize this.

Thank you, mistress, Heidi told Elizabeth. You see this way, Victor will have a chance to explain what he has seen, and perhaps the priest could counsel with him, and guide him into salvation. I would hope so anyway.

God?loves you.

On Saturday, January 8, 2022, 1:20 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I s'ppose our patient also believes in something...What do you reckon he is seeing, to make him move so, or is that just the fever speaking? My Lady, do you believe people can get visions from beyond? Our patient he might be a different kind than many, aye?" Ludwig wondered, trying to turn his discomfort into words the best way he knew how.

?

****

?

"Now that Heidi is a very good idea," Elizabeth admitted. Not sure if the priest would be helpful to Victor, or would at least humiliate him with his presence upon awakening, but it felt good.

?

And who knew, if Victor would be inspired by holy guidance, as only a man coming back from the brink of death could, it?might be his last chance to experience salvation, as far as she was concerned.?

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2021 9:36 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Oh yes, I do believe in the Almighty, Marybeth confessed eagerly, her nod?equally eager, although I must admit I don’t attend Sunday services perhaps as often as I should, mainly due to work and the like.?But I think you are quite perceptive,she continued, science often tries to explain various phenomenon and workings of nature,?but how can anyone truly know how these things happen???It would appear there is little or no explanation except…, Except for the fact that there is, as you say, something else out there, someone, else, out there.

Victor had been having what some would call a fever dream. In the first part of it, he had seen the gates, streets, and various aspects of heaven, at least as much as he could imagine it, as much as his imagination would allow. But now, his forehead suddenly broke into a sweat, and he began to softly moan. 狈辞…, No, please, do not burn me. I, I do Not, want to, want to go there! There was a look of terror on his face at what he was seeing. He would later describe this as, someone holding him directly above the very pit of hell, so close that the flames licked at him, hungrily eager to devour him, like so many living monsters. And the one holding him over the pit was none other than…, His very own creation.

Later in the dream, as he was dropped into the pit,?he would feel as if he were eternally falling, falling with nothing under him to catch him, no one around him to catch him, or even to Care. In his sleep, he cried out, Elizabeth! But of course, Elizabeth was not there to help. And the one which seemed to be the overseer of this dreadful, fiery place was of course, none other than…, His own creation, it was Frank. ?he was moaning that he was sorry, but in the dream, he was screaming with all the voice he had, which because of the initial sickness, was temporarily taken from him. ?The ghost of Frank mocked him, moaning just as he did, laughing at him, as it stood arm in arm with another ghost, the ghost of his own wife. ?The two ghosts laughed at him, as the ghost of Frank actually transformed into something quite beautiful, something which greatly resembled one of the angels that Victor had seen in the heaven part of the dream.

This…, Is how some people see me, the ghost of Frank said, turning from side to side, floating near him, to make certain Victor got a good view. But this…, Is how you, have always seen me. The ghost transformed again into the figure very much believed to be the appearance of…, No! Victor screamed in the dream, only barely managing a moan, as he be held the familiar appearance of the devil.

The ghost gave an ominous chuckle, you called me the devil, but it was you, who created me, you are my father, what does that make you? He moaned again, screaming in the dream. ?then he murmured four words which he thought he would never say in his waking hours. Oh God, save me!

Heidi nodded, it is a scarce hope, mistress, but when he awakens as I believe he will, we should probably have a priest on hand or nearby, to either assist him in this change, if there is indeed a change, or else, to pray for him that’s such a sickness does not befall him again in future. It is up to you though of course. ???


God loves you.

On Friday, December 17, 2021, 8:35 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam, and there are things we do not...know about. After all, surely despite your understanding of medical matters, you do believe in the Almighty?

?

Well, the other day, I took Bethany out, to listen to this young new preacher," Ludwig admitted with some embarassement, realizing he was saying too much perhaps, out of discomfort.

?

"This young priest was so passionate the the pulpit, he was talking about how none of us truly understand what the Holy word means. How when the Grace seizes you and flows through you, it is not only inspiring, not at all flattering, but could be frightening. As frightening as any Angel.

?

And I started thinking, maybe, well just maybe, some of the things we know about, don't quite act as we know they should, because there is something else out there, I beg my lady's pardon.

?

I just feel like I haven't chosen to misplace the patient...I swear he somehow slipped out of my hands and...there is more to that, and Mr Doctor might not understand what it is that has been happening, or how to stop it, if the patient is...I am not sure what I am saying m'Lady, you might have better words for all of this," the footman?hopefully offered.

?

****

"Changes, Heidi there. Sometimes they just happen, even if we did not choose. Circumstances can alter a person's path, the gentle or not so gentle hand of Fate. I fear that?our Victor has experienced something untoward in his life.

?

Maybe he would have chosen to become the man he has, but perhaps not. Perhaps he just did not know how to handle the cards dealt him..." Elizabeth suggested, noting that she was fairly uncomfortable at describing Victor as hers alone.???

?

She surely had the right to do that but wished to avoid thinking of him in such terms, even for the sake of an easily understood communication between them. She supposed, when it came to that, no such communication could be remotely easy for the things being described, were too extraordinary for ordinary polite words.

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2021 11:24 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth looked uncertain, I must admit, Ludwig, that I have passing we wondered such things. Yet, our place is not to ask such questions, but as I understand it, to do everything and all we can to heal the patient, to bring him out of whatever is holding him captive. ?Head she just said that? She reason to herself that it could be some sort of physical maladies holding him captive, but usually, when people thought of someone being held captive, it was either by other human beings, or something perhaps much more sinister than even physical diseases?could be.

Oh, mistress, do you truly think that he could be changed? Maybe this, sickness, whatever one might call it,?has been brought about for just such a thing as this, she suggested. And yes, I will do what I can to make him talk, to make him tell us what he has felt and saw, what has happened. That is, if he seems indeed to be changed.


God loves you.

On Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 9:43 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Pardon mam, but can the patient be...haunted? Me knows it sounds strange, yet I doth not like what's, I don't now, as if he can watch us while being asleep. Something odd about our patient, do you fancy?"

?

Ludwig did not know what even prompted him to ask this superior woman who knew so much and intimidated him and made him wonder if she wanted a conversation at all. And realize that perhaps he needed one all the same. A pity he did not even know how to ask the right question.

?

Even Bethany might be confused at what it was he wanted to know, so he would not blame Mary Beth if she did too.

?

***

?

"Oh, well then my dear. It shall be easy to ascertain that Victor does indeed seek God. For the change in him would then be significant. I would urge you then to make him talk. Explain what brought about the change.

?

If there were,,,say, just as an entirely random example, some hands squeezing his neck, anybody whispering words into his ears. If he remembers being shrouded by darkness, of feeling remorse over not doing more with his life.

?

After all, God has many mysterious agents working for him, you know. I suppose if the change in Victor is real and he?was graced with God's presence, perhaps he can tell us about it.

?

And then we would all be one happy household once more, because we would know the change in him is permanent, you see," Elizabeth offered though she had to wonder if even the mysterious hands choking the life out of Victor or the?face of God itself could challenge him into changing his life style and views.?She was not going to hope too much for it herself, but if Heidi needed the hope, well then, it was not Elizabeth's duty to dissuade her.???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, November 8, 2021 11:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth gave Ludwig a slight look of exasperation. She had almost started to caution him in an annoyed tone to be careful, but then he apologized for bruising the patient even more. Just let’s just get him settled, Mary Beth told him, doing her best to keep patients in her tone. ?And of course, she continued, I will need you to transport him back to bed, at least such is most likely, unless of course, he happens to come out of this seemingly in trapping ailment.

It was now Heidi‘s turn to look thoughtfully at her mistress before stating, if he does come out different, it likely can’t help but be for the good, his?good, as well as ours.

Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open?with surprise when Elizabeth actually asked her about caring for Victor. I…, I shall do my best for you, mistress, as I am always happy to help in anything you need. ?but if it turns out that he does indeed have more of a heart and thoughts toward God, and actually helping his fellow man, what then? What would you have me do?


God loves you.

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, 1:19 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes...Maa'm," Ludwig spoke obediently his prolonged sound a sign of his deep concentration. He felt odd in a manner of speaking, as of something strange and outside pulled at him. Pulled him to move?in the physical direction his own instinct would have avoided.

?

As if in mockery of his sincere words, he had managed to bruise the patient a few more times before he settled the body down completely. "Begging your pardon Mam," Ludwig apologized hastily.?Normally he would have addressed the patient, but then the patient was not available to apologize to,?so Ludwig chose this smallish woman to address instead, to rectify his mistake.

?

Perhaps if she has been a friend, he would have admitted the strangeness to her and hoped for some council that only women seemed to have. But then, even somebody like his Bethany might not have understood or believed him, so perhaps Mary Beth would merely consider him a slacker, he could not take the chance of her bad mouthing him to the doctor, so he determined to keep doing his best no matter what pull he has experienced towards wrong motions with the patient, or otherwise.

?

Elizabeth?cautiously regarded Heidi and finding no subtle undertones of?disagreement or rebuke, finally nodded her agreement. "Your words are most enlightening my pet," she complimented the maid.

?

"But do you think that means Victor would come out even more different than?previously, after he is healed, which is of course to be presumed by those who cherish his well being.

?

If he is any different, I fear I?may not know at first how to attend to him best. Perhaps I shall have to enlist you and your wisdom in helping me.

?

I rely on Abigail in many affairs, but those mysteries of the heart I worry she would not pierce any?better or faster than myself. You might be our best hope, darling Heidi.

?

I know this may put too much?pressure on your slender shoulders and am sorry in advance. Would you object greatly to taking personal care of Victor when he is back and is recovering? I hope not for you seem to have such insights," Elizabeth complimented, sincerely surprised that she found such a good conversationalist in the girl she had previously dismissed as dull. ???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, October 1, 2021 7:39 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Thank you Ludwig, Mary Beth replied, her own tone somewhat distracted, until he missed the second wall. Be careful with him, we may not know what is wrong with him yet, but he is still a patient which has come into our care. How could she expect him to have the same care for the man that she and the doctor had. ?She only wondered this, and contemplated it, as she watched the forward progress of Ludwig, carrying the patient.

Heidi regarded Elizabeth with a thoughtful expression. It is not that you are without influence in his life, mistress, for I believe you are not without such, but I think often times, men will listen to someone else telling them something, before they listen to those closest to them; perhaps you could confirm what the other person was saying, the priest or whomever you choose to speak with, but sometimes, two or three People saying the same thing, confirming one another in their assessments, I think often times this can?help one to get ones point across.

She studied Elizabeth’s expression, hoping that?what she said offered some genuine comfort and hope to her mistress. Then again, she continued, who can say what if this present set of circumstances might not do it for you. People many times have near brushes with death, and come out of it much different, thinking more of God, and their own mortality.


God loves you.

On Friday, October 1, 2021, 12:29 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam,"Ludwig obediently took on the little man and carried him, not truly paying attention to the new of his fever.?But his thoughts, of missing time with Bethany because of this unexpected change in the doctor's routine, made him upset, and distracted.

?

Though he failed to avoid the sharp edge of the wall he was crossing with the patient, he did notice his error on time. He didn't think the patient noticed any damage, and?could only hope Mary Beth didn't either. Trying to think of distracting her attention from the patient with something witty to converse about, Ludwig could only think of something little to ask the doctor's assistant.?

?

"So, have you found anything good at the grocery market," Ludwig gruffly wondered, the effort of thinking?of a topic evident in his voice. And then he realized with a start that his own question distracted him instead, prompting him to unintentionally miss another wall.

?

A good thing it was a small man he was carrying, a larger load?could have slept away from him by now, Ludwig well knew. He shuddered at the very thought of being fired by Van Hoff and loosing all access to the lovely Bethany. Now there was a girl he could easily talk to, about anything.???

?

***

"But Heidi,?Victor was encouraged to think of God. I encouraged him myself, and so did his father. Victor did not really object. I don't know that he thinks there is no God.

?

I don't know that he is not interested in God at all either. I just feel that all thoughts about God would still direct Victor to think about his own greatness.

?

The disturbing thing for me is that Victor's mind is great. But perhaps, not the rest of him. His moral core does not have the same remarkable capacity. His emotional strength, it is...not the strength of a real man. Of a scientist, but not a man.

?

I don't mean that he is not a man," Elizabeth explained, though in her heart perhaps she did mean that. "Only that some people are different from others and don't have the same strength. And Victor is smart, but not overall strong the way his peers would have been."

?

"It's not that I hold it against him," she speculated, and then decided that maybe she did hold it against him. "Only his greatness means all the more to him, when he is feeling weaker. So he insists on his greatness, he cultivates it through his scientific accomplishments, and does not accept his limitations.

?

Oh Heidi, I fear for him. For his body and the physical toll it has taken. For his mind, that may not be able to handle much more. And for his very soul that is so uninterested in God but?which without the idea of God at least, seems to fall prey to folly. I just don't know how to convince Victor that he needs something else. Something that is greater than him and is no part of him. Do you think he would listen to somebody else better than he does to me?" Elizabeth idly wondered.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 8:15 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth nodded to the doctor. All right Ludwig, she stated with a sigh why don’t we sit ?him up in a reclining position, so that even if, when…, He awakens, he will be still comfortable. We don’t want to make him uncomfortable, just get him in a position more conducive to awakening. She checked his fever, it’s gone up, she told Ludwig, and the doctor also, if he were listening.

Victor was quite frail, so should prove relatively easy for Ludwig to carry. And now, especially without his daily enhancement potions, the age in his face showed.

Perhaps he rarely, if ever, thanks of God at all, Heidi suggested. Maybe he has never thought about whether or not he is greater than God, because he’s never really thought of God in the first place.


God loves you.

On Thursday, September 16, 2021, 1:15 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I do wonder if the essential salts used in one experiment by Reuss would amount to something, or but a fanciful way to add?a semblance of originality he has uncovered elsewhere.

?

No matter. I will omit them for now,?unless the patient fails to respond to the treatment. Ludwig will help you by carrying the body, but perhaps you shall instruct him on how to arrange it perfectly, so the patient reaches a somewhat satisfactory position. Whether he is aware for now or not, matter not for his level of comfort. Ideally he would wake, and then we would be prepared...Yes, let us proceed, Ludwig," Van Hoff nodded, though he named the one doing the manual labor, he rather included both in his order. If anything Mary Beth was going to play the more crucial role on the matter. If he could have three of her, his job would have been so much easier, as well he knew.

?

?

Elizabeth could not take umbrage with herself. Despite the difficulties of conveying her outrage to somebody who in all likelihood even resisting understanding the truth of the matter, she has done fairly well in explaining the issue. If it did not fully work, the fault could not be?completely ascribed to her.

?

"I don't know, Heidi. You might be right. Some of them invoke the name of God in their introduction, which is sometimes the one piece of their writing I end up caring about. Could they be facetious in their show of respect? Perhaps if they believe their publication would be met less favorably. But I don't know why in our rational age, they would need to profess their loyalty to God if they don't feel it.

?

However, assuming that most of them are devoid of the religious sentiment, the problem remains. Not only with the men of science departing from any idea of godhood. What bothers me is when some seek to replace it with the idea of their own, equal, or possibly superior greatness.

?

At least that is how Victor seems to think a lot of the time. Perhaps such attitude is necessary for him to succeed in such a frightening enterprise as his. Perhaps his attitude was encouraged by his educators and is shared with them. I cannot say. All I know is, even if it has some benefits, the drawbacks of such thinking are too intimidating for the rest of us, who do not particularly delight in creating science.

?

I can see the necessity for utilizing its wisdom, but perhaps, when one ventures too far into the gaping maw of the unknown, one should withdraw and recover. All Victor wants to do, is to forge even further. And for all such things as pride and ambition serving the greater good, I must wonder where such emotions in their purest form would lead him. And if perhaps that in itself does not account for his mysterious ailment," Elizabeth considered.

?

She had believed herself to be done with the subject but with frustration realized she has been wrong. There were still matters unresolved, matters she has not touched upon, and voicing them?out loud?did seem to make them better.??

?

----- Original Message -----

From: Ishamael Moridin via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 1:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Yes Doctor, I shall go and heat the water right away, Mary Beth replied, waiting?only a moment to see if he needed anything else, before hurrying away to heat the water in the tub. ?Of course, she had to fill the tub first, but it wasn’t all that long before that was done, and the water was heated, not too terribly hot, but warm enough to hopefully start to increase the circulation, and bring the feeling back into this comatose man. She then returned, the tub is ready Doctor.

Heidi‘s eyebrows shot up in surprise when Elizabeth addressed her as, my pet, she said nothing, supposing there were far worse things to be called by one’s mistress or master. I…, She hesitated, I doubt if he even thinks of such things. I think, probably most men of science think of religious matters rarely at best, if even at all. Perhaps he does think of himself as a new Lord, but then again, who can say without a direct answer from him; all we have?are?his actions. I would hate to believe such things of him, but it does seem as though you are very important to him, yet it would appear that he spent so little time with you before. Perhaps you are right, perhaps he indeed deserves what he gets. Her voice sounded distracted as she mused on the entire matter. ?But somehow, I don’t think even he, could be quite that arrogant as to consider himself a new Lord, although you say that he did decline the offer of holy counsel. It may be though, she continued, that he considers himself a hero of sorts, someone who saved you from the clutches of death, but does he feel he has overcome death now, that is the question. And who knows what the answer will be, once he returns to us.

For her own part, Heidi could not see how she could ever love such a man, one whose?mind seemed tremulous, on the very fringes of reality. I think, that I should enjoy very much making him pay for how he has caused you to suffer, mistress.?

On Monday, April 18, 2022, 12:25 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Van Hoff hesitantly shrugged. "That is precisely the problem, the effects are varying. It is supposed to jolt the organizm into a more alert state.

?

It has worked many times, bringing patients out of their trance, and yet it has had the opposite effect as well. I surmise, because the system could not handle the jolt, it became too much for the body and the mind, and became the final push away from?healthy condition.

?

I would not have tried something so unstable, only the sudden deterioration seems to have?left me with no alternatives. I am?going to start then," the doctor stated and proceeded to prepare the injection, carefully rereading the relevant passage he had jotted down based on his manuscript, just for a case like this.

?

"Hold him still if you will," the doctor suggested to Mary Beth calmly, and after one more moment of hesitation, the?medical experiment commenced. ?

?

"I suppose that would be the right thing to do," Elizabeth admitted, almost?sadly. Even if her prayers?would be inwardly dedicated to the powers that be instead.?Encouraging them to show her the way toward greatness.

?

She?never wondered previously though if monsters like her even had higher?powers of the spiritual kind. Surely they had to, she decided, as monsters required guidance too.

?

?

?

???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, March 21, 2022 4:50 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

If you wish to pray for Victor, mistress, Heidi began, I am most willing to pray with you. Would you like to do that, now? She tentatively offered her hand, in case Elizabeth might want to join with her in prayer. She added, something tells me he’s going to truly need it.

I am indeed most ready for one more adventure, Doctor, Mary Beth stated, my reputation in this community being of?little concern, at least in so far as medicine goes. But tell me, if you will, what does this drug actually do? Will it awaken him? It looks as if we are, about to lose him.

In the dream, Victor could feel what would feel much like a wrist, pressed to his lips, something warm dripping from the wrist, touching his lips. He could hear the seductive voice, very hypnotic in its sound, trinket, kitten, it is what you need; it will make you strong, so that you may live forever, and practice, science. The hypnotic way he said the last word almost made Victor want to open his mouth, and partake of the contents of that wrist, which in and of itself, seemed to be as tempting an invitation as anything at that moment.

Enough!! It was a clear, authoritative voice, yet strangely calm and serene, which broke the hypnotic spell of the one offering him the wrist.

Once again, there was a scene change in the dream, and Victor recognized where he was now. He looked at the streets of gold, and the gates, made of pearl, which now looked familiar to him, since he had seen them in the first part of the dream, yet, no less fascinating. ?He now stood face-to-face with the speaker, the one possessing that authoritative calm voice, who had called a halt to what the one known as, Vlad, was about to perform. ?Victors face was now extremely pale, back in the real world, and no one would hear him say what he was about to say in the dream.

I know this place, I remember. Heaven. The voice now spoke to him, a calming tone that in and of itself sounded soothing, but without the hypnotic quality of the other.

Yes, you have been here before, but you have not yet met me. I have come, Victor, to tell you that it is time now, for you to make a choice.

I wouldn’t choose him, if I were you. That bit of advice came to victors left, and it was the voice of a beautiful lady. She gave him a hand to help him up, since presently he had fallen to his knees. ?Victor thought to himself that the lady sounded in many ways, like his beloved Elizabeth, and yet,?her voice?had another quality to it, One which sounded strangely familiar, as if he had just heard it. ?His eyes were momentarily turned to look at the beautiful lady, who are you, he inquired of her. Let him tell you who??he is first, then I will tell you who I am. Save the Best for last, you know?

Cursed is your pride, the first speaker said to the lady, and Victor could now tell that the first speaker was now on his right. ?The lady only giggled, and gave the first speaker a smirk.

Sir, who is she, who are you, and what is the meaning of all of this?

The man now answered, she has been brought here to represent your other, choice.

Victor now noticed the soft angelic hum of many of the heavenly beings, as they hovered, and flew about the man.

People have been asking the meaning of life since time began, but the whole responsibility of mankind is to love me, to know me, and to respect me. Many?think I require so much work, all I require is your trust. The outward works, or only a showing, exhibiting what I can do, and will do in the life of anyone who will allow it.

The woman on Victor’s left side smirked, fine, he won’t tell you who he?is, so I will tell you who I am; I, my dearest Victor, have been your mistress all your life. No, I’m not your beloved Elizabeth, I am your first true love, you may call me, lady science. ?Don’t listen to him, the lady continued, her voice calm and seductive, please, don’t listen to him. If you do, he, will have you floating around on a cloud playing a harp forever and ever. I, on the other hand, can offer you so much more, you’ll be able to live on the earth, just like your friend told you when he was offering you the drink, before you were so rudely snatched away by this man.

Can science create life? The man did not sound angry as he asked, his voice was one of complete assurance, as if he already knew the answer. Of course it can, lady?science replied, this man here is one of the greatest creators that ever lived. ?In fact, he has already created life.

But can science create life from, dust?

Victors eyes grew wide as he now looked fully at the man. I have never created anything from dust, he admitted. But you probably could, lady science countered, pay no attention to her, the man stated, after which Victor inquired, are you…, He said the last word with??a reverence totally uncharacteristic for him, God??

There is no God, lady science interjected, you’ve never believed in him in your life, well maybe your mom at once taught you a little about him, but who needs that anymore? You have science now, you have me.

Perhaps she is right, Victor replied, perhaps you are an angel? Like the one I saw at the first?

It was then that lady science covered her mouth, and emitted a rather large sneeze. We sneezed him out of existence years, centuries ago, she told Victor. Man is supreme, you had it right all along, Man is his own ultimate God.

And yet, Victor stated, when someone sneezes, is it not polite to say, bless you? Lady science frowned, as the man replied, that is correct, and who do you think it is that gives the blessings? ?You have come to the correct conclusion when you ask if I am god, for I am indeed one with him, I, who?speak to you now, am He, the Son of the one true, and living, God.

Poppicock!

It was lady science who gave the exclamation, he’s no more god?than anything else. But it was then that the man, held out his hands, and spread his arms open wide to Victor.

All of your adult life, you have doubted me, and now is your hour of decision.

Victor would now see that the hands of the man were indeed scarred. Has?science, died for you, Victor? Can you give its life for you? Does it keep you warm at night? Can it comfort you in?the death of your loved ones? Where was science when your beloved Elizabeth was killed?

I helped him bring her back, the woman countered. Yes, but you?brought back a mirror shell, a ghost of the?person that she was before.

He turned back to Victor, now, I will show you yet another vision, I will show you a brief glimpse of what will happen should you make the wrong choice.

In his dream, Victor was once more back in his own lab, concocting and creating. He would see glimpses from the past, as well as from the future. ?He??now felt himself being propelled forward by some strange force, the wind which he could not control. The wind at last dropped him, after whirling?and twirling through seemingly many areas of space, and he would later?find out, time. The wind dropped him, on the same table, where he had been in the dream. The scene changed, he now looked different, and was being made to stand and walk, but he could no longer stand as before. For his hands had become four?paws.

Behold, said the man, the lady science is none other than the one you call, scientist!

Victor now saw himself and heard himself, actually begging for death, but he could not die. For he now lived forever, and was given a bowl of something to drink. He was glad for the water, until he looked and saw that it was not water. The dark crimson color of the liquid in the bowl told him exactly what it was. And there was that same voice saying, drink it now kitten, for you must learn to hunt for this.

This is all wrong, lady science protested,?but Victor looked at her now, and he saw her for who she truly was, although?he knew no other name except what he called her.

You…, You have lied to me, he said to lady science. You told me all this time that man was supreme, you’ve made me think that you were so beautiful even now, when it was in fact you, who made me a beast.

I only made you what you truly are, Lady science said, now in the voice Victor knew full well, for the man was making it impossible for her, even in the vision, to hide herself anymore.

The man known as, God, now spoke kindly to Victor. You see Victor, I have now shown you just some of what will happen. Science was meant to help mankind, never to reign supreme. Science was never meant to take my place, but sadly, you and many others, have filled the void in your life by using it, instead of turning to me. But it is not too late, not yet.

He shows you only lies, lady science once more looked beautiful and sounded seductive as she spoke, but of course, it is up to you. On that point, we agree, the man said, it is now, your hour of decision.???


God loves you.

On Thursday, March 17, 2022, 1:19 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Who or what indeed," Van Hoff agreed unhappily, even the more esoteric theories falling flat in the face of harsh reality.

?

"That is not looking well," Van Hoff admitted, trying to remain calm as any good doctor had to be at some point. It was all part of the trade. Unpleasant perhaps, but nonetheless frequent. The fear of failure that made the rare success saving and improving a life all the more valuable.

?

He was willing to admit defeat, if he had to. But the time for it, has it come already, so soon? Van Hoff could not say and decided to try one more thing.

?

"Mary Beth, I shall now need your assistance. I will be injecting that experimental drug I have told you about. It may be imported from Hindustan, it may have had an uncertain reputation, but the few times it has been tried, have?proved its efficacy, so in the spirit of science itself, we must proceed.

?

There are risks involved of course, so if you?should wish to distance yourself from the experiment and ensure your own reputation remains unblemished in our community, I shall understand and ask Ludwig to assist me instead. How do you feel about one more risky adventure?" Van Hoff wondered, divided between uncertainty and a certain kind of excitement, at finally having?a seemingly good reason to give it a try.

?

***

?

"Only God in Heaven and his messengers on Earth," Elizabeth idly declared, trying to decide if she even remembered the old catechism any longer.?

?

Many words of the old religion rang false to her. Especially since she has grown beyond a mere human capability. Especially since she had to measure and?divide such empty words in relation to the one soul she felt relatively certain could appreciate them even less than she had.?

?

"We can always do what women do best, and simply pray," the young woman concluded, unable to avoid the small smile completely, and compensating for it with a hint of bitterness at the corners of her lips. Humans emotions were difficult to fake, when performed by one above humans, Elizabeth decided, and thought to share with her new friend Cylas later on. ???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 4:10 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself w

Yes mistress, Heidi replied, I fear it may take much harsher circumstances for him to ever recant his ways. But then again, who knows what he is undergoing, even now?

I think I read something somewhere about such a study, Marybeth replied to VanHoff, but I am not sure about it, if it actually works. And if it does, who, or what, could be mesmerizing him now?

What a thrill it was for scientist, to make Victor think she was actually going to teach him something, only to tell him that it was, none of his business, at the last moment. Part of the reason it was so thrilling, was that it was such a torture for Victor. He looked disappointed, even as the one called, Vlad, laughed out loud yet again. Now that?One there,??is a good one. He stroked Victor’s arm, poor, poor kitten, denied the chance to acquire?a most precious piece of knowledge. ?How torturing for you, especially when it’s, science. The one called Felix, laughed,?and Vlad looked around for other chuckles and nods of approval in the room.

You are a quite delicious specimen, dear kitten, Vlad told Victor, his tone conversational, even tender. I know that you very much believe in these, do you not? He showed his fangs once more, I think, I want to leave a lasting impression with you, I want to make sure you honestly believe.

Victor spoke in the dream, I do, I believe! How wonderful, Vlad replied with a smile which again showed his fangs. But, I have to make sure this is something that will stay with you, should you awaken, and return to being the man of science that you have been. You scientist sometimes need things shown to you, he looked apologetically at the young woman called scientist, not you of course, just, kitten here.

Victor would feel the sharpness of the fangs as this time, they completely pierced his throat. He would hear Vlad’s?pleasure, feel his life draining away in the dream, as everything seemed to fade, even the clapping and laughter that was going on in the room, all of the images, fading, ever so slowly fading away. He felt himself becoming sleepy, so very tired, his eyes?closed. Colors were fading, much more quickly now, and he felt himself floating, foward, then strangely,?upward,?as if he knew the way to the place where he would ultimately choose to go, if it were his choice.

He could see a door in front of him, growing ever closer;?on the other side,?it seemed to Victor that he glimpsed?such incredible beauty, that if he ever once?entered through that door, he would never want to return to such a place as that from whence?he had come.

But just as he could feel himself start to enter that door, the progression toward it suddenly ceased. It seemed as though something was, different, as he noticed that the force that was draining away his life, suddenly stopped. In its place, something soft touched his lips, something soft, and moist, that felt strangely like the skin of a man.

No! Don’t do it, it was scientist, who is giving the command, but the one called Vlad, merely shrugged, keeping what was in fact, his wrist, close to Victor’s lips. Kitten? Can you hear me, Victor? Kitten? The voice did not at all sound like the vampire that he had known earlier, it seemed a strange combination for him of some sort of almost angelic music, combined with rapidly flowing water, combining with a strange, celestial wind, to form the most melodious of words, and the most verbal of melodies, which Victor had ever heard.

In the dream, it seems that Victor had just enough strength to murmur, God. Yes, yes my child, the one called Vlad was saying; it is time for you to drink. You must drink in order to be made whole. I,?I am your only fountain of living water now. Drink, take the Crimson flow, drink the living water, and you also, will live, and you will know?power as you have never known. A power that science can only dream of giving. ?But the dream which now was claiming all of victors attention, and all of his senses, was yet to hold even more surprises.

Back in the real world, Victor’s skin was growing increasingly pale, and was now a ghost white. The doctor and Mary Beth would see this, they would probably be able to feel his life slipping away. We’re losing him Doctor, we’re losing him! God help us, we’re losing this patient!?

God loves you.

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, 1:47 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Van Hoff nodded, the motion is as painstakingly slow as the inner movement inside of his mind. The attempt to recall that one esoteric bit of forgotten wisdom that perchance may bear light on the events at hand.

?

"It might be a case of intense mesmerizing performed in the past. Anton Mesmer, not as scientific fellow by any means, reported a curious case that somebody far more solid confirmed in a different setting.

?

Mesmer believed that suggestions could be given, bordering on the bizarre and the uncanny, that the mind could accept as a given...and yet a colleague of mine confirmed?it in the case of?those dear Pagans?from Hindustan who know not Christ, but their own deities seem to have great powers as well.

?

Including the powers to guide and disrupt the course of dreams. Some invocations?to such deities created tangible effects, effects I thought were strange at the time, until our patient arrived.

?

Though if the theory be correct, who on Earth could have mesmerized our patient? I remember some priests experimenting with hypnosis and dreaming, but none were, naturally malign. This case?gets more and more interesting by the minute," Van Hoff carefully opined, almost wishing he still had his cigar at hand for relaxation.

?

"Harsher circumstances, yes. Well spoken dearest Heidi. I fear it takes a great challenge at times, to remind one of what they value, of what they seek to accomplish, of what they hold most dear. God is merciful and God is?wise, Poor Victor though, I fear the harshness of the thing might get the better of him. Is there a way to help him, I wonder? Perhaps it is but the Grace of the Lord that shall offer him his last chance at salvation," Elizabeth spoke skeptically.????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, February 7, 2022 2:51 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself with this thing, she aimed the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to study him.study him.A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

I’m not sure, Doctor, Mary Beth admitted, greatly hating to admit her uncertainty. I…, I have never seen anything like this before. This appears to be some sort of a dream that he is being forced to undergo, yet the burns and wounds popping up on his body are quite real. You can see them with your own eyes, can you not? She looked first at the doctor, then at Ludwig.

Well mistress,he sincere love of God, his mercy and grace; but sadly for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I’Well mistress, Heidi began, with some hesitation, for some people, it is the sincere love of God which draws them, his grace and mercy; but for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I honestly do not know which will be the case for master Victor. He…, He’s such a self-sufficient man of science, and men of science often do not believe in God. It takes quite a bit to move them. We can only hope that he will come back to us, more impressionable, and willing to believe.

In the dream, Victor had finally been made to drink the blood, very much against his will. Oh…, Oh God! The words were a mixture of a desperate plea, coupled with notes of anger. The one called Vlad Chuckled in his most malevolent Manor, kitten, you don’t even believe in God; you don’t even believe in…, Me. I can see you, touch you, of course I believe in you, you’re a man. But what kind of man am I, he retorted, ?I would tell you, but then again, you wouldn’t believe me. He chuckled again, noticing that it made Victor extremely nervous. ?so I will just have to, prove it to you.

Vlad once more ran his fangs across Victor’s throat, and up and down, watching his fear, and smiling. He then pierced a part of his throat, but not too much. Just enough to cause some pain. Do you know how easy it would be for me to kill you, kitten? ?With that, Victor would feel Vlads lips, almost tenderly sucking up the small droplets of blood. ?Victor yelled, and tried to slap at Vlad, which earned him yet another malevolent chuckle. It also earned him an unexpected shot from scientist. The shot did not come from a gun as such, it shot out pins, which went into Victor, causing quite a few volts of electricity to flow through him. ?He convulsed, lightning maker! Please no more lightning.

I would kill you right here and now, with only a nod from my friends, but they wish to keep you alive, so very well. Scientist nodded, at least for now, she stated. ?But now kitten, do you know what I am? He looked expectantly at Victor when he said this, and Victor replied, yes, you’re a vampire! He said the words without hesitation. Vlad threw his arms in the air and laughed?triumphantly, what do you know, the?great victor Frankenstein, man of science, believes, in, vampires! What else, will the great victor come to believe in?

Scientist smiled,??aiming the taser at Victor, who cringed. I could kill him myself with this thing here, but then I couldn’t study him the way I want to study him. No, not that, Victor stated, then his tone became conversational. What is that called? Oh, this thing here? Scientist use her sweetest tone, this is called a…, None, of, York, business. She pronounce each word slowly, just


God loves you.

On Friday, February 4, 2022, 12:14 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Ludwig found?relieved at somebody giving him instructions, even if they were the kind he was already considering himself. It didn't matter that he asked for them, it mattered more that he was confirmed in his opinion by his superior. The footman curtly nodded and proceeded to summon back Van Hoff.

?

In his haste he failed to explain what was happening, and the poor doctor, giving up on his footman, inquired the about the situation from the one he could trust, namely?Mary Beth.

?

"What is the meaning of all of this,?what is the most urgent thing I should be doing," the doctor quickly corrected himself, realizing how some bits of information were more important than others.

?

***

"And what is the best process to bring the lost soul back home? What must register within such a creature now that has not before. What sips in, and how can it be done?" Elizabeth wondered.

?

She may not have believed in Victor's recovery, but perhaps she could learn something useful from Heidi?yet, if for an entirely different purpose. The main thing was that a lack of interest on her part could be seen as suspicious, while honest curiosity would be entirely expected instead.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, January 21, 2022 7:33 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Marybeth looked a mixture of horrified and sympathetic. It…, Appears, she began with hesitation, to be some sort of an acting out of, perhaps a dream? But if it is a dream, why are these burns coming up on him for real? Yes Ludwig, I think you better get Dr. VanHoff?in here. ?these burns may well be the result of the fever, but I’ve never seen anything like this before.

Of course, Victor had no idea that anyone else was watching what was happening to him. ?it appeared to be two or three days later, this particular scene was in the lab, in the afternoon, and one word filled Victor’s mind, he thought he heard himself saying it. Hungry!! ?But his own voice did not sound normal, even to him; he thought that it sounded strangely between a fierce growl, and a piteous, animalistic wine, like a starving cat or dog, begging for a crumb.

Feeding time, the older woman stated, looking at scientist. Yep, the man called Felix iterated, time for lunch. ?He mockingly smacked his lips, as scientist picked up what appeared to be a very long skewer. Let me do it?Dear,?flycatcher requested, and she nodded. Then, turning to look at Victor, who was still lying on the table, scientist said, my husband wants to feed you. ?flycatcher men reached into his pocket, and, pulling something out, kept it carefully hidden from Victor, turning so that Victor couldn’t see him, as he placed it on the long skewer. He held it out to him, lunchtime, he stated, then smacked his lips at the creature on the table. Come on, eat up now. Victor looked at what was on the end of the skewer, and almost lost the contents of his stomach, Because what was on the end of the skewer, was a very large, dead, grasshopper.

The entire room irrupt it in laughter and applause, as the creature that was apparently now Victor, tried his best to keep from sicking up.

Get a bucket or pan, Scientist commanded, if he pukes all over the floor, you, are?cleaning up the lab. Me??The man called Felix exclaimed,?as another young man stood and volunteered, I’ll get it, you stay there with the rest of your family and watch him. Thank you, Ingvar, scientist said, as the one called Ingvar, ran to find a large bucket, as well as a pan, and quickly brought it back. ?he held the pan?in front of Victor’s face, and the specimen on the table made appropriate use of it. The man known as Ingvar hurried to dispose of the contents, as flycatcher, stepped forward, still holding the grasshopper on the skewer, and held it to Victor’s lips. As Victor made a sort of mewling sound, flycatcher took the end of the skewer, with the grasshopper on it, down a few inches, and prized Victor’s lips open. Come on now you need to eat, he stated with mock?concern and tenderness, as he punched a small button on the skewer, which would release the grasshopper into victors mouth, then began rubbing his throat, to make him swallow.

You might as well eat it, the man called Felix stated, as scientist added, yes eat it and we will give you something to drink. As?she said this, she glanced out of the corner of one eye,?at yet another person in the lab that had been sitting in the background, but watching the entire spectacle. This man smiled with undisguised malevolence, and gave?A deep, evil chuckle, as he stated slowly, with pleasure. He slowly stood to his feet, seeming to savor every moment of misery he could?cause for the man on the table. His?steps were slow, meaningful strides;?In his hand, he held a cup.

Victor finally was made to swallow the grasshopper, very much against his will, as he muled,?oh…, God! His face was a contorted mixture of pain and sickness, as it went from pale, to a ghastly green color.

Yes…, The man answered in a foreign accent, as he continued his slow, meaningful stride toward the table. You may call me your God, and it is time for the wine of wrath.

Scientist smiled, looked at Victor, and cheerfully inquired, do you know who he is? He is, Vlad Teeps!

The name mint nothing to Victor, but his face was anything but blank, as the thick, deep crimson content of the cup came into his view, ever closer. ?The one known as, Vlad,?placed a strong left arm under Victor‘s neck, forcing him to sit up, as he took the cup with his right hand, and held it to Victor‘s mouth. Victor knew that all his prayers concerning the contents of the cup, that it would not be as it appeared to be, had fallen on deaf ears. But that’s…, That’s, his voice was that sickening mewling growling cross between animal and man, that is…, blood! He pronounce the last word with a grotesque sort of wonder, so overcome was he by what he had recently eaten, and what it looked as if he were about to drink.

Very good, the one known as Vlad, purred at him. ?you will learn your place, beast-man, for as you have given life, so must you now receive it.

In the dream, victors suddenly felt such strong repulsion for the being standing in front of him, for the cup in his hand, and mainly, for the liquid in the cup, that he thought to give a strong argument. But all that would come out was a yowling, no! And even that, sounded more like the yowl of a cat, then the intelligent protest of a man.

I, won’t,?I, wo,wowowwououount!!! ?I, wowwownt! The last word drawled into a hybrid?of of human speech and cat like yowling.

Vlad reached up and stroked the back of victors now quite furry head, ?oh yes you will, kitty man, kitty, he purred, kitten, he added insult to injury, seeing that Victor did not like being called kitty at all.

The newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth. ComeThe newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth.

I wouldn’t do that, the one known as Felix, cautioned behind clenched teeth, as scientist, laid a finger over her own lips. Quiet Felix, she murmured, let’s see what happens; he doesn’t know everything there is to know about Vlad, yet.

The one known as Vlad smiled, the young man speaks wisdom to you, kitty; you should heed his warning. ?now you have grown some very sharp teeth, and they are even somewhat elongated, who knows, perhaps in about…, Too, maybe 3 million years, your descendants will have choppers that look more like…, This. With that, Vlad?opened his mouth,?revealing extremely, sharp, fangs!

After allowing Victor to behold his fangs for a few seconds, Vlad spoke, now the way I see it, kitten, you have two choices. You can either drink this blood that I have brought for you here, which will probably give you strength; or, he grazed one of his fangs gently across the throat of?Victor as he concluded, you can drink your own.

I indeed also hope and pray for salvation for him, as I share in your optimistic hope for him, mistress, Heidi stated sincerely, as she smiled and nodded to Elizabeth. Who knows what he may be undergoing even now. And yet, I’ve heard that oft’?times the worst circumstances, tend?to bring a wayward soul to the foot of salvation‘s cross.???

God loves you.

On Thursday, January 20, 2022, 11:50 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Far above the commotion, and yet so near that he could almost be touched, a tall man with red hair was watching all the players in the dream scape.

?

His father might have done something subtle, if the game allowed it. His uncle might have done something more persuasive, whether or not the dream gate was fully open and ready.

?

But he was neither of them, and he only chuckled at the spectacle, enjoying the final touch. His final touch, if he could say so himself, and he could, because of who he was.

?

"See, told you Franny, you are great when you put your mind to it. Oh sorry, Keres.

?

A super bril old name by the way. I know you know, or you think you know, ?but you still don't really get it, anymore than Ren does...you really only get mom's?but not dad's or your own.?

?

Maybe if you dreamt more as you were told...still pretty good though, I think that should distract Count?Nobody for a wittle while, which is kind of all I need, told you you were awesome with dreams, and for that matter Ren too, and look at Ig," the young man happily complimented his sister who might or might not be able to hear him when distracted.

?

Though truth be told, the compliment was at his own expanse too. All the harassment, all the nudges, they finally, finally materialized. And right here, right now, at?a place that?belonged to this man. A man who could have been, but never would be, his grandfather.?How?ironic, how bril.

?

The young man wondered for a second if he should help his sister reclaim the lab, considering who else was watching. But she had matters at hand here.

?

"Well, maybe you don't know what you think you know either, dear Count.?You thought you were safe from the prophecy???You thought tricking your pawn into killing somebody important would be forgotten? Because millennia passed, and the Carrier has been gone from the world? You never thought then, that the old gods are never gone, that they might return????Tiktok little count, tiktok," the young man spoke to nobody in particular, smiling at his own inner reference.?

?

?

He was happy and his associates should be equally pleased, he knew, the smirk still playing on his face as he began vanishing from this layer of?a well crafted slice of almost real reality.

?

He?may have preferred playing it like his uncle, but the last touch was of course to honor his father, the man who had been known a long time?ago as, and had knowingly embraced once more, the identity of Captain Dance.

?

****

Ludwig stared at the patient's body, at Mary Beth, and with an understandable tremor in his limbs, hesitantly inquired, "Mam, what is the meaning of this? Should I call the doctor? What should I do?"

?

***

?

"Salvation, yes, after all, every soul needs it, and some can even get it. Will Victor be the lucky one? I hope so, I hope so, dearest Heidi," Elizabeth emphatically explained, not certain if she engaged in a bout of wishful thinking, or for the first time, had a bout of premonition.?

?

?

?

???????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, January 8, 2022 1:40 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

In his dream, Victor tried his best to fight the ghost of Frank, to get Elizabeth away from him, but Elizabeth chose to fight with Frank, against Victor. The two ghosts continued to laugh, as he was once more held over the flames, and then fell, as if the ghost wanted him to relive the scene of being dropped into the fire again and again. ?As he fell,?the scenes of the dream changed to show what could be other possibilities in Victor‘s life. He was aware of a hard thud,?And that?he was on a?table. ?he blinked, then looked around.?My science lab, he breathed,?his voice filled with relief and wonder.

The figure which stood over him smiling, looked much more solid than the ghosts of Frank and Elizabeth had looked. No, stupid, this is not your, science lab, this is my lab.

But, who are you?

The woman smiled, you may call me…, Scientist, for you see that is what I am. How did I get here, Victor wanted to know. We brought you here, she answered, science, brought you here. And before we go any further with this, I want to thank you for being such a great part of my experiment.

What? Have I now become the science, Victor demanded. There was a laugh coming from a young male voice which was somewhat behind the woman, as yet another strange looking man caught a fly and proceeded to eat it.

While?this was happening in the dream, real burns began?to pop up on Victor’s body in the real world, so that MaryBeth, Ludwig, and the doctor, would be able to see them. Marybeth gasped,?what is the meaning of this? ?The others would be able to answer her as to what they thought it was, as the dream unfolded for Victor.

I don’t think he likes you Ren,?the young male replied, the flycatcher chuckled.

Then the woman called, scientist, stepped back, as if to study him clinically, and made a motion with her hands. An older woman, the young male, the flycatcher, and another man stepped up, all of them examining Victor. And then, to add to the nightmare, there he was, the ghost of Frank.

Wonderful indeed, my daughter, the ghost stated, he’s changing already. But what will we do with him, the older woman asked. I don’t know yet, scientist said, I’m just having a lot of fun making him. Hey we could always put him in the circus, the young male stated. ?scientist frowned at the young male.

Shut up, Felix, she snapped. Circuses are made for peoples enjoyment, not to scare people, like he’s going to do.

Hey I have an idea, the one called Felix continued, instead of making him scary why don’t you make him look funny? You know so people will laugh at him, like a clown or something. Because, scientist said, most people love a clown, especially kids. I don’t want kids, or anyone drawn to him; I want them repelled by him, just like they were with dad. ?Should I show him how he looks now, the one called Felix inquired, and scientist nodded, sure go ahead. ??Felix Then took up the mirror, allowing Victor to look in it. And in his dream, Victor became very frightened indeed. No!! He screamed, get it away from me! Get it away; please, take, that, thing, away! ? everyone in the room laughed.

None of this was actually happening of course, but Victor was being allowed to see what could very well be the future for him, although he would not yet realize this.

Thank you, mistress, Heidi told Elizabeth. You see this way, Victor will have a chance to explain what he has seen, and perhaps the priest could counsel with him, and guide him into salvation. I would hope so anyway.

God?loves you.

On Saturday, January 8, 2022, 1:20 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I s'ppose our patient also believes in something...What do you reckon he is seeing, to make him move so, or is that just the fever speaking? My Lady, do you believe people can get visions from beyond? Our patient he might be a different kind than many, aye?" Ludwig wondered, trying to turn his discomfort into words the best way he knew how.

?

****

?

"Now that Heidi is a very good idea," Elizabeth admitted. Not sure if the priest would be helpful to Victor, or would at least humiliate him with his presence upon awakening, but it felt good.

?

And who knew, if Victor would be inspired by holy guidance, as only a man coming back from the brink of death could, it?might be his last chance to experience salvation, as far as she was concerned.?

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2021 9:36 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Oh yes, I do believe in the Almighty, Marybeth confessed eagerly, her nod?equally eager, although I must admit I don’t attend Sunday services perhaps as often as I should, mainly due to work and the like.?But I think you are quite perceptive,she continued, science often tries to explain various phenomenon and workings of nature,?but how can anyone truly know how these things happen???It would appear there is little or no explanation except…, Except for the fact that there is, as you say, something else out there, someone, else, out there.

Victor had been having what some would call a fever dream. In the first part of it, he had seen the gates, streets, and various aspects of heaven, at least as much as he could imagine it, as much as his imagination would allow. But now, his forehead suddenly broke into a sweat, and he began to softly moan. 狈辞…, No, please, do not burn me. I, I do Not, want to, want to go there! There was a look of terror on his face at what he was seeing. He would later describe this as, someone holding him directly above the very pit of hell, so close that the flames licked at him, hungrily eager to devour him, like so many living monsters. And the one holding him over the pit was none other than…, His very own creation.

Later in the dream, as he was dropped into the pit,?he would feel as if he were eternally falling, falling with nothing under him to catch him, no one around him to catch him, or even to Care. In his sleep, he cried out, Elizabeth! But of course, Elizabeth was not there to help. And the one which seemed to be the overseer of this dreadful, fiery place was of course, none other than…, His own creation, it was Frank. ?he was moaning that he was sorry, but in the dream, he was screaming with all the voice he had, which because of the initial sickness, was temporarily taken from him. ?The ghost of Frank mocked him, moaning just as he did, laughing at him, as it stood arm in arm with another ghost, the ghost of his own wife. ?The two ghosts laughed at him, as the ghost of Frank actually transformed into something quite beautiful, something which greatly resembled one of the angels that Victor had seen in the heaven part of the dream.

This…, Is how some people see me, the ghost of Frank said, turning from side to side, floating near him, to make certain Victor got a good view. But this…, Is how you, have always seen me. The ghost transformed again into the figure very much believed to be the appearance of…, No! Victor screamed in the dream, only barely managing a moan, as he be held the familiar appearance of the devil.

The ghost gave an ominous chuckle, you called me the devil, but it was you, who created me, you are my father, what does that make you? He moaned again, screaming in the dream. ?then he murmured four words which he thought he would never say in his waking hours. Oh God, save me!

Heidi nodded, it is a scarce hope, mistress, but when he awakens as I believe he will, we should probably have a priest on hand or nearby, to either assist him in this change, if there is indeed a change, or else, to pray for him that’s such a sickness does not befall him again in future. It is up to you though of course. ???


God loves you.

On Friday, December 17, 2021, 8:35 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam, and there are things we do not...know about. After all, surely despite your understanding of medical matters, you do believe in the Almighty?

?

Well, the other day, I took Bethany out, to listen to this young new preacher," Ludwig admitted with some embarassement, realizing he was saying too much perhaps, out of discomfort.

?

"This young priest was so passionate the the pulpit, he was talking about how none of us truly understand what the Holy word means. How when the Grace seizes you and flows through you, it is not only inspiring, not at all flattering, but could be frightening. As frightening as any Angel.

?

And I started thinking, maybe, well just maybe, some of the things we know about, don't quite act as we know they should, because there is something else out there, I beg my lady's pardon.

?

I just feel like I haven't chosen to misplace the patient...I swear he somehow slipped out of my hands and...there is more to that, and Mr Doctor might not understand what it is that has been happening, or how to stop it, if the patient is...I am not sure what I am saying m'Lady, you might have better words for all of this," the footman?hopefully offered.

?

****

"Changes, Heidi there. Sometimes they just happen, even if we did not choose. Circumstances can alter a person's path, the gentle or not so gentle hand of Fate. I fear that?our Victor has experienced something untoward in his life.

?

Maybe he would have chosen to become the man he has, but perhaps not. Perhaps he just did not know how to handle the cards dealt him..." Elizabeth suggested, noting that she was fairly uncomfortable at describing Victor as hers alone.???

?

She surely had the right to do that but wished to avoid thinking of him in such terms, even for the sake of an easily understood communication between them. She supposed, when it came to that, no such communication could be remotely easy for the things being described, were too extraordinary for ordinary polite words.

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2021 11:24 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth looked uncertain, I must admit, Ludwig, that I have passing we wondered such things. Yet, our place is not to ask such questions, but as I understand it, to do everything and all we can to heal the patient, to bring him out of whatever is holding him captive. ?Head she just said that? She reason to herself that it could be some sort of physical maladies holding him captive, but usually, when people thought of someone being held captive, it was either by other human beings, or something perhaps much more sinister than even physical diseases?could be.

Oh, mistress, do you truly think that he could be changed? Maybe this, sickness, whatever one might call it,?has been brought about for just such a thing as this, she suggested. And yes, I will do what I can to make him talk, to make him tell us what he has felt and saw, what has happened. That is, if he seems indeed to be changed.


God loves you.

On Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 9:43 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Pardon mam, but can the patient be...haunted? Me knows it sounds strange, yet I doth not like what's, I don't now, as if he can watch us while being asleep. Something odd about our patient, do you fancy?"

?

Ludwig did not know what even prompted him to ask this superior woman who knew so much and intimidated him and made him wonder if she wanted a conversation at all. And realize that perhaps he needed one all the same. A pity he did not even know how to ask the right question.

?

Even Bethany might be confused at what it was he wanted to know, so he would not blame Mary Beth if she did too.

?

***

?

"Oh, well then my dear. It shall be easy to ascertain that Victor does indeed seek God. For the change in him would then be significant. I would urge you then to make him talk. Explain what brought about the change.

?

If there were,,,say, just as an entirely random example, some hands squeezing his neck, anybody whispering words into his ears. If he remembers being shrouded by darkness, of feeling remorse over not doing more with his life.

?

After all, God has many mysterious agents working for him, you know. I suppose if the change in Victor is real and he?was graced with God's presence, perhaps he can tell us about it.

?

And then we would all be one happy household once more, because we would know the change in him is permanent, you see," Elizabeth offered though she had to wonder if even the mysterious hands choking the life out of Victor or the?face of God itself could challenge him into changing his life style and views.?She was not going to hope too much for it herself, but if Heidi needed the hope, well then, it was not Elizabeth's duty to dissuade her.???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, November 8, 2021 11:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth gave Ludwig a slight look of exasperation. She had almost started to caution him in an annoyed tone to be careful, but then he apologized for bruising the patient even more. Just let’s just get him settled, Mary Beth told him, doing her best to keep patients in her tone. ?And of course, she continued, I will need you to transport him back to bed, at least such is most likely, unless of course, he happens to come out of this seemingly in trapping ailment.

It was now Heidi‘s turn to look thoughtfully at her mistress before stating, if he does come out different, it likely can’t help but be for the good, his?good, as well as ours.

Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open?with surprise when Elizabeth actually asked her about caring for Victor. I…, I shall do my best for you, mistress, as I am always happy to help in anything you need. ?but if it turns out that he does indeed have more of a heart and thoughts toward God, and actually helping his fellow man, what then? What would you have me do?


God loves you.

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, 1:19 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes...Maa'm," Ludwig spoke obediently his prolonged sound a sign of his deep concentration. He felt odd in a manner of speaking, as of something strange and outside pulled at him. Pulled him to move?in the physical direction his own instinct would have avoided.

?

As if in mockery of his sincere words, he had managed to bruise the patient a few more times before he settled the body down completely. "Begging your pardon Mam," Ludwig apologized hastily.?Normally he would have addressed the patient, but then the patient was not available to apologize to,?so Ludwig chose this smallish woman to address instead, to rectify his mistake.

?

Perhaps if she has been a friend, he would have admitted the strangeness to her and hoped for some council that only women seemed to have. But then, even somebody like his Bethany might not have understood or believed him, so perhaps Mary Beth would merely consider him a slacker, he could not take the chance of her bad mouthing him to the doctor, so he determined to keep doing his best no matter what pull he has experienced towards wrong motions with the patient, or otherwise.

?

Elizabeth?cautiously regarded Heidi and finding no subtle undertones of?disagreement or rebuke, finally nodded her agreement. "Your words are most enlightening my pet," she complimented the maid.

?

"But do you think that means Victor would come out even more different than?previously, after he is healed, which is of course to be presumed by those who cherish his well being.

?

If he is any different, I fear I?may not know at first how to attend to him best. Perhaps I shall have to enlist you and your wisdom in helping me.

?

I rely on Abigail in many affairs, but those mysteries of the heart I worry she would not pierce any?better or faster than myself. You might be our best hope, darling Heidi.

?

I know this may put too much?pressure on your slender shoulders and am sorry in advance. Would you object greatly to taking personal care of Victor when he is back and is recovering? I hope not for you seem to have such insights," Elizabeth complimented, sincerely surprised that she found such a good conversationalist in the girl she had previously dismissed as dull. ???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, October 1, 2021 7:39 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Thank you Ludwig, Mary Beth replied, her own tone somewhat distracted, until he missed the second wall. Be careful with him, we may not know what is wrong with him yet, but he is still a patient which has come into our care. How could she expect him to have the same care for the man that she and the doctor had. ?She only wondered this, and contemplated it, as she watched the forward progress of Ludwig, carrying the patient.

Heidi regarded Elizabeth with a thoughtful expression. It is not that you are without influence in his life, mistress, for I believe you are not without such, but I think often times, men will listen to someone else telling them something, before they listen to those closest to them; perhaps you could confirm what the other person was saying, the priest or whomever you choose to speak with, but sometimes, two or three People saying the same thing, confirming one another in their assessments, I think often times this can?help one to get ones point across.

She studied Elizabeth’s expression, hoping that?what she said offered some genuine comfort and hope to her mistress. Then again, she continued, who can say what if this present set of circumstances might not do it for you. People many times have near brushes with death, and come out of it much different, thinking more of God, and their own mortality.


God loves you.

On Friday, October 1, 2021, 12:29 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam,"Ludwig obediently took on the little man and carried him, not truly paying attention to the new of his fever.?But his thoughts, of missing time with Bethany because of this unexpected change in the doctor's routine, made him upset, and distracted.

?

Though he failed to avoid the sharp edge of the wall he was crossing with the patient, he did notice his error on time. He didn't think the patient noticed any damage, and?could only hope Mary Beth didn't either. Trying to think of distracting her attention from the patient with something witty to converse about, Ludwig could only think of something little to ask the doctor's assistant.?

?

"So, have you found anything good at the grocery market," Ludwig gruffly wondered, the effort of thinking?of a topic evident in his voice. And then he realized with a start that his own question distracted him instead, prompting him to unintentionally miss another wall.

?

A good thing it was a small man he was carrying, a larger load?could have slept away from him by now, Ludwig well knew. He shuddered at the very thought of being fired by Van Hoff and loosing all access to the lovely Bethany. Now there was a girl he could easily talk to, about anything.???

?

***

"But Heidi,?Victor was encouraged to think of God. I encouraged him myself, and so did his father. Victor did not really object. I don't know that he thinks there is no God.

?

I don't know that he is not interested in God at all either. I just feel that all thoughts about God would still direct Victor to think about his own greatness.

?

The disturbing thing for me is that Victor's mind is great. But perhaps, not the rest of him. His moral core does not have the same remarkable capacity. His emotional strength, it is...not the strength of a real man. Of a scientist, but not a man.

?

I don't mean that he is not a man," Elizabeth explained, though in her heart perhaps she did mean that. "Only that some people are different from others and don't have the same strength. And Victor is smart, but not overall strong the way his peers would have been."

?

"It's not that I hold it against him," she speculated, and then decided that maybe she did hold it against him. "Only his greatness means all the more to him, when he is feeling weaker. So he insists on his greatness, he cultivates it through his scientific accomplishments, and does not accept his limitations.

?

Oh Heidi, I fear for him. For his body and the physical toll it has taken. For his mind, that may not be able to handle much more. And for his very soul that is so uninterested in God but?which without the idea of God at least, seems to fall prey to folly. I just don't know how to convince Victor that he needs something else. Something that is greater than him and is no part of him. Do you think he would listen to somebody else better than he does to me?" Elizabeth idly wondered.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 8:15 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth nodded to the doctor. All right Ludwig, she stated with a sigh why don’t we sit ?him up in a reclining position, so that even if, when…, He awakens, he will be still comfortable. We don’t want to make him uncomfortable, just get him in a position more conducive to awakening. She checked his fever, it’s gone up, she told Ludwig, and the doctor also, if he were listening.

Victor was quite frail, so should prove relatively easy for Ludwig to carry. And now, especially without his daily enhancement potions, the age in his face showed.

Perhaps he rarely, if ever, thanks of God at all, Heidi suggested. Maybe he has never thought about whether or not he is greater than God, because he’s never really thought of God in the first place.


God loves you.

On Thursday, September 16, 2021, 1:15 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I do wonder if the essential salts used in one experiment by Reuss would amount to something, or but a fanciful way to add?a semblance of originality he has uncovered elsewhere.

?

No matter. I will omit them for now,?unless the patient fails to respond to the treatment. Ludwig will help you by carrying the body, but perhaps you shall instruct him on how to arrange it perfectly, so the patient reaches a somewhat satisfactory position. Whether he is aware for now or not, matter not for his level of comfort. Ideally he would wake, and then we would be prepared...Yes, let us proceed, Ludwig," Van Hoff nodded, though he named the one doing the manual labor, he rather included both in his order. If anything Mary Beth was going to play the more crucial role on the matter. If he could have three of her, his job would have been so much easier, as well he knew.

?

?

Elizabeth could not take umbrage with herself. Despite the difficulties of conveying her outrage to somebody who in all likelihood even resisting understanding the truth of the matter, she has done fairly well in explaining the issue. If it did not fully work, the fault could not be?completely ascribed to her.

?

"I don't know, Heidi. You might be right. Some of them invoke the name of God in their introduction, which is sometimes the one piece of their writing I end up caring about. Could they be facetious in their show of respect? Perhaps if they believe their publication would be met less favorably. But I don't know why in our rational age, they would need to profess their loyalty to God if they don't feel it.

?

However, assuming that most of them are devoid of the religious sentiment, the problem remains. Not only with the men of science departing from any idea of godhood. What bothers me is when some seek to replace it with the idea of their own, equal, or possibly superior greatness.

?

At least that is how Victor seems to think a lot of the time. Perhaps such attitude is necessary for him to succeed in such a frightening enterprise as his. Perhaps his attitude was encouraged by his educators and is shared with them. I cannot say. All I know is, even if it has some benefits, the drawbacks of such thinking are too intimidating for the rest of us, who do not particularly delight in creating science.

?

I can see the necessity for utilizing its wisdom, but perhaps, when one ventures too far into the gaping maw of the unknown, one should withdraw and recover. All Victor wants to do, is to forge even further. And for all such things as pride and ambition serving the greater good, I must wonder where such emotions in their purest form would lead him. And if perhaps that in itself does not account for his mysterious ailment," Elizabeth considered.

?

She had believed herself to be done with the subject but with frustration realized she has been wrong. There were still matters unresolved, matters she has not touched upon, and voicing them?out loud?did seem to make them better.??

?

----- Original Message -----

From: Ishamael Moridin via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 1:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Yes Doctor, I shall go and heat the water right away, Mary Beth replied, waiting?only a moment to see if he needed anything else, before hurrying away to heat the water in the tub. ?Of course, she had to fill the tub first, but it wasn’t all that long before that was done, and the water was heated, not too terribly hot, but warm enough to hopefully start to increase the circulation, and bring the feeling back into this comatose man. She then returned, the tub is ready Doctor.

Heidi‘s eyebrows shot up in surprise when Elizabeth addressed her as, my pet, she said nothing, supposing there were far worse things to be called by one’s mistress or master. I…, She hesitated, I doubt if he even thinks of such things. I think, probably most men of science think of religious matters rarely at best, if even at all. Perhaps he does think of himself as a new Lord, but then again, who can say without a direct answer from him; all we have?are?his actions. I would hate to believe such things of him, but it does seem as though you are very important to him, yet it would appear that he spent so little time with you before. Perhaps you are right, perhaps he indeed deserves what he gets. Her voice sounded distracted as she mused on the entire matter. ?But somehow, I don’t think even he, could be quite that arrogant as to consider himself a new Lord, although you say that he did decline the offer of holy counsel. It may be though, she continued, that he considers himself a hero of sorts, someone who saved you from the clutches of death, but does he feel he has overcome death now, that is the question. And who knows what the answer will be, once he returns to us.

For her own part, Heidi could not see how she could ever love such a man, one whose?mind seemed tremulous, on the very fringes of reality. I think, that I should enjoy very much making him pay for how he has caused you to suffer, mistress.?

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, April 18, 2022 11:11 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Will you lead the prayer then, mistress? Or, shall I begin it, Heidi inquired.

We will know nothing, if we do not take the chance, Marybeth stated, watching as Van hoff prepared the injection. She nodded when he told her to hold him still, very well, Doctor, she stated, stepping forward, placing gentle, but firm hands on Victor.?

There it goes, Marybeth stated, stepping back once the injection had been given.?

He’ll have you going to Africa, and talking to headhunters about him, it was lady science who was speaking now, almost making Victor forget the vision he had seen mere?moments before.

You are indeed most beautiful, my lady, Victor spoke to her in the dream; but I fear you have all but made me lose my beloved Elizabeth, and for this, I am not certain that I can forgive you.

It was then that lady science fell to her own knees,?not in front of the man on victors right, but in front of Victor himself.

Please, great and mighty one, she begged. Of course you can forgive me, for you are, Man, and Man himself is blessed with supremacy, for was he not given dominion over everything at the dawning of the world? You, dear Victor, are human, and you’re very humanness?makes you,?

God

She speaks to your pride, the one called, God, spoke to Victor. Remember that pride goes before destruction, and a hottie spirit before a fall. Your pride is what got you in the position you were, on the table on earth.She speaks to your pride, the one called, God, spoke to Victor. Remember that pride goes before distruction, and a haughty?spirit before a fall. Your pride is what got you in the position you were, on that table on earth. Pride has given you paws, instead of hands, quills, that cover your normal skin, and it ??will make you consume things that you would not ordinarily consume.

It will make you live forever, so that you can hunt for knowledge, the lady science countered.

Victor did not miss the word, Hunt. I don’t want, to Hunt, he snapped back at her, and I am not God, for had I?been God, I would have done far better by my own creation.

A soft smile touched the face of the son of God, as he replied, now that’s using the brain I gave you.

Was not the brain created by human genetics, the coming together of two people to form a third, lady science argued. ?follow me, she continued, and I will make you a hunter of…, Pursuer, of knowledge forever, she quickly amended her words.

Victor turned to the one called, God, help me, he silently prayed, not knowing if his silent prayer would be recognized. A firm resolve came over Victor, a boldness, such as he had never known before in his life. He looked at Lady?science, a scowl on his face, feeling as if he wanted to snarl at her. ?The resolve could be heard in his soft, but decisive voice.

狈辞…

I have followed you all my life, and it has made nought but a fool of me. Science, as he says, was only meant to be a help to Man, a blessing and not a curse. ?You yourself admitted that you only made me what I truly was, and you are indeed correct, for I have been a beast for not following him, and not acknowledging him. ?But I now repent my evil ways.?

Victor then turned away from Lady science, toward the being sitting on the throne. The lady said many other things to him, but he paid her no more heed, as he himself held his arms open wide, and ran into the waiting arms of the son of God.

Oh Christ, my savior! I hear by acknowledge my sin, and turn from it as best I can. I place my trust in you, and you alone, from this day forward.

The hovering, humming angelic beings, who had been flying around the being on the throne, now broke forth into song, joyously proclaiming that a sinner had come home, had repented his ways, and had chosen the right choice. ?But even the song of the angels would have a minor chord in it, for the injection given by Van-Hoff would soon have its affect.

My dearest child, you have indeed made the right decision, Christ told him. But soon, you will be faced with many decisions on earth, in the waking world. You must, as soon as possible, find yourself a copy of my holy, written word, and begin reading it and studying it, for there will be those who will try to guide you wrongly, and there will be those who will try to set your newly found salvation at nought. ?You must do your best to always choose me, you must place me even before you’re most driving need.

But Lord, Victor’s voice was reverent as he spoke, do I not have a home here forever? Can I not stay here, with you?

I know that is your true desire, my son, he replied, and one day, you will return home to me, but not yet. For there are many on earth who must know of the change in your life, and before they know of this, you must once again make the decision, in your waking hours. And you must always let me come before your most overwhelming need. Remember, you are forgiven, my blood, which has cleansed you, and which gives you eternal life. Only by the blood, will you live forever.

It was now time for the work of the injection to begin; Victor suddenly felt himself ?jerked?from the loving arms which so tenderly cradled him, as he now lay his head on the breast?of?the Son. ?Remember, the heavenly voice called to him as he felt himself falling, murder is wrong, always give life, never, never take it.

Victor felt himself ever falling, a fall that would seem eternal to him, he could hear his own voice crying, God help me, help me God! And he heard what seemed a comforting voice at first, I am here, dear one. There you are, kitten. ?But Victor caught the term of endearment the voice used for him, as well as the hypnotic quality. ?For it happened that, during all of this, other contacts had been made, an actual vampire had been sent, one who could enter the dreams of mortals. He had made himself to both look, and sound, like Vlad, he was told to, complete the mission, as it were. ?He could no longer cry out loud for the help of God, because there was now a bloody wrist, firmly pressed against his lips. Come now, drink it, kitten,?the voice of this new being spoke, in the likeness of Vlad. ?For a moment, as this other part of the dream began, the voice of earth and heaven seemed to blend in Victor‘s ears; it is this blood, which will give you life.

Victor now felt the urge to, try to wake up, as if he were realizing that this was a dream. It had to be, those in the real world would hear his moaning, would witness him struggle to escape the unseen being which was about to force him to do what he, especially now, would not want to do.

The wrist was taken away, pulled back only enough to allow a strong hand to move in between his lips, forcing his mouth open, the droplets of blood from the wrist dripped into his mouth. ?Those in the real world would hear him choking, as he fought against swallowing the crimson. But a hand would move down to his throat, gently, yet firmly rubbing it, forcing him to swallow, once enough blood had entered his mouth. ?You are fighting me with all you have, kitten, the hypnotic voice spoke, but there is nothing you can do to stop this, for I am infinitely stronger and more powerful than you. Now, you, much like your creation in earlier times, will be forced into a life and a world you know nothing about, and you will be forced to be what you never wanted to be. ?Most of what you will learn will be on your own, and Many?will view you as a monster, for this that I feed you now will now be your only food. You will hunt, for it will be the only way you will live. The hand continue to hold Victor‘s mouth open, and now the wrist was fully pressed into his mouth.? He?thought to bite the wrist, but that would only bring more blood.

Go ahead, the voice urged, bite my wrist, make me suffer for what I am doing to you now, of course you will only help my mission. Bite it, kitten, show your strength, the voice urged, just as if the being could read his thoughts, for indeed he could. ?Victor kicked at the vampire with both feet, that is, until the sound of cracking bones, and searing pain in both his legs, told him that he had been broken, and yet another way. He started to hit with one of his hands, but this did not phase the beast in any way.?He would awaken soon, back in the real world, and his first words would be, oh, God.

Is momentary relief that it was all a dream would only be short-lived, as he wondered to himself why he felt such severe pain in his legs. Those in the real world would notice his legs being broken, and they would also notice scars on his throat, and a trace of red around his lips. Victor would not notice this yet, and he would soon sleep for the rest of the day, before awakening that evening to face the strange growing predatory urge which he would feel, along with a strong memory and growing empathy for Frank, and the words burning in his heart and mind, always give life, never, never take it. Only time would tell the true outcome as Victor battled his most urgent, overwhelming need.??

?loves you.

On Monday, April 18, 2022, 12:25 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Van Hoff hesitantly shrugged. "That is precisely the problem, the effects are varying. It is supposed to jolt the organizm into a more alert state.

?

It has worked many times, bringing patients out of their trance, and yet it has had the opposite effect as well. I surmise, because the system could not handle the jolt, it became too much for the body and the mind, and became the final push away from?healthy condition.

?

I would not have tried something so unstable, only the sudden deterioration seems to have?left me with no alternatives. I am?going to start then," the doctor stated and proceeded to prepare the injection, carefully rereading the relevant passage he had jotted down based on his manuscript, just for a case like this.

?

"Hold him still if you will," the doctor suggested to Mary Beth calmly, and after one more moment of hesitation, the?medical experiment commenced. ?

?

"I suppose that would be the right thing to do," Elizabeth admitted, almost?sadly. Even if her prayers?would be inwardly dedicated to the powers that be instead.?Encouraging them to show her the way toward greatness.

?

She?never wondered previously though if monsters like her even had higher?powers of the spiritual kind. Surely they had to, she decided, as monsters required guidance too.

?

?

?

???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, March 21, 2022 4:50 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

If you wish to pray for Victor, mistress, Heidi began, I am most willing to pray with you. Would you like to do that, now? She tentatively offered her hand, in case Elizabeth might want to join with her in prayer. She added, something tells me he’s going to truly need it.

I am indeed most ready for one more adventure, Doctor, Mary Beth stated, my reputation in this community being of?little concern, at least in so far as medicine goes. But tell me, if you will, what does this drug actually do? Will it awaken him? It looks as if we are, about to lose him.

In the dream, Victor could feel what would feel much like a wrist, pressed to his lips, something warm dripping from the wrist, touching his lips. He could hear the seductive voice, very hypnotic in its sound, trinket, kitten, it is what you need; it will make you strong, so that you may live forever, and practice, science. The hypnotic way he said the last word almost made Victor want to open his mouth, and partake of the contents of that wrist, which in and of itself, seemed to be as tempting an invitation as anything at that moment.

Enough!! It was a clear, authoritative voice, yet strangely calm and serene, which broke the hypnotic spell of the one offering him the wrist.

Once again, there was a scene change in the dream, and Victor recognized where he was now. He looked at the streets of gold, and the gates, made of pearl, which now looked familiar to him, since he had seen them in the first part of the dream, yet, no less fascinating. ?He now stood face-to-face with the speaker, the one possessing that authoritative calm voice, who had called a halt to what the one known as, Vlad, was about to perform. ?Victors face was now extremely pale, back in the real world, and no one would hear him say what he was about to say in the dream.

I know this place, I remember. Heaven. The voice now spoke to him, a calming tone that in and of itself sounded soothing, but without the hypnotic quality of the other.

Yes, you have been here before, but you have not yet met me. I have come, Victor, to tell you that it is time now, for you to make a choice.

I wouldn’t choose him, if I were you. That bit of advice came to victors left, and it was the voice of a beautiful lady. She gave him a hand to help him up, since presently he had fallen to his knees. ?Victor thought to himself that the lady sounded in many ways, like his beloved Elizabeth, and yet,?her voice?had another quality to it, One which sounded strangely familiar, as if he had just heard it. ?His eyes were momentarily turned to look at the beautiful lady, who are you, he inquired of her. Let him tell you who??he is first, then I will tell you who I am. Save the Best for last, you know?

Cursed is your pride, the first speaker said to the lady, and Victor could now tell that the first speaker was now on his right. ?The lady only giggled, and gave the first speaker a smirk.

Sir, who is she, who are you, and what is the meaning of all of this?

The man now answered, she has been brought here to represent your other, choice.

Victor now noticed the soft angelic hum of many of the heavenly beings, as they hovered, and flew about the man.

People have been asking the meaning of life since time began, but the whole responsibility of mankind is to love me, to know me, and to respect me. Many?think I require so much work, all I require is your trust. The outward works, or only a showing, exhibiting what I can do, and will do in the life of anyone who will allow it.

The woman on Victor’s left side smirked, fine, he won’t tell you who he?is, so I will tell you who I am; I, my dearest Victor, have been your mistress all your life. No, I’m not your beloved Elizabeth, I am your first true love, you may call me, lady science. ?Don’t listen to him, the lady continued, her voice calm and seductive, please, don’t listen to him. If you do, he, will have you floating around on a cloud playing a harp forever and ever. I, on the other hand, can offer you so much more, you’ll be able to live on the earth, just like your friend told you when he was offering you the drink, before you were so rudely snatched away by this man.

Can science create life? The man did not sound angry as he asked, his voice was one of complete assurance, as if he already knew the answer. Of course it can, lady?science replied, this man here is one of the greatest creators that ever lived. ?In fact, he has already created life.

But can science create life from, dust?

Victors eyes grew wide as he now looked fully at the man. I have never created anything from dust, he admitted. But you probably could, lady science countered, pay no attention to her, the man stated, after which Victor inquired, are you…, He said the last word with??a reverence totally uncharacteristic for him, God??

There is no God, lady science interjected, you’ve never believed in him in your life, well maybe your mom at once taught you a little about him, but who needs that anymore? You have science now, you have me.

Perhaps she is right, Victor replied, perhaps you are an angel? Like the one I saw at the first?

It was then that lady science covered her mouth, and emitted a rather large sneeze. We sneezed him out of existence years, centuries ago, she told Victor. Man is supreme, you had it right all along, Man is his own ultimate God.

And yet, Victor stated, when someone sneezes, is it not polite to say, bless you? Lady science frowned, as the man replied, that is correct, and who do you think it is that gives the blessings? ?You have come to the correct conclusion when you ask if I am god, for I am indeed one with him, I, who?speak to you now, am He, the Son of the one true, and living, God.

Poppicock!

It was lady science who gave the exclamation, he’s no more god?than anything else. But it was then that the man, held out his hands, and spread his arms open wide to Victor.

All of your adult life, you have doubted me, and now is your hour of decision.

Victor would now see that the hands of the man were indeed scarred. Has?science, died for you, Victor? Can you give its life for you? Does it keep you warm at night? Can it comfort you in?the death of your loved ones? Where was science when your beloved Elizabeth was killed?

I helped him bring her back, the woman countered. Yes, but you?brought back a mirror shell, a ghost of the?person that she was before.

He turned back to Victor, now, I will show you yet another vision, I will show you a brief glimpse of what will happen should you make the wrong choice.

In his dream, Victor was once more back in his own lab, concocting and creating. He would see glimpses from the past, as well as from the future. ?He??now felt himself being propelled forward by some strange force, the wind which he could not control. The wind at last dropped him, after whirling?and twirling through seemingly many areas of space, and he would later?find out, time. The wind dropped him, on the same table, where he had been in the dream. The scene changed, he now looked different, and was being made to stand and walk, but he could no longer stand as before. For his hands had become four?paws.

Behold, said the man, the lady science is none other than the one you call, scientist!

Victor now saw himself and heard himself, actually begging for death, but he could not die. For he now lived forever, and was given a bowl of something to drink. He was glad for the water, until he looked and saw that it was not water. The dark crimson color of the liquid in the bowl told him exactly what it was. And there was that same voice saying, drink it now kitten, for you must learn to hunt for this.

This is all wrong, lady science protested,?but Victor looked at her now, and he saw her for who she truly was, although?he knew no other name except what he called her.

You…, You have lied to me, he said to lady science. You told me all this time that man was supreme, you’ve made me think that you were so beautiful even now, when it was in fact you, who made me a beast.

I only made you what you truly are, Lady science said, now in the voice Victor knew full well, for the man was making it impossible for her, even in the vision, to hide herself anymore.

The man known as, God, now spoke kindly to Victor. You see Victor, I have now shown you just some of what will happen. Science was meant to help mankind, never to reign supreme. Science was never meant to take my place, but sadly, you and many others, have filled the void in your life by using it, instead of turning to me. But it is not too late, not yet.

He shows you only lies, lady science once more looked beautiful and sounded seductive as she spoke, but of course, it is up to you. On that point, we agree, the man said, it is now, your hour of decision.???


God loves you.

On Thursday, March 17, 2022, 1:19 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Who or what indeed," Van Hoff agreed unhappily, even the more esoteric theories falling flat in the face of harsh reality.

?

"That is not looking well," Van Hoff admitted, trying to remain calm as any good doctor had to be at some point. It was all part of the trade. Unpleasant perhaps, but nonetheless frequent. The fear of failure that made the rare success saving and improving a life all the more valuable.

?

He was willing to admit defeat, if he had to. But the time for it, has it come already, so soon? Van Hoff could not say and decided to try one more thing.

?

"Mary Beth, I shall now need your assistance. I will be injecting that experimental drug I have told you about. It may be imported from Hindustan, it may have had an uncertain reputation, but the few times it has been tried, have?proved its efficacy, so in the spirit of science itself, we must proceed.

?

There are risks involved of course, so if you?should wish to distance yourself from the experiment and ensure your own reputation remains unblemished in our community, I shall understand and ask Ludwig to assist me instead. How do you feel about one more risky adventure?" Van Hoff wondered, divided between uncertainty and a certain kind of excitement, at finally having?a seemingly good reason to give it a try.

?

***

?

"Only God in Heaven and his messengers on Earth," Elizabeth idly declared, trying to decide if she even remembered the old catechism any longer.?

?

Many words of the old religion rang false to her. Especially since she has grown beyond a mere human capability. Especially since she had to measure and?divide such empty words in relation to the one soul she felt relatively certain could appreciate them even less than she had.?

?

"We can always do what women do best, and simply pray," the young woman concluded, unable to avoid the small smile completely, and compensating for it with a hint of bitterness at the corners of her lips. Humans emotions were difficult to fake, when performed by one above humans, Elizabeth decided, and thought to share with her new friend Cylas later on. ???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 4:10 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself w

Yes mistress, Heidi replied, I fear it may take much harsher circumstances for him to ever recant his ways. But then again, who knows what he is undergoing, even now?

I think I read something somewhere about such a study, Marybeth replied to VanHoff, but I am not sure about it, if it actually works. And if it does, who, or what, could be mesmerizing him now?

What a thrill it was for scientist, to make Victor think she was actually going to teach him something, only to tell him that it was, none of his business, at the last moment. Part of the reason it was so thrilling, was that it was such a torture for Victor. He looked disappointed, even as the one called, Vlad, laughed out loud yet again. Now that?One there,??is a good one. He stroked Victor’s arm, poor, poor kitten, denied the chance to acquire?a most precious piece of knowledge. ?How torturing for you, especially when it’s, science. The one called Felix, laughed,?and Vlad looked around for other chuckles and nods of approval in the room.

You are a quite delicious specimen, dear kitten, Vlad told Victor, his tone conversational, even tender. I know that you very much believe in these, do you not? He showed his fangs once more, I think, I want to leave a lasting impression with you, I want to make sure you honestly believe.

Victor spoke in the dream, I do, I believe! How wonderful, Vlad replied with a smile which again showed his fangs. But, I have to make sure this is something that will stay with you, should you awaken, and return to being the man of science that you have been. You scientist sometimes need things shown to you, he looked apologetically at the young woman called scientist, not you of course, just, kitten here.

Victor would feel the sharpness of the fangs as this time, they completely pierced his throat. He would hear Vlad’s?pleasure, feel his life draining away in the dream, as everything seemed to fade, even the clapping and laughter that was going on in the room, all of the images, fading, ever so slowly fading away. He felt himself becoming sleepy, so very tired, his eyes?closed. Colors were fading, much more quickly now, and he felt himself floating, foward, then strangely,?upward,?as if he knew the way to the place where he would ultimately choose to go, if it were his choice.

He could see a door in front of him, growing ever closer;?on the other side,?it seemed to Victor that he glimpsed?such incredible beauty, that if he ever once?entered through that door, he would never want to return to such a place as that from whence?he had come.

But just as he could feel himself start to enter that door, the progression toward it suddenly ceased. It seemed as though something was, different, as he noticed that the force that was draining away his life, suddenly stopped. In its place, something soft touched his lips, something soft, and moist, that felt strangely like the skin of a man.

No! Don’t do it, it was scientist, who is giving the command, but the one called Vlad, merely shrugged, keeping what was in fact, his wrist, close to Victor’s lips. Kitten? Can you hear me, Victor? Kitten? The voice did not at all sound like the vampire that he had known earlier, it seemed a strange combination for him of some sort of almost angelic music, combined with rapidly flowing water, combining with a strange, celestial wind, to form the most melodious of words, and the most verbal of melodies, which Victor had ever heard.

In the dream, it seems that Victor had just enough strength to murmur, God. Yes, yes my child, the one called Vlad was saying; it is time for you to drink. You must drink in order to be made whole. I,?I am your only fountain of living water now. Drink, take the Crimson flow, drink the living water, and you also, will live, and you will know?power as you have never known. A power that science can only dream of giving. ?But the dream which now was claiming all of victors attention, and all of his senses, was yet to hold even more surprises.

Back in the real world, Victor’s skin was growing increasingly pale, and was now a ghost white. The doctor and Mary Beth would see this, they would probably be able to feel his life slipping away. We’re losing him Doctor, we’re losing him! God help us, we’re losing this patient!?

God loves you.

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, 1:47 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Van Hoff nodded, the motion is as painstakingly slow as the inner movement inside of his mind. The attempt to recall that one esoteric bit of forgotten wisdom that perchance may bear light on the events at hand.

?

"It might be a case of intense mesmerizing performed in the past. Anton Mesmer, not as scientific fellow by any means, reported a curious case that somebody far more solid confirmed in a different setting.

?

Mesmer believed that suggestions could be given, bordering on the bizarre and the uncanny, that the mind could accept as a given...and yet a colleague of mine confirmed?it in the case of?those dear Pagans?from Hindustan who know not Christ, but their own deities seem to have great powers as well.

?

Including the powers to guide and disrupt the course of dreams. Some invocations?to such deities created tangible effects, effects I thought were strange at the time, until our patient arrived.

?

Though if the theory be correct, who on Earth could have mesmerized our patient? I remember some priests experimenting with hypnosis and dreaming, but none were, naturally malign. This case?gets more and more interesting by the minute," Van Hoff carefully opined, almost wishing he still had his cigar at hand for relaxation.

?

"Harsher circumstances, yes. Well spoken dearest Heidi. I fear it takes a great challenge at times, to remind one of what they value, of what they seek to accomplish, of what they hold most dear. God is merciful and God is?wise, Poor Victor though, I fear the harshness of the thing might get the better of him. Is there a way to help him, I wonder? Perhaps it is but the Grace of the Lord that shall offer him his last chance at salvation," Elizabeth spoke skeptically.????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, February 7, 2022 2:51 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself with this thing, she aimed the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to study him.study him.A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

I’m not sure, Doctor, Mary Beth admitted, greatly hating to admit her uncertainty. I…, I have never seen anything like this before. This appears to be some sort of a dream that he is being forced to undergo, yet the burns and wounds popping up on his body are quite real. You can see them with your own eyes, can you not? She looked first at the doctor, then at Ludwig.

Well mistress,he sincere love of God, his mercy and grace; but sadly for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I’Well mistress, Heidi began, with some hesitation, for some people, it is the sincere love of God which draws them, his grace and mercy; but for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I honestly do not know which will be the case for master Victor. He…, He’s such a self-sufficient man of science, and men of science often do not believe in God. It takes quite a bit to move them. We can only hope that he will come back to us, more impressionable, and willing to believe.

In the dream, Victor had finally been made to drink the blood, very much against his will. Oh…, Oh God! The words were a mixture of a desperate plea, coupled with notes of anger. The one called Vlad Chuckled in his most malevolent Manor, kitten, you don’t even believe in God; you don’t even believe in…, Me. I can see you, touch you, of course I believe in you, you’re a man. But what kind of man am I, he retorted, ?I would tell you, but then again, you wouldn’t believe me. He chuckled again, noticing that it made Victor extremely nervous. ?so I will just have to, prove it to you.

Vlad once more ran his fangs across Victor’s throat, and up and down, watching his fear, and smiling. He then pierced a part of his throat, but not too much. Just enough to cause some pain. Do you know how easy it would be for me to kill you, kitten? ?With that, Victor would feel Vlads lips, almost tenderly sucking up the small droplets of blood. ?Victor yelled, and tried to slap at Vlad, which earned him yet another malevolent chuckle. It also earned him an unexpected shot from scientist. The shot did not come from a gun as such, it shot out pins, which went into Victor, causing quite a few volts of electricity to flow through him. ?He convulsed, lightning maker! Please no more lightning.

I would kill you right here and now, with only a nod from my friends, but they wish to keep you alive, so very well. Scientist nodded, at least for now, she stated. ?But now kitten, do you know what I am? He looked expectantly at Victor when he said this, and Victor replied, yes, you’re a vampire! He said the words without hesitation. Vlad threw his arms in the air and laughed?triumphantly, what do you know, the?great victor Frankenstein, man of science, believes, in, vampires! What else, will the great victor come to believe in?

Scientist smiled,??aiming the taser at Victor, who cringed. I could kill him myself with this thing here, but then I couldn’t study him the way I want to study him. No, not that, Victor stated, then his tone became conversational. What is that called? Oh, this thing here? Scientist use her sweetest tone, this is called a…, None, of, York, business. She pronounce each word slowly, just


God loves you.

On Friday, February 4, 2022, 12:14 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Ludwig found?relieved at somebody giving him instructions, even if they were the kind he was already considering himself. It didn't matter that he asked for them, it mattered more that he was confirmed in his opinion by his superior. The footman curtly nodded and proceeded to summon back Van Hoff.

?

In his haste he failed to explain what was happening, and the poor doctor, giving up on his footman, inquired the about the situation from the one he could trust, namely?Mary Beth.

?

"What is the meaning of all of this,?what is the most urgent thing I should be doing," the doctor quickly corrected himself, realizing how some bits of information were more important than others.

?

***

"And what is the best process to bring the lost soul back home? What must register within such a creature now that has not before. What sips in, and how can it be done?" Elizabeth wondered.

?

She may not have believed in Victor's recovery, but perhaps she could learn something useful from Heidi?yet, if for an entirely different purpose. The main thing was that a lack of interest on her part could be seen as suspicious, while honest curiosity would be entirely expected instead.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, January 21, 2022 7:33 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Marybeth looked a mixture of horrified and sympathetic. It…, Appears, she began with hesitation, to be some sort of an acting out of, perhaps a dream? But if it is a dream, why are these burns coming up on him for real? Yes Ludwig, I think you better get Dr. VanHoff?in here. ?these burns may well be the result of the fever, but I’ve never seen anything like this before.

Of course, Victor had no idea that anyone else was watching what was happening to him. ?it appeared to be two or three days later, this particular scene was in the lab, in the afternoon, and one word filled Victor’s mind, he thought he heard himself saying it. Hungry!! ?But his own voice did not sound normal, even to him; he thought that it sounded strangely between a fierce growl, and a piteous, animalistic wine, like a starving cat or dog, begging for a crumb.

Feeding time, the older woman stated, looking at scientist. Yep, the man called Felix iterated, time for lunch. ?He mockingly smacked his lips, as scientist picked up what appeared to be a very long skewer. Let me do it?Dear,?flycatcher requested, and she nodded. Then, turning to look at Victor, who was still lying on the table, scientist said, my husband wants to feed you. ?flycatcher men reached into his pocket, and, pulling something out, kept it carefully hidden from Victor, turning so that Victor couldn’t see him, as he placed it on the long skewer. He held it out to him, lunchtime, he stated, then smacked his lips at the creature on the table. Come on, eat up now. Victor looked at what was on the end of the skewer, and almost lost the contents of his stomach, Because what was on the end of the skewer, was a very large, dead, grasshopper.

The entire room irrupt it in laughter and applause, as the creature that was apparently now Victor, tried his best to keep from sicking up.

Get a bucket or pan, Scientist commanded, if he pukes all over the floor, you, are?cleaning up the lab. Me??The man called Felix exclaimed,?as another young man stood and volunteered, I’ll get it, you stay there with the rest of your family and watch him. Thank you, Ingvar, scientist said, as the one called Ingvar, ran to find a large bucket, as well as a pan, and quickly brought it back. ?he held the pan?in front of Victor’s face, and the specimen on the table made appropriate use of it. The man known as Ingvar hurried to dispose of the contents, as flycatcher, stepped forward, still holding the grasshopper on the skewer, and held it to Victor’s lips. As Victor made a sort of mewling sound, flycatcher took the end of the skewer, with the grasshopper on it, down a few inches, and prized Victor’s lips open. Come on now you need to eat, he stated with mock?concern and tenderness, as he punched a small button on the skewer, which would release the grasshopper into victors mouth, then began rubbing his throat, to make him swallow.

You might as well eat it, the man called Felix stated, as scientist added, yes eat it and we will give you something to drink. As?she said this, she glanced out of the corner of one eye,?at yet another person in the lab that had been sitting in the background, but watching the entire spectacle. This man smiled with undisguised malevolence, and gave?A deep, evil chuckle, as he stated slowly, with pleasure. He slowly stood to his feet, seeming to savor every moment of misery he could?cause for the man on the table. His?steps were slow, meaningful strides;?In his hand, he held a cup.

Victor finally was made to swallow the grasshopper, very much against his will, as he muled,?oh…, God! His face was a contorted mixture of pain and sickness, as it went from pale, to a ghastly green color.

Yes…, The man answered in a foreign accent, as he continued his slow, meaningful stride toward the table. You may call me your God, and it is time for the wine of wrath.

Scientist smiled, looked at Victor, and cheerfully inquired, do you know who he is? He is, Vlad Teeps!

The name mint nothing to Victor, but his face was anything but blank, as the thick, deep crimson content of the cup came into his view, ever closer. ?The one known as, Vlad,?placed a strong left arm under Victor‘s neck, forcing him to sit up, as he took the cup with his right hand, and held it to Victor‘s mouth. Victor knew that all his prayers concerning the contents of the cup, that it would not be as it appeared to be, had fallen on deaf ears. But that’s…, That’s, his voice was that sickening mewling growling cross between animal and man, that is…, blood! He pronounce the last word with a grotesque sort of wonder, so overcome was he by what he had recently eaten, and what it looked as if he were about to drink.

Very good, the one known as Vlad, purred at him. ?you will learn your place, beast-man, for as you have given life, so must you now receive it.

In the dream, victors suddenly felt such strong repulsion for the being standing in front of him, for the cup in his hand, and mainly, for the liquid in the cup, that he thought to give a strong argument. But all that would come out was a yowling, no! And even that, sounded more like the yowl of a cat, then the intelligent protest of a man.

I, won’t,?I, wo,wowowwououount!!! ?I, wowwownt! The last word drawled into a hybrid?of of human speech and cat like yowling.

Vlad reached up and stroked the back of victors now quite furry head, ?oh yes you will, kitty man, kitty, he purred, kitten, he added insult to injury, seeing that Victor did not like being called kitty at all.

The newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth. ComeThe newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth.

I wouldn’t do that, the one known as Felix, cautioned behind clenched teeth, as scientist, laid a finger over her own lips. Quiet Felix, she murmured, let’s see what happens; he doesn’t know everything there is to know about Vlad, yet.

The one known as Vlad smiled, the young man speaks wisdom to you, kitty; you should heed his warning. ?now you have grown some very sharp teeth, and they are even somewhat elongated, who knows, perhaps in about…, Too, maybe 3 million years, your descendants will have choppers that look more like…, This. With that, Vlad?opened his mouth,?revealing extremely, sharp, fangs!

After allowing Victor to behold his fangs for a few seconds, Vlad spoke, now the way I see it, kitten, you have two choices. You can either drink this blood that I have brought for you here, which will probably give you strength; or, he grazed one of his fangs gently across the throat of?Victor as he concluded, you can drink your own.

I indeed also hope and pray for salvation for him, as I share in your optimistic hope for him, mistress, Heidi stated sincerely, as she smiled and nodded to Elizabeth. Who knows what he may be undergoing even now. And yet, I’ve heard that oft’?times the worst circumstances, tend?to bring a wayward soul to the foot of salvation‘s cross.???

God loves you.

On Thursday, January 20, 2022, 11:50 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Far above the commotion, and yet so near that he could almost be touched, a tall man with red hair was watching all the players in the dream scape.

?

His father might have done something subtle, if the game allowed it. His uncle might have done something more persuasive, whether or not the dream gate was fully open and ready.

?

But he was neither of them, and he only chuckled at the spectacle, enjoying the final touch. His final touch, if he could say so himself, and he could, because of who he was.

?

"See, told you Franny, you are great when you put your mind to it. Oh sorry, Keres.

?

A super bril old name by the way. I know you know, or you think you know, ?but you still don't really get it, anymore than Ren does...you really only get mom's?but not dad's or your own.?

?

Maybe if you dreamt more as you were told...still pretty good though, I think that should distract Count?Nobody for a wittle while, which is kind of all I need, told you you were awesome with dreams, and for that matter Ren too, and look at Ig," the young man happily complimented his sister who might or might not be able to hear him when distracted.

?

Though truth be told, the compliment was at his own expanse too. All the harassment, all the nudges, they finally, finally materialized. And right here, right now, at?a place that?belonged to this man. A man who could have been, but never would be, his grandfather.?How?ironic, how bril.

?

The young man wondered for a second if he should help his sister reclaim the lab, considering who else was watching. But she had matters at hand here.

?

"Well, maybe you don't know what you think you know either, dear Count.?You thought you were safe from the prophecy???You thought tricking your pawn into killing somebody important would be forgotten? Because millennia passed, and the Carrier has been gone from the world? You never thought then, that the old gods are never gone, that they might return????Tiktok little count, tiktok," the young man spoke to nobody in particular, smiling at his own inner reference.?

?

?

He was happy and his associates should be equally pleased, he knew, the smirk still playing on his face as he began vanishing from this layer of?a well crafted slice of almost real reality.

?

He?may have preferred playing it like his uncle, but the last touch was of course to honor his father, the man who had been known a long time?ago as, and had knowingly embraced once more, the identity of Captain Dance.

?

****

Ludwig stared at the patient's body, at Mary Beth, and with an understandable tremor in his limbs, hesitantly inquired, "Mam, what is the meaning of this? Should I call the doctor? What should I do?"

?

***

?

"Salvation, yes, after all, every soul needs it, and some can even get it. Will Victor be the lucky one? I hope so, I hope so, dearest Heidi," Elizabeth emphatically explained, not certain if she engaged in a bout of wishful thinking, or for the first time, had a bout of premonition.?

?

?

?

???????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, January 8, 2022 1:40 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

In his dream, Victor tried his best to fight the ghost of Frank, to get Elizabeth away from him, but Elizabeth chose to fight with Frank, against Victor. The two ghosts continued to laugh, as he was once more held over the flames, and then fell, as if the ghost wanted him to relive the scene of being dropped into the fire again and again. ?As he fell,?the scenes of the dream changed to show what could be other possibilities in Victor‘s life. He was aware of a hard thud,?And that?he was on a?table. ?he blinked, then looked around.?My science lab, he breathed,?his voice filled with relief and wonder.

The figure which stood over him smiling, looked much more solid than the ghosts of Frank and Elizabeth had looked. No, stupid, this is not your, science lab, this is my lab.

But, who are you?

The woman smiled, you may call me…, Scientist, for you see that is what I am. How did I get here, Victor wanted to know. We brought you here, she answered, science, brought you here. And before we go any further with this, I want to thank you for being such a great part of my experiment.

What? Have I now become the science, Victor demanded. There was a laugh coming from a young male voice which was somewhat behind the woman, as yet another strange looking man caught a fly and proceeded to eat it.

While?this was happening in the dream, real burns began?to pop up on Victor’s body in the real world, so that MaryBeth, Ludwig, and the doctor, would be able to see them. Marybeth gasped,?what is the meaning of this? ?The others would be able to answer her as to what they thought it was, as the dream unfolded for Victor.

I don’t think he likes you Ren,?the young male replied, the flycatcher chuckled.

Then the woman called, scientist, stepped back, as if to study him clinically, and made a motion with her hands. An older woman, the young male, the flycatcher, and another man stepped up, all of them examining Victor. And then, to add to the nightmare, there he was, the ghost of Frank.

Wonderful indeed, my daughter, the ghost stated, he’s changing already. But what will we do with him, the older woman asked. I don’t know yet, scientist said, I’m just having a lot of fun making him. Hey we could always put him in the circus, the young male stated. ?scientist frowned at the young male.

Shut up, Felix, she snapped. Circuses are made for peoples enjoyment, not to scare people, like he’s going to do.

Hey I have an idea, the one called Felix continued, instead of making him scary why don’t you make him look funny? You know so people will laugh at him, like a clown or something. Because, scientist said, most people love a clown, especially kids. I don’t want kids, or anyone drawn to him; I want them repelled by him, just like they were with dad. ?Should I show him how he looks now, the one called Felix inquired, and scientist nodded, sure go ahead. ??Felix Then took up the mirror, allowing Victor to look in it. And in his dream, Victor became very frightened indeed. No!! He screamed, get it away from me! Get it away; please, take, that, thing, away! ? everyone in the room laughed.

None of this was actually happening of course, but Victor was being allowed to see what could very well be the future for him, although he would not yet realize this.

Thank you, mistress, Heidi told Elizabeth. You see this way, Victor will have a chance to explain what he has seen, and perhaps the priest could counsel with him, and guide him into salvation. I would hope so anyway.

God?loves you.

On Saturday, January 8, 2022, 1:20 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I s'ppose our patient also believes in something...What do you reckon he is seeing, to make him move so, or is that just the fever speaking? My Lady, do you believe people can get visions from beyond? Our patient he might be a different kind than many, aye?" Ludwig wondered, trying to turn his discomfort into words the best way he knew how.

?

****

?

"Now that Heidi is a very good idea," Elizabeth admitted. Not sure if the priest would be helpful to Victor, or would at least humiliate him with his presence upon awakening, but it felt good.

?

And who knew, if Victor would be inspired by holy guidance, as only a man coming back from the brink of death could, it?might be his last chance to experience salvation, as far as she was concerned.?

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2021 9:36 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Oh yes, I do believe in the Almighty, Marybeth confessed eagerly, her nod?equally eager, although I must admit I don’t attend Sunday services perhaps as often as I should, mainly due to work and the like.?But I think you are quite perceptive,she continued, science often tries to explain various phenomenon and workings of nature,?but how can anyone truly know how these things happen???It would appear there is little or no explanation except…, Except for the fact that there is, as you say, something else out there, someone, else, out there.

Victor had been having what some would call a fever dream. In the first part of it, he had seen the gates, streets, and various aspects of heaven, at least as much as he could imagine it, as much as his imagination would allow. But now, his forehead suddenly broke into a sweat, and he began to softly moan. 狈辞…, No, please, do not burn me. I, I do Not, want to, want to go there! There was a look of terror on his face at what he was seeing. He would later describe this as, someone holding him directly above the very pit of hell, so close that the flames licked at him, hungrily eager to devour him, like so many living monsters. And the one holding him over the pit was none other than…, His very own creation.

Later in the dream, as he was dropped into the pit,?he would feel as if he were eternally falling, falling with nothing under him to catch him, no one around him to catch him, or even to Care. In his sleep, he cried out, Elizabeth! But of course, Elizabeth was not there to help. And the one which seemed to be the overseer of this dreadful, fiery place was of course, none other than…, His own creation, it was Frank. ?he was moaning that he was sorry, but in the dream, he was screaming with all the voice he had, which because of the initial sickness, was temporarily taken from him. ?The ghost of Frank mocked him, moaning just as he did, laughing at him, as it stood arm in arm with another ghost, the ghost of his own wife. ?The two ghosts laughed at him, as the ghost of Frank actually transformed into something quite beautiful, something which greatly resembled one of the angels that Victor had seen in the heaven part of the dream.

This…, Is how some people see me, the ghost of Frank said, turning from side to side, floating near him, to make certain Victor got a good view. But this…, Is how you, have always seen me. The ghost transformed again into the figure very much believed to be the appearance of…, No! Victor screamed in the dream, only barely managing a moan, as he be held the familiar appearance of the devil.

The ghost gave an ominous chuckle, you called me the devil, but it was you, who created me, you are my father, what does that make you? He moaned again, screaming in the dream. ?then he murmured four words which he thought he would never say in his waking hours. Oh God, save me!

Heidi nodded, it is a scarce hope, mistress, but when he awakens as I believe he will, we should probably have a priest on hand or nearby, to either assist him in this change, if there is indeed a change, or else, to pray for him that’s such a sickness does not befall him again in future. It is up to you though of course. ???


God loves you.

On Friday, December 17, 2021, 8:35 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam, and there are things we do not...know about. After all, surely despite your understanding of medical matters, you do believe in the Almighty?

?

Well, the other day, I took Bethany out, to listen to this young new preacher," Ludwig admitted with some embarassement, realizing he was saying too much perhaps, out of discomfort.

?

"This young priest was so passionate the the pulpit, he was talking about how none of us truly understand what the Holy word means. How when the Grace seizes you and flows through you, it is not only inspiring, not at all flattering, but could be frightening. As frightening as any Angel.

?

And I started thinking, maybe, well just maybe, some of the things we know about, don't quite act as we know they should, because there is something else out there, I beg my lady's pardon.

?

I just feel like I haven't chosen to misplace the patient...I swear he somehow slipped out of my hands and...there is more to that, and Mr Doctor might not understand what it is that has been happening, or how to stop it, if the patient is...I am not sure what I am saying m'Lady, you might have better words for all of this," the footman?hopefully offered.

?

****

"Changes, Heidi there. Sometimes they just happen, even if we did not choose. Circumstances can alter a person's path, the gentle or not so gentle hand of Fate. I fear that?our Victor has experienced something untoward in his life.

?

Maybe he would have chosen to become the man he has, but perhaps not. Perhaps he just did not know how to handle the cards dealt him..." Elizabeth suggested, noting that she was fairly uncomfortable at describing Victor as hers alone.???

?

She surely had the right to do that but wished to avoid thinking of him in such terms, even for the sake of an easily understood communication between them. She supposed, when it came to that, no such communication could be remotely easy for the things being described, were too extraordinary for ordinary polite words.

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2021 11:24 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth looked uncertain, I must admit, Ludwig, that I have passing we wondered such things. Yet, our place is not to ask such questions, but as I understand it, to do everything and all we can to heal the patient, to bring him out of whatever is holding him captive. ?Head she just said that? She reason to herself that it could be some sort of physical maladies holding him captive, but usually, when people thought of someone being held captive, it was either by other human beings, or something perhaps much more sinister than even physical diseases?could be.

Oh, mistress, do you truly think that he could be changed? Maybe this, sickness, whatever one might call it,?has been brought about for just such a thing as this, she suggested. And yes, I will do what I can to make him talk, to make him tell us what he has felt and saw, what has happened. That is, if he seems indeed to be changed.


God loves you.

On Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 9:43 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Pardon mam, but can the patient be...haunted? Me knows it sounds strange, yet I doth not like what's, I don't now, as if he can watch us while being asleep. Something odd about our patient, do you fancy?"

?

Ludwig did not know what even prompted him to ask this superior woman who knew so much and intimidated him and made him wonder if she wanted a conversation at all. And realize that perhaps he needed one all the same. A pity he did not even know how to ask the right question.

?

Even Bethany might be confused at what it was he wanted to know, so he would not blame Mary Beth if she did too.

?

***

?

"Oh, well then my dear. It shall be easy to ascertain that Victor does indeed seek God. For the change in him would then be significant. I would urge you then to make him talk. Explain what brought about the change.

?

If there were,,,say, just as an entirely random example, some hands squeezing his neck, anybody whispering words into his ears. If he remembers being shrouded by darkness, of feeling remorse over not doing more with his life.

?

After all, God has many mysterious agents working for him, you know. I suppose if the change in Victor is real and he?was graced with God's presence, perhaps he can tell us about it.

?

And then we would all be one happy household once more, because we would know the change in him is permanent, you see," Elizabeth offered though she had to wonder if even the mysterious hands choking the life out of Victor or the?face of God itself could challenge him into changing his life style and views.?She was not going to hope too much for it herself, but if Heidi needed the hope, well then, it was not Elizabeth's duty to dissuade her.???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, November 8, 2021 11:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth gave Ludwig a slight look of exasperation. She had almost started to caution him in an annoyed tone to be careful, but then he apologized for bruising the patient even more. Just let’s just get him settled, Mary Beth told him, doing her best to keep patients in her tone. ?And of course, she continued, I will need you to transport him back to bed, at least such is most likely, unless of course, he happens to come out of this seemingly in trapping ailment.

It was now Heidi‘s turn to look thoughtfully at her mistress before stating, if he does come out different, it likely can’t help but be for the good, his?good, as well as ours.

Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open?with surprise when Elizabeth actually asked her about caring for Victor. I…, I shall do my best for you, mistress, as I am always happy to help in anything you need. ?but if it turns out that he does indeed have more of a heart and thoughts toward God, and actually helping his fellow man, what then? What would you have me do?


God loves you.

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, 1:19 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes...Maa'm," Ludwig spoke obediently his prolonged sound a sign of his deep concentration. He felt odd in a manner of speaking, as of something strange and outside pulled at him. Pulled him to move?in the physical direction his own instinct would have avoided.

?

As if in mockery of his sincere words, he had managed to bruise the patient a few more times before he settled the body down completely. "Begging your pardon Mam," Ludwig apologized hastily.?Normally he would have addressed the patient, but then the patient was not available to apologize to,?so Ludwig chose this smallish woman to address instead, to rectify his mistake.

?

Perhaps if she has been a friend, he would have admitted the strangeness to her and hoped for some council that only women seemed to have. But then, even somebody like his Bethany might not have understood or believed him, so perhaps Mary Beth would merely consider him a slacker, he could not take the chance of her bad mouthing him to the doctor, so he determined to keep doing his best no matter what pull he has experienced towards wrong motions with the patient, or otherwise.

?

Elizabeth?cautiously regarded Heidi and finding no subtle undertones of?disagreement or rebuke, finally nodded her agreement. "Your words are most enlightening my pet," she complimented the maid.

?

"But do you think that means Victor would come out even more different than?previously, after he is healed, which is of course to be presumed by those who cherish his well being.

?

If he is any different, I fear I?may not know at first how to attend to him best. Perhaps I shall have to enlist you and your wisdom in helping me.

?

I rely on Abigail in many affairs, but those mysteries of the heart I worry she would not pierce any?better or faster than myself. You might be our best hope, darling Heidi.

?

I know this may put too much?pressure on your slender shoulders and am sorry in advance. Would you object greatly to taking personal care of Victor when he is back and is recovering? I hope not for you seem to have such insights," Elizabeth complimented, sincerely surprised that she found such a good conversationalist in the girl she had previously dismissed as dull. ???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, October 1, 2021 7:39 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Thank you Ludwig, Mary Beth replied, her own tone somewhat distracted, until he missed the second wall. Be careful with him, we may not know what is wrong with him yet, but he is still a patient which has come into our care. How could she expect him to have the same care for the man that she and the doctor had. ?She only wondered this, and contemplated it, as she watched the forward progress of Ludwig, carrying the patient.

Heidi regarded Elizabeth with a thoughtful expression. It is not that you are without influence in his life, mistress, for I believe you are not without such, but I think often times, men will listen to someone else telling them something, before they listen to those closest to them; perhaps you could confirm what the other person was saying, the priest or whomever you choose to speak with, but sometimes, two or three People saying the same thing, confirming one another in their assessments, I think often times this can?help one to get ones point across.

She studied Elizabeth’s expression, hoping that?what she said offered some genuine comfort and hope to her mistress. Then again, she continued, who can say what if this present set of circumstances might not do it for you. People many times have near brushes with death, and come out of it much different, thinking more of God, and their own mortality.


God loves you.

On Friday, October 1, 2021, 12:29 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam,"Ludwig obediently took on the little man and carried him, not truly paying attention to the new of his fever.?But his thoughts, of missing time with Bethany because of this unexpected change in the doctor's routine, made him upset, and distracted.

?

Though he failed to avoid the sharp edge of the wall he was crossing with the patient, he did notice his error on time. He didn't think the patient noticed any damage, and?could only hope Mary Beth didn't either. Trying to think of distracting her attention from the patient with something witty to converse about, Ludwig could only think of something little to ask the doctor's assistant.?

?

"So, have you found anything good at the grocery market," Ludwig gruffly wondered, the effort of thinking?of a topic evident in his voice. And then he realized with a start that his own question distracted him instead, prompting him to unintentionally miss another wall.

?

A good thing it was a small man he was carrying, a larger load?could have slept away from him by now, Ludwig well knew. He shuddered at the very thought of being fired by Van Hoff and loosing all access to the lovely Bethany. Now there was a girl he could easily talk to, about anything.???

?

***

"But Heidi,?Victor was encouraged to think of God. I encouraged him myself, and so did his father. Victor did not really object. I don't know that he thinks there is no God.

?

I don't know that he is not interested in God at all either. I just feel that all thoughts about God would still direct Victor to think about his own greatness.

?

The disturbing thing for me is that Victor's mind is great. But perhaps, not the rest of him. His moral core does not have the same remarkable capacity. His emotional strength, it is...not the strength of a real man. Of a scientist, but not a man.

?

I don't mean that he is not a man," Elizabeth explained, though in her heart perhaps she did mean that. "Only that some people are different from others and don't have the same strength. And Victor is smart, but not overall strong the way his peers would have been."

?

"It's not that I hold it against him," she speculated, and then decided that maybe she did hold it against him. "Only his greatness means all the more to him, when he is feeling weaker. So he insists on his greatness, he cultivates it through his scientific accomplishments, and does not accept his limitations.

?

Oh Heidi, I fear for him. For his body and the physical toll it has taken. For his mind, that may not be able to handle much more. And for his very soul that is so uninterested in God but?which without the idea of God at least, seems to fall prey to folly. I just don't know how to convince Victor that he needs something else. Something that is greater than him and is no part of him. Do you think he would listen to somebody else better than he does to me?" Elizabeth idly wondered.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 8:15 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth nodded to the doctor. All right Ludwig, she stated with a sigh why don’t we sit ?him up in a reclining position, so that even if, when…, He awakens, he will be still comfortable. We don’t want to make him uncomfortable, just get him in a position more conducive to awakening. She checked his fever, it’s gone up, she told Ludwig, and the doctor also, if he were listening.

Victor was quite frail, so should prove relatively easy for Ludwig to carry. And now, especially without his daily enhancement potions, the age in his face showed.

Perhaps he rarely, if ever, thanks of God at all, Heidi suggested. Maybe he has never thought about whether or not he is greater than God, because he’s never really thought of God in the first place.


God loves you.

On Thursday, September 16, 2021, 1:15 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I do wonder if the essential salts used in one experiment by Reuss would amount to something, or but a fanciful way to add?a semblance of originality he has uncovered elsewhere.

?

No matter. I will omit them for now,?unless the patient fails to respond to the treatment. Ludwig will help you by carrying the body, but perhaps you shall instruct him on how to arrange it perfectly, so the patient reaches a somewhat satisfactory position. Whether he is aware for now or not, matter not for his level of comfort. Ideally he would wake, and then we would be prepared...Yes, let us proceed, Ludwig," Van Hoff nodded, though he named the one doing the manual labor, he rather included both in his order. If anything Mary Beth was going to play the more crucial role on the matter. If he could have three of her, his job would have been so much easier, as well he knew.

?

?

Elizabeth could not take umbrage with herself. Despite the difficulties of conveying her outrage to somebody who in all likelihood even resisting understanding the truth of the matter, she has done fairly well in explaining the issue. If it did not fully work, the fault could not be?completely ascribed to her.

?

"I don't know, Heidi. You might be right. Some of them invoke the name of God in their introduction, which is sometimes the one piece of their writing I end up caring about. Could they be facetious in their show of respect? Perhaps if they believe their publication would be met less favorably. But I don't know why in our rational age, they would need to profess their loyalty to God if they don't feel it.

?

However, assuming that most of them are devoid of the religious sentiment, the problem remains. Not only with the men of science departing from any idea of godhood. What bothers me is when some seek to replace it with the idea of their own, equal, or possibly superior greatness.

?

At least that is how Victor seems to think a lot of the time. Perhaps such attitude is necessary for him to succeed in such a frightening enterprise as his. Perhaps his attitude was encouraged by his educators and is shared with them. I cannot say. All I know is, even if it has some benefits, the drawbacks of such thinking are too intimidating for the rest of us, who do not particularly delight in creating science.

?

I can see the necessity for utilizing its wisdom, but perhaps, when one ventures too far into the gaping maw of the unknown, one should withdraw and recover. All Victor wants to do, is to forge even further. And for all such things as pride and ambition serving the greater good, I must wonder where such emotions in their purest form would lead him. And if perhaps that in itself does not account for his mysterious ailment," Elizabeth considered.

?

She had believed herself to be done with the subject but with frustration realized she has been wrong. There were still matters unresolved, matters she has not touched upon, and voicing them?out loud?did seem to make them better.??

?

----- Original Message -----

From: Ishamael Moridin via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 1:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Yes Doctor, I shall go and heat the water right away, Mary Beth replied, waiting?only a moment to see if he needed anything else, before hurrying away to heat the water in the tub. ?Of course, she had to fill the tub first, but it wasn’t all that long before that was done, and the water was heated, not too terribly hot, but warm enough to hopefully start to increase the circulation, and bring the feeling back into this comatose man. She then returned, the tub is ready Doctor.

Heidi‘s eyebrows shot up in surprise when Elizabeth addressed her as, my pet, she said nothing, supposing there were far worse things to be called by one’s mistress or master. I…, She hesitated, I doubt if he even thinks of such things. I think, probably most men of science think of religious matters rarely at best, if even at all. Perhaps he does think of himself as a new Lord, but then again, who can say without a direct answer from him; all we have?are?his actions. I would hate to believe such things of him, but it does seem as though you are very important to him, yet it would appear that he spent so little time with you before. Perhaps you are right, perhaps he indeed deserves what he gets. Her voice sounded distracted as she mused on the entire matter. ?But somehow, I don’t think even he, could be quite that arrogant as to consider himself a new Lord, although you say that he did decline the offer of holy counsel. It may be though, she continued, that he considers himself a hero of sorts, someone who saved you from the clutches of death, but does he feel he has overcome death now, that is the question. And who knows what the answer will be, once he returns to us.

For her own part, Heidi could not see how she could ever love such a man, one whose?mind seemed tremulous, on the very fringes of reality. I think, that I should enjoy very much making him pay for how he has caused you to suffer, mistress.?

On Thursday, May 19, 2022, 1:58 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Van Hoff stared at the patient. The strange effects on his body were regrettably due to the unusual medicine he'd had to administer. It was sad that he had to resort to that, but he was left with no choice. And the patient did seem to respond, however briefly and insufficiently.

?

Perhaps if he now was given the time to recover, the mind could use the rest, while, the physical maladies could be address later. "Mary Beth, do we still have the new salve for burn marks, the one?our apothecary swore by? If so, perhaps?you should apply it, three times a day, the intervals at your discretion. We'll see what tomorrow brings," Van Hoff concluded uncomfortably.

?

"You better begin, Heidi. Your voice is so soothing to me, I expect to find much solace and remember the higher comfort once I hear you say it," Elizabeth hedged, her memory of prayers least established of all.

?

Despite her ability to connect most dots, there were still some memories holes left behind due to her recent sojourn in the place of?unmitigated darkness.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, April 18, 2022 11:11 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Will you lead the prayer then, mistress? Or, shall I begin it, Heidi inquired.

We will know nothing, if we do not take the chance, Marybeth stated, watching as Van hoff prepared the injection. She nodded when he told her to hold him still, very well, Doctor, she stated, stepping forward, placing gentle, but firm hands on Victor.?

There it goes, Marybeth stated, stepping back once the injection had been given.?

He’ll have you going to Africa, and talking to headhunters about him, it was lady science who was speaking now, almost making Victor forget the vision he had seen mere?moments before.

You are indeed most beautiful, my lady, Victor spoke to her in the dream; but I fear you have all but made me lose my beloved Elizabeth, and for this, I am not certain that I can forgive you.

It was then that lady science fell to her own knees,?not in front of the man on victors right, but in front of Victor himself.

Please, great and mighty one, she begged. Of course you can forgive me, for you are, Man, and Man himself is blessed with supremacy, for was he not given dominion over everything at the dawning of the world? You, dear Victor, are human, and you’re very humanness?makes you,?

God

She speaks to your pride, the one called, God, spoke to Victor. Remember that pride goes before destruction, and a hottie spirit before a fall. Your pride is what got you in the position you were, on the table on earth.She speaks to your pride, the one called, God, spoke to Victor. Remember that pride goes before distruction, and a haughty?spirit before a fall. Your pride is what got you in the position you were, on that table on earth. Pride has given you paws, instead of hands, quills, that cover your normal skin, and it ??will make you consume things that you would not ordinarily consume.

It will make you live forever, so that you can hunt for knowledge, the lady science countered.

Victor did not miss the word, Hunt. I don’t want, to Hunt, he snapped back at her, and I am not God, for had I?been God, I would have done far better by my own creation.

A soft smile touched the face of the son of God, as he replied, now that’s using the brain I gave you.

Was not the brain created by human genetics, the coming together of two people to form a third, lady science argued. ?follow me, she continued, and I will make you a hunter of…, Pursuer, of knowledge forever, she quickly amended her words.

Victor turned to the one called, God, help me, he silently prayed, not knowing if his silent prayer would be recognized. A firm resolve came over Victor, a boldness, such as he had never known before in his life. He looked at Lady?science, a scowl on his face, feeling as if he wanted to snarl at her. ?The resolve could be heard in his soft, but decisive voice.

狈辞…

I have followed you all my life, and it has made nought but a fool of me. Science, as he says, was only meant to be a help to Man, a blessing and not a curse. ?You yourself admitted that you only made me what I truly was, and you are indeed correct, for I have been a beast for not following him, and not acknowledging him. ?But I now repent my evil ways.?

Victor then turned away from Lady science, toward the being sitting on the throne. The lady said many other things to him, but he paid her no more heed, as he himself held his arms open wide, and ran into the waiting arms of the son of God.

Oh Christ, my savior! I hear by acknowledge my sin, and turn from it as best I can. I place my trust in you, and you alone, from this day forward.

The hovering, humming angelic beings, who had been flying around the being on the throne, now broke forth into song, joyously proclaiming that a sinner had come home, had repented his ways, and had chosen the right choice. ?But even the song of the angels would have a minor chord in it, for the injection given by Van-Hoff would soon have its affect.

My dearest child, you have indeed made the right decision, Christ told him. But soon, you will be faced with many decisions on earth, in the waking world. You must, as soon as possible, find yourself a copy of my holy, written word, and begin reading it and studying it, for there will be those who will try to guide you wrongly, and there will be those who will try to set your newly found salvation at nought. ?You must do your best to always choose me, you must place me even before you’re most driving need.

But Lord, Victor’s voice was reverent as he spoke, do I not have a home here forever? Can I not stay here, with you?

I know that is your true desire, my son, he replied, and one day, you will return home to me, but not yet. For there are many on earth who must know of the change in your life, and before they know of this, you must once again make the decision, in your waking hours. And you must always let me come before your most overwhelming need. Remember, you are forgiven, my blood, which has cleansed you, and which gives you eternal life. Only by the blood, will you live forever.

It was now time for the work of the injection to begin; Victor suddenly felt himself ?jerked?from the loving arms which so tenderly cradled him, as he now lay his head on the breast?of?the Son. ?Remember, the heavenly voice called to him as he felt himself falling, murder is wrong, always give life, never, never take it.

Victor felt himself ever falling, a fall that would seem eternal to him, he could hear his own voice crying, God help me, help me God! And he heard what seemed a comforting voice at first, I am here, dear one. There you are, kitten. ?But Victor caught the term of endearment the voice used for him, as well as the hypnotic quality. ?For it happened that, during all of this, other contacts had been made, an actual vampire had been sent, one who could enter the dreams of mortals. He had made himself to both look, and sound, like Vlad, he was told to, complete the mission, as it were. ?He could no longer cry out loud for the help of God, because there was now a bloody wrist, firmly pressed against his lips. Come now, drink it, kitten,?the voice of this new being spoke, in the likeness of Vlad. ?For a moment, as this other part of the dream began, the voice of earth and heaven seemed to blend in Victor‘s ears; it is this blood, which will give you life.

Victor now felt the urge to, try to wake up, as if he were realizing that this was a dream. It had to be, those in the real world would hear his moaning, would witness him struggle to escape the unseen being which was about to force him to do what he, especially now, would not want to do.

The wrist was taken away, pulled back only enough to allow a strong hand to move in between his lips, forcing his mouth open, the droplets of blood from the wrist dripped into his mouth. ?Those in the real world would hear him choking, as he fought against swallowing the crimson. But a hand would move down to his throat, gently, yet firmly rubbing it, forcing him to swallow, once enough blood had entered his mouth. ?You are fighting me with all you have, kitten, the hypnotic voice spoke, but there is nothing you can do to stop this, for I am infinitely stronger and more powerful than you. Now, you, much like your creation in earlier times, will be forced into a life and a world you know nothing about, and you will be forced to be what you never wanted to be. ?Most of what you will learn will be on your own, and Many?will view you as a monster, for this that I feed you now will now be your only food. You will hunt, for it will be the only way you will live. The hand continue to hold Victor‘s mouth open, and now the wrist was fully pressed into his mouth.? He?thought to bite the wrist, but that would only bring more blood.

Go ahead, the voice urged, bite my wrist, make me suffer for what I am doing to you now, of course you will only help my mission. Bite it, kitten, show your strength, the voice urged, just as if the being could read his thoughts, for indeed he could. ?Victor kicked at the vampire with both feet, that is, until the sound of cracking bones, and searing pain in both his legs, told him that he had been broken, and yet another way. He started to hit with one of his hands, but this did not phase the beast in any way.?He would awaken soon, back in the real world, and his first words would be, oh, God.

Is momentary relief that it was all a dream would only be short-lived, as he wondered to himself why he felt such severe pain in his legs. Those in the real world would notice his legs being broken, and they would also notice scars on his throat, and a trace of red around his lips. Victor would not notice this yet, and he would soon sleep for the rest of the day, before awakening that evening to face the strange growing predatory urge which he would feel, along with a strong memory and growing empathy for Frank, and the words burning in his heart and mind, always give life, never, never take it. Only time would tell the true outcome as Victor battled his most urgent, overwhelming need.??

?loves you.

On Monday, April 18, 2022, 12:25 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Van Hoff hesitantly shrugged. "That is precisely the problem, the effects are varying. It is supposed to jolt the organizm into a more alert state.

?

It has worked many times, bringing patients out of their trance, and yet it has had the opposite effect as well. I surmise, because the system could not handle the jolt, it became too much for the body and the mind, and became the final push away from?healthy condition.

?

I would not have tried something so unstable, only the sudden deterioration seems to have?left me with no alternatives. I am?going to start then," the doctor stated and proceeded to prepare the injection, carefully rereading the relevant passage he had jotted down based on his manuscript, just for a case like this.

?

"Hold him still if you will," the doctor suggested to Mary Beth calmly, and after one more moment of hesitation, the?medical experiment commenced. ?

?

"I suppose that would be the right thing to do," Elizabeth admitted, almost?sadly. Even if her prayers?would be inwardly dedicated to the powers that be instead.?Encouraging them to show her the way toward greatness.

?

She?never wondered previously though if monsters like her even had higher?powers of the spiritual kind. Surely they had to, she decided, as monsters required guidance too.

?

?

?

???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, March 21, 2022 4:50 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

If you wish to pray for Victor, mistress, Heidi began, I am most willing to pray with you. Would you like to do that, now? She tentatively offered her hand, in case Elizabeth might want to join with her in prayer. She added, something tells me he’s going to truly need it.

I am indeed most ready for one more adventure, Doctor, Mary Beth stated, my reputation in this community being of?little concern, at least in so far as medicine goes. But tell me, if you will, what does this drug actually do? Will it awaken him? It looks as if we are, about to lose him.

In the dream, Victor could feel what would feel much like a wrist, pressed to his lips, something warm dripping from the wrist, touching his lips. He could hear the seductive voice, very hypnotic in its sound, trinket, kitten, it is what you need; it will make you strong, so that you may live forever, and practice, science. The hypnotic way he said the last word almost made Victor want to open his mouth, and partake of the contents of that wrist, which in and of itself, seemed to be as tempting an invitation as anything at that moment.

Enough!! It was a clear, authoritative voice, yet strangely calm and serene, which broke the hypnotic spell of the one offering him the wrist.

Once again, there was a scene change in the dream, and Victor recognized where he was now. He looked at the streets of gold, and the gates, made of pearl, which now looked familiar to him, since he had seen them in the first part of the dream, yet, no less fascinating. ?He now stood face-to-face with the speaker, the one possessing that authoritative calm voice, who had called a halt to what the one known as, Vlad, was about to perform. ?Victors face was now extremely pale, back in the real world, and no one would hear him say what he was about to say in the dream.

I know this place, I remember. Heaven. The voice now spoke to him, a calming tone that in and of itself sounded soothing, but without the hypnotic quality of the other.

Yes, you have been here before, but you have not yet met me. I have come, Victor, to tell you that it is time now, for you to make a choice.

I wouldn’t choose him, if I were you. That bit of advice came to victors left, and it was the voice of a beautiful lady. She gave him a hand to help him up, since presently he had fallen to his knees. ?Victor thought to himself that the lady sounded in many ways, like his beloved Elizabeth, and yet,?her voice?had another quality to it, One which sounded strangely familiar, as if he had just heard it. ?His eyes were momentarily turned to look at the beautiful lady, who are you, he inquired of her. Let him tell you who??he is first, then I will tell you who I am. Save the Best for last, you know?

Cursed is your pride, the first speaker said to the lady, and Victor could now tell that the first speaker was now on his right. ?The lady only giggled, and gave the first speaker a smirk.

Sir, who is she, who are you, and what is the meaning of all of this?

The man now answered, she has been brought here to represent your other, choice.

Victor now noticed the soft angelic hum of many of the heavenly beings, as they hovered, and flew about the man.

People have been asking the meaning of life since time began, but the whole responsibility of mankind is to love me, to know me, and to respect me. Many?think I require so much work, all I require is your trust. The outward works, or only a showing, exhibiting what I can do, and will do in the life of anyone who will allow it.

The woman on Victor’s left side smirked, fine, he won’t tell you who he?is, so I will tell you who I am; I, my dearest Victor, have been your mistress all your life. No, I’m not your beloved Elizabeth, I am your first true love, you may call me, lady science. ?Don’t listen to him, the lady continued, her voice calm and seductive, please, don’t listen to him. If you do, he, will have you floating around on a cloud playing a harp forever and ever. I, on the other hand, can offer you so much more, you’ll be able to live on the earth, just like your friend told you when he was offering you the drink, before you were so rudely snatched away by this man.

Can science create life? The man did not sound angry as he asked, his voice was one of complete assurance, as if he already knew the answer. Of course it can, lady?science replied, this man here is one of the greatest creators that ever lived. ?In fact, he has already created life.

But can science create life from, dust?

Victors eyes grew wide as he now looked fully at the man. I have never created anything from dust, he admitted. But you probably could, lady science countered, pay no attention to her, the man stated, after which Victor inquired, are you…, He said the last word with??a reverence totally uncharacteristic for him, God??

There is no God, lady science interjected, you’ve never believed in him in your life, well maybe your mom at once taught you a little about him, but who needs that anymore? You have science now, you have me.

Perhaps she is right, Victor replied, perhaps you are an angel? Like the one I saw at the first?

It was then that lady science covered her mouth, and emitted a rather large sneeze. We sneezed him out of existence years, centuries ago, she told Victor. Man is supreme, you had it right all along, Man is his own ultimate God.

And yet, Victor stated, when someone sneezes, is it not polite to say, bless you? Lady science frowned, as the man replied, that is correct, and who do you think it is that gives the blessings? ?You have come to the correct conclusion when you ask if I am god, for I am indeed one with him, I, who?speak to you now, am He, the Son of the one true, and living, God.

Poppicock!

It was lady science who gave the exclamation, he’s no more god?than anything else. But it was then that the man, held out his hands, and spread his arms open wide to Victor.

All of your adult life, you have doubted me, and now is your hour of decision.

Victor would now see that the hands of the man were indeed scarred. Has?science, died for you, Victor? Can you give its life for you? Does it keep you warm at night? Can it comfort you in?the death of your loved ones? Where was science when your beloved Elizabeth was killed?

I helped him bring her back, the woman countered. Yes, but you?brought back a mirror shell, a ghost of the?person that she was before.

He turned back to Victor, now, I will show you yet another vision, I will show you a brief glimpse of what will happen should you make the wrong choice.

In his dream, Victor was once more back in his own lab, concocting and creating. He would see glimpses from the past, as well as from the future. ?He??now felt himself being propelled forward by some strange force, the wind which he could not control. The wind at last dropped him, after whirling?and twirling through seemingly many areas of space, and he would later?find out, time. The wind dropped him, on the same table, where he had been in the dream. The scene changed, he now looked different, and was being made to stand and walk, but he could no longer stand as before. For his hands had become four?paws.

Behold, said the man, the lady science is none other than the one you call, scientist!

Victor now saw himself and heard himself, actually begging for death, but he could not die. For he now lived forever, and was given a bowl of something to drink. He was glad for the water, until he looked and saw that it was not water. The dark crimson color of the liquid in the bowl told him exactly what it was. And there was that same voice saying, drink it now kitten, for you must learn to hunt for this.

This is all wrong, lady science protested,?but Victor looked at her now, and he saw her for who she truly was, although?he knew no other name except what he called her.

You…, You have lied to me, he said to lady science. You told me all this time that man was supreme, you’ve made me think that you were so beautiful even now, when it was in fact you, who made me a beast.

I only made you what you truly are, Lady science said, now in the voice Victor knew full well, for the man was making it impossible for her, even in the vision, to hide herself anymore.

The man known as, God, now spoke kindly to Victor. You see Victor, I have now shown you just some of what will happen. Science was meant to help mankind, never to reign supreme. Science was never meant to take my place, but sadly, you and many others, have filled the void in your life by using it, instead of turning to me. But it is not too late, not yet.

He shows you only lies, lady science once more looked beautiful and sounded seductive as she spoke, but of course, it is up to you. On that point, we agree, the man said, it is now, your hour of decision.???


God loves you.

On Thursday, March 17, 2022, 1:19 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Who or what indeed," Van Hoff agreed unhappily, even the more esoteric theories falling flat in the face of harsh reality.

?

"That is not looking well," Van Hoff admitted, trying to remain calm as any good doctor had to be at some point. It was all part of the trade. Unpleasant perhaps, but nonetheless frequent. The fear of failure that made the rare success saving and improving a life all the more valuable.

?

He was willing to admit defeat, if he had to. But the time for it, has it come already, so soon? Van Hoff could not say and decided to try one more thing.

?

"Mary Beth, I shall now need your assistance. I will be injecting that experimental drug I have told you about. It may be imported from Hindustan, it may have had an uncertain reputation, but the few times it has been tried, have?proved its efficacy, so in the spirit of science itself, we must proceed.

?

There are risks involved of course, so if you?should wish to distance yourself from the experiment and ensure your own reputation remains unblemished in our community, I shall understand and ask Ludwig to assist me instead. How do you feel about one more risky adventure?" Van Hoff wondered, divided between uncertainty and a certain kind of excitement, at finally having?a seemingly good reason to give it a try.

?

***

?

"Only God in Heaven and his messengers on Earth," Elizabeth idly declared, trying to decide if she even remembered the old catechism any longer.?

?

Many words of the old religion rang false to her. Especially since she has grown beyond a mere human capability. Especially since she had to measure and?divide such empty words in relation to the one soul she felt relatively certain could appreciate them even less than she had.?

?

"We can always do what women do best, and simply pray," the young woman concluded, unable to avoid the small smile completely, and compensating for it with a hint of bitterness at the corners of her lips. Humans emotions were difficult to fake, when performed by one above humans, Elizabeth decided, and thought to share with her new friend Cylas later on. ???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 4:10 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself w

Yes mistress, Heidi replied, I fear it may take much harsher circumstances for him to ever recant his ways. But then again, who knows what he is undergoing, even now?

I think I read something somewhere about such a study, Marybeth replied to VanHoff, but I am not sure about it, if it actually works. And if it does, who, or what, could be mesmerizing him now?

What a thrill it was for scientist, to make Victor think she was actually going to teach him something, only to tell him that it was, none of his business, at the last moment. Part of the reason it was so thrilling, was that it was such a torture for Victor. He looked disappointed, even as the one called, Vlad, laughed out loud yet again. Now that?One there,??is a good one. He stroked Victor’s arm, poor, poor kitten, denied the chance to acquire?a most precious piece of knowledge. ?How torturing for you, especially when it’s, science. The one called Felix, laughed,?and Vlad looked around for other chuckles and nods of approval in the room.

You are a quite delicious specimen, dear kitten, Vlad told Victor, his tone conversational, even tender. I know that you very much believe in these, do you not? He showed his fangs once more, I think, I want to leave a lasting impression with you, I want to make sure you honestly believe.

Victor spoke in the dream, I do, I believe! How wonderful, Vlad replied with a smile which again showed his fangs. But, I have to make sure this is something that will stay with you, should you awaken, and return to being the man of science that you have been. You scientist sometimes need things shown to you, he looked apologetically at the young woman called scientist, not you of course, just, kitten here.

Victor would feel the sharpness of the fangs as this time, they completely pierced his throat. He would hear Vlad’s?pleasure, feel his life draining away in the dream, as everything seemed to fade, even the clapping and laughter that was going on in the room, all of the images, fading, ever so slowly fading away. He felt himself becoming sleepy, so very tired, his eyes?closed. Colors were fading, much more quickly now, and he felt himself floating, foward, then strangely,?upward,?as if he knew the way to the place where he would ultimately choose to go, if it were his choice.

He could see a door in front of him, growing ever closer;?on the other side,?it seemed to Victor that he glimpsed?such incredible beauty, that if he ever once?entered through that door, he would never want to return to such a place as that from whence?he had come.

But just as he could feel himself start to enter that door, the progression toward it suddenly ceased. It seemed as though something was, different, as he noticed that the force that was draining away his life, suddenly stopped. In its place, something soft touched his lips, something soft, and moist, that felt strangely like the skin of a man.

No! Don’t do it, it was scientist, who is giving the command, but the one called Vlad, merely shrugged, keeping what was in fact, his wrist, close to Victor’s lips. Kitten? Can you hear me, Victor? Kitten? The voice did not at all sound like the vampire that he had known earlier, it seemed a strange combination for him of some sort of almost angelic music, combined with rapidly flowing water, combining with a strange, celestial wind, to form the most melodious of words, and the most verbal of melodies, which Victor had ever heard.

In the dream, it seems that Victor had just enough strength to murmur, God. Yes, yes my child, the one called Vlad was saying; it is time for you to drink. You must drink in order to be made whole. I,?I am your only fountain of living water now. Drink, take the Crimson flow, drink the living water, and you also, will live, and you will know?power as you have never known. A power that science can only dream of giving. ?But the dream which now was claiming all of victors attention, and all of his senses, was yet to hold even more surprises.

Back in the real world, Victor’s skin was growing increasingly pale, and was now a ghost white. The doctor and Mary Beth would see this, they would probably be able to feel his life slipping away. We’re losing him Doctor, we’re losing him! God help us, we’re losing this patient!?

God loves you.

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, 1:47 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Van Hoff nodded, the motion is as painstakingly slow as the inner movement inside of his mind. The attempt to recall that one esoteric bit of forgotten wisdom that perchance may bear light on the events at hand.

?

"It might be a case of intense mesmerizing performed in the past. Anton Mesmer, not as scientific fellow by any means, reported a curious case that somebody far more solid confirmed in a different setting.

?

Mesmer believed that suggestions could be given, bordering on the bizarre and the uncanny, that the mind could accept as a given...and yet a colleague of mine confirmed?it in the case of?those dear Pagans?from Hindustan who know not Christ, but their own deities seem to have great powers as well.

?

Including the powers to guide and disrupt the course of dreams. Some invocations?to such deities created tangible effects, effects I thought were strange at the time, until our patient arrived.

?

Though if the theory be correct, who on Earth could have mesmerized our patient? I remember some priests experimenting with hypnosis and dreaming, but none were, naturally malign. This case?gets more and more interesting by the minute," Van Hoff carefully opined, almost wishing he still had his cigar at hand for relaxation.

?

"Harsher circumstances, yes. Well spoken dearest Heidi. I fear it takes a great challenge at times, to remind one of what they value, of what they seek to accomplish, of what they hold most dear. God is merciful and God is?wise, Poor Victor though, I fear the harshness of the thing might get the better of him. Is there a way to help him, I wonder? Perhaps it is but the Grace of the Lord that shall offer him his last chance at salvation," Elizabeth spoke skeptically.????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, February 7, 2022 2:51 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] [I could kill him myself with this thing, she and the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to I could kill him myself with this thing, she aimed the taser at Victor, but then, it’s kind of hard to study someone after they’re dead, I mean you could do some things but, she shrugged, not the way I want to study him.study him.A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

I’m not sure, Doctor, Mary Beth admitted, greatly hating to admit her uncertainty. I…, I have never seen anything like this before. This appears to be some sort of a dream that he is being forced to undergo, yet the burns and wounds popping up on his body are quite real. You can see them with your own eyes, can you not? She looked first at the doctor, then at Ludwig.

Well mistress,he sincere love of God, his mercy and grace; but sadly for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I’Well mistress, Heidi began, with some hesitation, for some people, it is the sincere love of God which draws them, his grace and mercy; but for others, it takes harsher circumstances. I honestly do not know which will be the case for master Victor. He…, He’s such a self-sufficient man of science, and men of science often do not believe in God. It takes quite a bit to move them. We can only hope that he will come back to us, more impressionable, and willing to believe.

In the dream, Victor had finally been made to drink the blood, very much against his will. Oh…, Oh God! The words were a mixture of a desperate plea, coupled with notes of anger. The one called Vlad Chuckled in his most malevolent Manor, kitten, you don’t even believe in God; you don’t even believe in…, Me. I can see you, touch you, of course I believe in you, you’re a man. But what kind of man am I, he retorted, ?I would tell you, but then again, you wouldn’t believe me. He chuckled again, noticing that it made Victor extremely nervous. ?so I will just have to, prove it to you.

Vlad once more ran his fangs across Victor’s throat, and up and down, watching his fear, and smiling. He then pierced a part of his throat, but not too much. Just enough to cause some pain. Do you know how easy it would be for me to kill you, kitten? ?With that, Victor would feel Vlads lips, almost tenderly sucking up the small droplets of blood. ?Victor yelled, and tried to slap at Vlad, which earned him yet another malevolent chuckle. It also earned him an unexpected shot from scientist. The shot did not come from a gun as such, it shot out pins, which went into Victor, causing quite a few volts of electricity to flow through him. ?He convulsed, lightning maker! Please no more lightning.

I would kill you right here and now, with only a nod from my friends, but they wish to keep you alive, so very well. Scientist nodded, at least for now, she stated. ?But now kitten, do you know what I am? He looked expectantly at Victor when he said this, and Victor replied, yes, you’re a vampire! He said the words without hesitation. Vlad threw his arms in the air and laughed?triumphantly, what do you know, the?great victor Frankenstein, man of science, believes, in, vampires! What else, will the great victor come to believe in?

Scientist smiled,??aiming the taser at Victor, who cringed. I could kill him myself with this thing here, but then I couldn’t study him the way I want to study him. No, not that, Victor stated, then his tone became conversational. What is that called? Oh, this thing here? Scientist use her sweetest tone, this is called a…, None, of, York, business. She pronounce each word slowly, just


God loves you.

On Friday, February 4, 2022, 12:14 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Ludwig found?relieved at somebody giving him instructions, even if they were the kind he was already considering himself. It didn't matter that he asked for them, it mattered more that he was confirmed in his opinion by his superior. The footman curtly nodded and proceeded to summon back Van Hoff.

?

In his haste he failed to explain what was happening, and the poor doctor, giving up on his footman, inquired the about the situation from the one he could trust, namely?Mary Beth.

?

"What is the meaning of all of this,?what is the most urgent thing I should be doing," the doctor quickly corrected himself, realizing how some bits of information were more important than others.

?

***

"And what is the best process to bring the lost soul back home? What must register within such a creature now that has not before. What sips in, and how can it be done?" Elizabeth wondered.

?

She may not have believed in Victor's recovery, but perhaps she could learn something useful from Heidi?yet, if for an entirely different purpose. The main thing was that a lack of interest on her part could be seen as suspicious, while honest curiosity would be entirely expected instead.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, January 21, 2022 7:33 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Marybeth looked a mixture of horrified and sympathetic. It…, Appears, she began with hesitation, to be some sort of an acting out of, perhaps a dream? But if it is a dream, why are these burns coming up on him for real? Yes Ludwig, I think you better get Dr. VanHoff?in here. ?these burns may well be the result of the fever, but I’ve never seen anything like this before.

Of course, Victor had no idea that anyone else was watching what was happening to him. ?it appeared to be two or three days later, this particular scene was in the lab, in the afternoon, and one word filled Victor’s mind, he thought he heard himself saying it. Hungry!! ?But his own voice did not sound normal, even to him; he thought that it sounded strangely between a fierce growl, and a piteous, animalistic wine, like a starving cat or dog, begging for a crumb.

Feeding time, the older woman stated, looking at scientist. Yep, the man called Felix iterated, time for lunch. ?He mockingly smacked his lips, as scientist picked up what appeared to be a very long skewer. Let me do it?Dear,?flycatcher requested, and she nodded. Then, turning to look at Victor, who was still lying on the table, scientist said, my husband wants to feed you. ?flycatcher men reached into his pocket, and, pulling something out, kept it carefully hidden from Victor, turning so that Victor couldn’t see him, as he placed it on the long skewer. He held it out to him, lunchtime, he stated, then smacked his lips at the creature on the table. Come on, eat up now. Victor looked at what was on the end of the skewer, and almost lost the contents of his stomach, Because what was on the end of the skewer, was a very large, dead, grasshopper.

The entire room irrupt it in laughter and applause, as the creature that was apparently now Victor, tried his best to keep from sicking up.

Get a bucket or pan, Scientist commanded, if he pukes all over the floor, you, are?cleaning up the lab. Me??The man called Felix exclaimed,?as another young man stood and volunteered, I’ll get it, you stay there with the rest of your family and watch him. Thank you, Ingvar, scientist said, as the one called Ingvar, ran to find a large bucket, as well as a pan, and quickly brought it back. ?he held the pan?in front of Victor’s face, and the specimen on the table made appropriate use of it. The man known as Ingvar hurried to dispose of the contents, as flycatcher, stepped forward, still holding the grasshopper on the skewer, and held it to Victor’s lips. As Victor made a sort of mewling sound, flycatcher took the end of the skewer, with the grasshopper on it, down a few inches, and prized Victor’s lips open. Come on now you need to eat, he stated with mock?concern and tenderness, as he punched a small button on the skewer, which would release the grasshopper into victors mouth, then began rubbing his throat, to make him swallow.

You might as well eat it, the man called Felix stated, as scientist added, yes eat it and we will give you something to drink. As?she said this, she glanced out of the corner of one eye,?at yet another person in the lab that had been sitting in the background, but watching the entire spectacle. This man smiled with undisguised malevolence, and gave?A deep, evil chuckle, as he stated slowly, with pleasure. He slowly stood to his feet, seeming to savor every moment of misery he could?cause for the man on the table. His?steps were slow, meaningful strides;?In his hand, he held a cup.

Victor finally was made to swallow the grasshopper, very much against his will, as he muled,?oh…, God! His face was a contorted mixture of pain and sickness, as it went from pale, to a ghastly green color.

Yes…, The man answered in a foreign accent, as he continued his slow, meaningful stride toward the table. You may call me your God, and it is time for the wine of wrath.

Scientist smiled, looked at Victor, and cheerfully inquired, do you know who he is? He is, Vlad Teeps!

The name mint nothing to Victor, but his face was anything but blank, as the thick, deep crimson content of the cup came into his view, ever closer. ?The one known as, Vlad,?placed a strong left arm under Victor‘s neck, forcing him to sit up, as he took the cup with his right hand, and held it to Victor‘s mouth. Victor knew that all his prayers concerning the contents of the cup, that it would not be as it appeared to be, had fallen on deaf ears. But that’s…, That’s, his voice was that sickening mewling growling cross between animal and man, that is…, blood! He pronounce the last word with a grotesque sort of wonder, so overcome was he by what he had recently eaten, and what it looked as if he were about to drink.

Very good, the one known as Vlad, purred at him. ?you will learn your place, beast-man, for as you have given life, so must you now receive it.

In the dream, victors suddenly felt such strong repulsion for the being standing in front of him, for the cup in his hand, and mainly, for the liquid in the cup, that he thought to give a strong argument. But all that would come out was a yowling, no! And even that, sounded more like the yowl of a cat, then the intelligent protest of a man.

I, won’t,?I, wo,wowowwououount!!! ?I, wowwownt! The last word drawled into a hybrid?of of human speech and cat like yowling.

Vlad reached up and stroked the back of victors now quite furry head, ?oh yes you will, kitty man, kitty, he purred, kitten, he added insult to injury, seeing that Victor did not like being called kitty at all.

The newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth. ComeThe newly formed quills, on victors body raised up automatically, as he gave the low warning growl of a cat, showing, for the first time, is extremely sharp teeth.

I wouldn’t do that, the one known as Felix, cautioned behind clenched teeth, as scientist, laid a finger over her own lips. Quiet Felix, she murmured, let’s see what happens; he doesn’t know everything there is to know about Vlad, yet.

The one known as Vlad smiled, the young man speaks wisdom to you, kitty; you should heed his warning. ?now you have grown some very sharp teeth, and they are even somewhat elongated, who knows, perhaps in about…, Too, maybe 3 million years, your descendants will have choppers that look more like…, This. With that, Vlad?opened his mouth,?revealing extremely, sharp, fangs!

After allowing Victor to behold his fangs for a few seconds, Vlad spoke, now the way I see it, kitten, you have two choices. You can either drink this blood that I have brought for you here, which will probably give you strength; or, he grazed one of his fangs gently across the throat of?Victor as he concluded, you can drink your own.

I indeed also hope and pray for salvation for him, as I share in your optimistic hope for him, mistress, Heidi stated sincerely, as she smiled and nodded to Elizabeth. Who knows what he may be undergoing even now. And yet, I’ve heard that oft’?times the worst circumstances, tend?to bring a wayward soul to the foot of salvation‘s cross.???

God loves you.

On Thursday, January 20, 2022, 11:50 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

Far above the commotion, and yet so near that he could almost be touched, a tall man with red hair was watching all the players in the dream scape.

?

His father might have done something subtle, if the game allowed it. His uncle might have done something more persuasive, whether or not the dream gate was fully open and ready.

?

But he was neither of them, and he only chuckled at the spectacle, enjoying the final touch. His final touch, if he could say so himself, and he could, because of who he was.

?

"See, told you Franny, you are great when you put your mind to it. Oh sorry, Keres.

?

A super bril old name by the way. I know you know, or you think you know, ?but you still don't really get it, anymore than Ren does...you really only get mom's?but not dad's or your own.?

?

Maybe if you dreamt more as you were told...still pretty good though, I think that should distract Count?Nobody for a wittle while, which is kind of all I need, told you you were awesome with dreams, and for that matter Ren too, and look at Ig," the young man happily complimented his sister who might or might not be able to hear him when distracted.

?

Though truth be told, the compliment was at his own expanse too. All the harassment, all the nudges, they finally, finally materialized. And right here, right now, at?a place that?belonged to this man. A man who could have been, but never would be, his grandfather.?How?ironic, how bril.

?

The young man wondered for a second if he should help his sister reclaim the lab, considering who else was watching. But she had matters at hand here.

?

"Well, maybe you don't know what you think you know either, dear Count.?You thought you were safe from the prophecy???You thought tricking your pawn into killing somebody important would be forgotten? Because millennia passed, and the Carrier has been gone from the world? You never thought then, that the old gods are never gone, that they might return????Tiktok little count, tiktok," the young man spoke to nobody in particular, smiling at his own inner reference.?

?

?

He was happy and his associates should be equally pleased, he knew, the smirk still playing on his face as he began vanishing from this layer of?a well crafted slice of almost real reality.

?

He?may have preferred playing it like his uncle, but the last touch was of course to honor his father, the man who had been known a long time?ago as, and had knowingly embraced once more, the identity of Captain Dance.

?

****

Ludwig stared at the patient's body, at Mary Beth, and with an understandable tremor in his limbs, hesitantly inquired, "Mam, what is the meaning of this? Should I call the doctor? What should I do?"

?

***

?

"Salvation, yes, after all, every soul needs it, and some can even get it. Will Victor be the lucky one? I hope so, I hope so, dearest Heidi," Elizabeth emphatically explained, not certain if she engaged in a bout of wishful thinking, or for the first time, had a bout of premonition.?

?

?

?

???????

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, January 8, 2022 1:40 PM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

In his dream, Victor tried his best to fight the ghost of Frank, to get Elizabeth away from him, but Elizabeth chose to fight with Frank, against Victor. The two ghosts continued to laugh, as he was once more held over the flames, and then fell, as if the ghost wanted him to relive the scene of being dropped into the fire again and again. ?As he fell,?the scenes of the dream changed to show what could be other possibilities in Victor‘s life. He was aware of a hard thud,?And that?he was on a?table. ?he blinked, then looked around.?My science lab, he breathed,?his voice filled with relief and wonder.

The figure which stood over him smiling, looked much more solid than the ghosts of Frank and Elizabeth had looked. No, stupid, this is not your, science lab, this is my lab.

But, who are you?

The woman smiled, you may call me…, Scientist, for you see that is what I am. How did I get here, Victor wanted to know. We brought you here, she answered, science, brought you here. And before we go any further with this, I want to thank you for being such a great part of my experiment.

What? Have I now become the science, Victor demanded. There was a laugh coming from a young male voice which was somewhat behind the woman, as yet another strange looking man caught a fly and proceeded to eat it.

While?this was happening in the dream, real burns began?to pop up on Victor’s body in the real world, so that MaryBeth, Ludwig, and the doctor, would be able to see them. Marybeth gasped,?what is the meaning of this? ?The others would be able to answer her as to what they thought it was, as the dream unfolded for Victor.

I don’t think he likes you Ren,?the young male replied, the flycatcher chuckled.

Then the woman called, scientist, stepped back, as if to study him clinically, and made a motion with her hands. An older woman, the young male, the flycatcher, and another man stepped up, all of them examining Victor. And then, to add to the nightmare, there he was, the ghost of Frank.

Wonderful indeed, my daughter, the ghost stated, he’s changing already. But what will we do with him, the older woman asked. I don’t know yet, scientist said, I’m just having a lot of fun making him. Hey we could always put him in the circus, the young male stated. ?scientist frowned at the young male.

Shut up, Felix, she snapped. Circuses are made for peoples enjoyment, not to scare people, like he’s going to do.

Hey I have an idea, the one called Felix continued, instead of making him scary why don’t you make him look funny? You know so people will laugh at him, like a clown or something. Because, scientist said, most people love a clown, especially kids. I don’t want kids, or anyone drawn to him; I want them repelled by him, just like they were with dad. ?Should I show him how he looks now, the one called Felix inquired, and scientist nodded, sure go ahead. ??Felix Then took up the mirror, allowing Victor to look in it. And in his dream, Victor became very frightened indeed. No!! He screamed, get it away from me! Get it away; please, take, that, thing, away! ? everyone in the room laughed.

None of this was actually happening of course, but Victor was being allowed to see what could very well be the future for him, although he would not yet realize this.

Thank you, mistress, Heidi told Elizabeth. You see this way, Victor will have a chance to explain what he has seen, and perhaps the priest could counsel with him, and guide him into salvation. I would hope so anyway.

God?loves you.

On Saturday, January 8, 2022, 1:20 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I s'ppose our patient also believes in something...What do you reckon he is seeing, to make him move so, or is that just the fever speaking? My Lady, do you believe people can get visions from beyond? Our patient he might be a different kind than many, aye?" Ludwig wondered, trying to turn his discomfort into words the best way he knew how.

?

****

?

"Now that Heidi is a very good idea," Elizabeth admitted. Not sure if the priest would be helpful to Victor, or would at least humiliate him with his presence upon awakening, but it felt good.

?

And who knew, if Victor would be inspired by holy guidance, as only a man coming back from the brink of death could, it?might be his last chance to experience salvation, as far as she was concerned.?

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2021 9:36 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Oh yes, I do believe in the Almighty, Marybeth confessed eagerly, her nod?equally eager, although I must admit I don’t attend Sunday services perhaps as often as I should, mainly due to work and the like.?But I think you are quite perceptive,she continued, science often tries to explain various phenomenon and workings of nature,?but how can anyone truly know how these things happen???It would appear there is little or no explanation except…, Except for the fact that there is, as you say, something else out there, someone, else, out there.

Victor had been having what some would call a fever dream. In the first part of it, he had seen the gates, streets, and various aspects of heaven, at least as much as he could imagine it, as much as his imagination would allow. But now, his forehead suddenly broke into a sweat, and he began to softly moan. 狈辞…, No, please, do not burn me. I, I do Not, want to, want to go there! There was a look of terror on his face at what he was seeing. He would later describe this as, someone holding him directly above the very pit of hell, so close that the flames licked at him, hungrily eager to devour him, like so many living monsters. And the one holding him over the pit was none other than…, His very own creation.

Later in the dream, as he was dropped into the pit,?he would feel as if he were eternally falling, falling with nothing under him to catch him, no one around him to catch him, or even to Care. In his sleep, he cried out, Elizabeth! But of course, Elizabeth was not there to help. And the one which seemed to be the overseer of this dreadful, fiery place was of course, none other than…, His own creation, it was Frank. ?he was moaning that he was sorry, but in the dream, he was screaming with all the voice he had, which because of the initial sickness, was temporarily taken from him. ?The ghost of Frank mocked him, moaning just as he did, laughing at him, as it stood arm in arm with another ghost, the ghost of his own wife. ?The two ghosts laughed at him, as the ghost of Frank actually transformed into something quite beautiful, something which greatly resembled one of the angels that Victor had seen in the heaven part of the dream.

This…, Is how some people see me, the ghost of Frank said, turning from side to side, floating near him, to make certain Victor got a good view. But this…, Is how you, have always seen me. The ghost transformed again into the figure very much believed to be the appearance of…, No! Victor screamed in the dream, only barely managing a moan, as he be held the familiar appearance of the devil.

The ghost gave an ominous chuckle, you called me the devil, but it was you, who created me, you are my father, what does that make you? He moaned again, screaming in the dream. ?then he murmured four words which he thought he would never say in his waking hours. Oh God, save me!

Heidi nodded, it is a scarce hope, mistress, but when he awakens as I believe he will, we should probably have a priest on hand or nearby, to either assist him in this change, if there is indeed a change, or else, to pray for him that’s such a sickness does not befall him again in future. It is up to you though of course. ???


God loves you.

On Friday, December 17, 2021, 8:35 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam, and there are things we do not...know about. After all, surely despite your understanding of medical matters, you do believe in the Almighty?

?

Well, the other day, I took Bethany out, to listen to this young new preacher," Ludwig admitted with some embarassement, realizing he was saying too much perhaps, out of discomfort.

?

"This young priest was so passionate the the pulpit, he was talking about how none of us truly understand what the Holy word means. How when the Grace seizes you and flows through you, it is not only inspiring, not at all flattering, but could be frightening. As frightening as any Angel.

?

And I started thinking, maybe, well just maybe, some of the things we know about, don't quite act as we know they should, because there is something else out there, I beg my lady's pardon.

?

I just feel like I haven't chosen to misplace the patient...I swear he somehow slipped out of my hands and...there is more to that, and Mr Doctor might not understand what it is that has been happening, or how to stop it, if the patient is...I am not sure what I am saying m'Lady, you might have better words for all of this," the footman?hopefully offered.

?

****

"Changes, Heidi there. Sometimes they just happen, even if we did not choose. Circumstances can alter a person's path, the gentle or not so gentle hand of Fate. I fear that?our Victor has experienced something untoward in his life.

?

Maybe he would have chosen to become the man he has, but perhaps not. Perhaps he just did not know how to handle the cards dealt him..." Elizabeth suggested, noting that she was fairly uncomfortable at describing Victor as hers alone.???

?

She surely had the right to do that but wished to avoid thinking of him in such terms, even for the sake of an easily understood communication between them. She supposed, when it came to that, no such communication could be remotely easy for the things being described, were too extraordinary for ordinary polite words.

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2021 11:24 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth looked uncertain, I must admit, Ludwig, that I have passing we wondered such things. Yet, our place is not to ask such questions, but as I understand it, to do everything and all we can to heal the patient, to bring him out of whatever is holding him captive. ?Head she just said that? She reason to herself that it could be some sort of physical maladies holding him captive, but usually, when people thought of someone being held captive, it was either by other human beings, or something perhaps much more sinister than even physical diseases?could be.

Oh, mistress, do you truly think that he could be changed? Maybe this, sickness, whatever one might call it,?has been brought about for just such a thing as this, she suggested. And yes, I will do what I can to make him talk, to make him tell us what he has felt and saw, what has happened. That is, if he seems indeed to be changed.


God loves you.

On Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 9:43 PM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Pardon mam, but can the patient be...haunted? Me knows it sounds strange, yet I doth not like what's, I don't now, as if he can watch us while being asleep. Something odd about our patient, do you fancy?"

?

Ludwig did not know what even prompted him to ask this superior woman who knew so much and intimidated him and made him wonder if she wanted a conversation at all. And realize that perhaps he needed one all the same. A pity he did not even know how to ask the right question.

?

Even Bethany might be confused at what it was he wanted to know, so he would not blame Mary Beth if she did too.

?

***

?

"Oh, well then my dear. It shall be easy to ascertain that Victor does indeed seek God. For the change in him would then be significant. I would urge you then to make him talk. Explain what brought about the change.

?

If there were,,,say, just as an entirely random example, some hands squeezing his neck, anybody whispering words into his ears. If he remembers being shrouded by darkness, of feeling remorse over not doing more with his life.

?

After all, God has many mysterious agents working for him, you know. I suppose if the change in Victor is real and he?was graced with God's presence, perhaps he can tell us about it.

?

And then we would all be one happy household once more, because we would know the change in him is permanent, you see," Elizabeth offered though she had to wonder if even the mysterious hands choking the life out of Victor or the?face of God itself could challenge him into changing his life style and views.?She was not going to hope too much for it herself, but if Heidi needed the hope, well then, it was not Elizabeth's duty to dissuade her.???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, November 8, 2021 11:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth gave Ludwig a slight look of exasperation. She had almost started to caution him in an annoyed tone to be careful, but then he apologized for bruising the patient even more. Just let’s just get him settled, Mary Beth told him, doing her best to keep patients in her tone. ?And of course, she continued, I will need you to transport him back to bed, at least such is most likely, unless of course, he happens to come out of this seemingly in trapping ailment.

It was now Heidi‘s turn to look thoughtfully at her mistress before stating, if he does come out different, it likely can’t help but be for the good, his?good, as well as ours.

Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open?with surprise when Elizabeth actually asked her about caring for Victor. I…, I shall do my best for you, mistress, as I am always happy to help in anything you need. ?but if it turns out that he does indeed have more of a heart and thoughts toward God, and actually helping his fellow man, what then? What would you have me do?


God loves you.

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, 1:19 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes...Maa'm," Ludwig spoke obediently his prolonged sound a sign of his deep concentration. He felt odd in a manner of speaking, as of something strange and outside pulled at him. Pulled him to move?in the physical direction his own instinct would have avoided.

?

As if in mockery of his sincere words, he had managed to bruise the patient a few more times before he settled the body down completely. "Begging your pardon Mam," Ludwig apologized hastily.?Normally he would have addressed the patient, but then the patient was not available to apologize to,?so Ludwig chose this smallish woman to address instead, to rectify his mistake.

?

Perhaps if she has been a friend, he would have admitted the strangeness to her and hoped for some council that only women seemed to have. But then, even somebody like his Bethany might not have understood or believed him, so perhaps Mary Beth would merely consider him a slacker, he could not take the chance of her bad mouthing him to the doctor, so he determined to keep doing his best no matter what pull he has experienced towards wrong motions with the patient, or otherwise.

?

Elizabeth?cautiously regarded Heidi and finding no subtle undertones of?disagreement or rebuke, finally nodded her agreement. "Your words are most enlightening my pet," she complimented the maid.

?

"But do you think that means Victor would come out even more different than?previously, after he is healed, which is of course to be presumed by those who cherish his well being.

?

If he is any different, I fear I?may not know at first how to attend to him best. Perhaps I shall have to enlist you and your wisdom in helping me.

?

I rely on Abigail in many affairs, but those mysteries of the heart I worry she would not pierce any?better or faster than myself. You might be our best hope, darling Heidi.

?

I know this may put too much?pressure on your slender shoulders and am sorry in advance. Would you object greatly to taking personal care of Victor when he is back and is recovering? I hope not for you seem to have such insights," Elizabeth complimented, sincerely surprised that she found such a good conversationalist in the girl she had previously dismissed as dull. ???

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, October 1, 2021 7:39 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Thank you Ludwig, Mary Beth replied, her own tone somewhat distracted, until he missed the second wall. Be careful with him, we may not know what is wrong with him yet, but he is still a patient which has come into our care. How could she expect him to have the same care for the man that she and the doctor had. ?She only wondered this, and contemplated it, as she watched the forward progress of Ludwig, carrying the patient.

Heidi regarded Elizabeth with a thoughtful expression. It is not that you are without influence in his life, mistress, for I believe you are not without such, but I think often times, men will listen to someone else telling them something, before they listen to those closest to them; perhaps you could confirm what the other person was saying, the priest or whomever you choose to speak with, but sometimes, two or three People saying the same thing, confirming one another in their assessments, I think often times this can?help one to get ones point across.

She studied Elizabeth’s expression, hoping that?what she said offered some genuine comfort and hope to her mistress. Then again, she continued, who can say what if this present set of circumstances might not do it for you. People many times have near brushes with death, and come out of it much different, thinking more of God, and their own mortality.


God loves you.

On Friday, October 1, 2021, 12:29 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"Yes Mam,"Ludwig obediently took on the little man and carried him, not truly paying attention to the new of his fever.?But his thoughts, of missing time with Bethany because of this unexpected change in the doctor's routine, made him upset, and distracted.

?

Though he failed to avoid the sharp edge of the wall he was crossing with the patient, he did notice his error on time. He didn't think the patient noticed any damage, and?could only hope Mary Beth didn't either. Trying to think of distracting her attention from the patient with something witty to converse about, Ludwig could only think of something little to ask the doctor's assistant.?

?

"So, have you found anything good at the grocery market," Ludwig gruffly wondered, the effort of thinking?of a topic evident in his voice. And then he realized with a start that his own question distracted him instead, prompting him to unintentionally miss another wall.

?

A good thing it was a small man he was carrying, a larger load?could have slept away from him by now, Ludwig well knew. He shuddered at the very thought of being fired by Van Hoff and loosing all access to the lovely Bethany. Now there was a girl he could easily talk to, about anything.???

?

***

"But Heidi,?Victor was encouraged to think of God. I encouraged him myself, and so did his father. Victor did not really object. I don't know that he thinks there is no God.

?

I don't know that he is not interested in God at all either. I just feel that all thoughts about God would still direct Victor to think about his own greatness.

?

The disturbing thing for me is that Victor's mind is great. But perhaps, not the rest of him. His moral core does not have the same remarkable capacity. His emotional strength, it is...not the strength of a real man. Of a scientist, but not a man.

?

I don't mean that he is not a man," Elizabeth explained, though in her heart perhaps she did mean that. "Only that some people are different from others and don't have the same strength. And Victor is smart, but not overall strong the way his peers would have been."

?

"It's not that I hold it against him," she speculated, and then decided that maybe she did hold it against him. "Only his greatness means all the more to him, when he is feeling weaker. So he insists on his greatness, he cultivates it through his scientific accomplishments, and does not accept his limitations.

?

Oh Heidi, I fear for him. For his body and the physical toll it has taken. For his mind, that may not be able to handle much more. And for his very soul that is so uninterested in God but?which without the idea of God at least, seems to fall prey to folly. I just don't know how to convince Victor that he needs something else. Something that is greater than him and is no part of him. Do you think he would listen to somebody else better than he does to me?" Elizabeth idly wondered.??

----- Original Message -----

From: Sandy Hargrove via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 8:15 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Mary Beth nodded to the doctor. All right Ludwig, she stated with a sigh why don’t we sit ?him up in a reclining position, so that even if, when…, He awakens, he will be still comfortable. We don’t want to make him uncomfortable, just get him in a position more conducive to awakening. She checked his fever, it’s gone up, she told Ludwig, and the doctor also, if he were listening.

Victor was quite frail, so should prove relatively easy for Ludwig to carry. And now, especially without his daily enhancement potions, the age in his face showed.

Perhaps he rarely, if ever, thanks of God at all, Heidi suggested. Maybe he has never thought about whether or not he is greater than God, because he’s never really thought of God in the first place.


God loves you.

On Thursday, September 16, 2021, 1:15 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:

"I do wonder if the essential salts used in one experiment by Reuss would amount to something, or but a fanciful way to add?a semblance of originality he has uncovered elsewhere.

?

No matter. I will omit them for now,?unless the patient fails to respond to the treatment. Ludwig will help you by carrying the body, but perhaps you shall instruct him on how to arrange it perfectly, so the patient reaches a somewhat satisfactory position. Whether he is aware for now or not, matter not for his level of comfort. Ideally he would wake, and then we would be prepared...Yes, let us proceed, Ludwig," Van Hoff nodded, though he named the one doing the manual labor, he rather included both in his order. If anything Mary Beth was going to play the more crucial role on the matter. If he could have three of her, his job would have been so much easier, as well he knew.

?

?

Elizabeth could not take umbrage with herself. Despite the difficulties of conveying her outrage to somebody who in all likelihood even resisting understanding the truth of the matter, she has done fairly well in explaining the issue. If it did not fully work, the fault could not be?completely ascribed to her.

?

"I don't know, Heidi. You might be right. Some of them invoke the name of God in their introduction, which is sometimes the one piece of their writing I end up caring about. Could they be facetious in their show of respect? Perhaps if they believe their publication would be met less favorably. But I don't know why in our rational age, they would need to profess their loyalty to God if they don't feel it.

?

However, assuming that most of them are devoid of the religious sentiment, the problem remains. Not only with the men of science departing from any idea of godhood. What bothers me is when some seek to replace it with the idea of their own, equal, or possibly superior greatness.

?

At least that is how Victor seems to think a lot of the time. Perhaps such attitude is necessary for him to succeed in such a frightening enterprise as his. Perhaps his attitude was encouraged by his educators and is shared with them. I cannot say. All I know is, even if it has some benefits, the drawbacks of such thinking are too intimidating for the rest of us, who do not particularly delight in creating science.

?

I can see the necessity for utilizing its wisdom, but perhaps, when one ventures too far into the gaping maw of the unknown, one should withdraw and recover. All Victor wants to do, is to forge even further. And for all such things as pride and ambition serving the greater good, I must wonder where such emotions in their purest form would lead him. And if perhaps that in itself does not account for his mysterious ailment," Elizabeth considered.

?

She had believed herself to be done with the subject but with frustration realized she has been wrong. There were still matters unresolved, matters she has not touched upon, and voicing them?out loud?did seem to make them better.??

?

----- Original Message -----

From: Ishamael Moridin via groups.io

To: [email protected]

Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 1:51 AM

Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams

Yes Doctor, I shall go and heat the water right away, Mary Beth replied, waiting?only a moment to see if he needed anything else, before hurrying away to heat the water in the tub. ?Of course, she had to fill the tub first, but it wasn’t all that long before that was done, and the water was heated, not too terribly hot, but warm enough to hopefully start to increase the circulation, and bring the feeling back into this comatose man. She then returned, the tub is ready Doctor.

Heidi‘s eyebrows shot up in surprise when Elizabeth addressed her as, my pet, she said nothing, supposing there were far worse things to be called by one’s mistress or master. I…, She hesitated, I doubt if he even thinks of such things. I think, probably most men of science think of religious matters rarely at best, if even at all. Perhaps he does think of himself as a new Lord, but then again, who can say without a direct answer from him; all we have?are?his actions. I would hate to believe such things of him, but it does seem as though you are very important to him, yet it would appear that he spent so little time with you before. Perhaps you are right, perhaps he indeed deserves what he gets. Her voice sounded distracted as she mused on the entire matter. ?But somehow, I don’t think even he, could be quite that arrogant as to consider himself a new Lord, although you say that he did decline the offer of holy counsel. It may be though, she continued, that he considers himself a hero of sorts, someone who saved you from the clutches of death, but does he feel he has overcome death now, that is the question. And who knows what the answer will be, once he returns to us.

For her own part, Heidi could not see how she could ever love such a man, one whose?mind seemed tremulous, on the very fringes of reality. I think, that I should enjoy very much making him pay for how he has caused you to suffer, mistress.?