The Dark Slayer(Shelly Garrod) “It's been six months since Michael's murder. I've been carrying this heavy load on my shoulders after finding his body that morning. Why him! Why not you or me or anyone else in this department? I need answers. There must be an answer to why this happened. I tried to get him to come see you Dr. Ashinoff. But he refused. With your specialty in sleep analysis, I thought maybe you could help him understand and work through his nightmarish dreams. And who really is this Dark Slayer? Why are you the only one that witnesses his killings and is allowed to live?”

“I understand your concern, Brian. I've learned some things about the Dark Slayer. He prays on individuals who've experienced very vivid and real-life dreams beginning as early as the toddler stage. It's taken me awhile, but I've uncovered some medical reports on Michael dating as far back as twenty-four months of age. These records have been sealed only to be opened by him or upon his death. I went through plenty of red tape and major hoops to get access to his documents. I discovered he was in a study group of one hundred eight people ranging from eighteen months to sixty years. According to specialist these individuals were labeled as extremely intelligent 'different' with one important thing in common. Their unique ability to vividly imagine colorful and intense dreams. Recall of those dreams are instantaneous and flow smoothly like a well written story. You know how we dream but can only remember bits and pieces? Well, the reports show that these participants dream every night and can remember everything in complete detail. And another thing they have in common, they all report seeing a dark shadowy figure moving throughout their dreams committing murders. But they can't tell who or what the figure is or what it is killing. Michaels listed at the top of this group. There are boxes filled with documentation of his dreams up to the age of thirty when he voluntarily quit the study group. Supposedly he was hooked up to a dream monitor of sorts at his home. This machine recorded his dreams. Upon awakening Michael elaborated more in great detail by speaking into a microphone. These transcripts are also in his file. He never told anyone about his ability because he didn't want to be known as a 'freak', 'outcast' or seen as being 'special'. Michael also reports many times seeing a shadowy figure, I believe that's the connection between Michael's dreams and the Dark Slayer. These people have seen him and witnessed his murders, but they don't know that. I'm guessing that's why he wants these individuals dead, including Michael. Which he succeeded in doing.”

“Wow! I knew Michael had a strong imagination, but this. His dreams? It's just too much. That dark sinister figure had to have been the Dark Slayer. I want that bastard dead!”

“It isn't going to be easy. What I've learned opens up a whole new predicament. I'm not sure if he CAN be killed. Remember it's imperative that he dies at precisely midnight. Why hasn't anyone been able to do this? Does he have some special kind of power that stops that from happening? These are questions we need to find answers to. I've been working with a team of specialists trying to determine the motive to the Dark Slayer's killings. The information I gather when I visit his world is analyzed. With five brilliant minds working on this, we've still come up with nothing. No answers to why he kills. No answers to what motivates him. I have only guesses. We need proof.”

“Dam! Man. What are you saying?”

“I'm saying, there are more things you need to know.”

“Well!?”

“Brian, dreamland is the Dark Slayer's Domain. He owns it. He controls it. He rules it. He determines who enters and who leaves. I have been studying him for the last couple years. I have yet to understand why he admits me to his dream world, and I'm allowed to stay as long as I wish without being murdered. I wake up safe in my own bed every morning. And I remember everything I experienced in his domain that previous night, Which is different from my 'normal' dreams where I can't remember much of anything.”

“In my dream state he beckons me to his realm. I don't think he sees me although I do believe he knows I'm there watching him. I know a little about what he does. Two nights after Michael's death I was summoned to his world. Walking, I stumbled upon his hideaway. Is it possible he planned this? Maybe. As I entered, I was drawn to bodies, human bodies sprawled randomly throughout the ground. Upon examination I found they were still breathing but could not be aroused. My eyes were cursing what I was seeing, and I didn't understand what was happening. But that was soon to change. Suddenly I sensed movement. And quickly hid behind a mound of dirt. The Dark Slayer approached. He leaned over one of the bodies.”

“It's your time my darling. Come.” He whispered to her in a raspy voice.

“He signaled for her to stand. She did. Slowly she exited ahead of him. Apprehensively I followed. We walked into pure darkness; I mean black. But soon everything was going to be very clear. What I was about to see blew me away. The Dark Slayer waved his hand in a swiping motion. Within a split second the darkness looked like anyone's cozy small town with houses, restaurants, a bar and a store. You get the picture. The young woman appeared dressed in a long mink coat walking on the paved sidewalk under dimly lit streetlamps. The Slayer was gone. Next, I heard screeching tires as a black sedan rolled to a stop against the curb. The Dark Slayer stepped from the passenger side of the vehicle, grabbed the girl and stabbed her repeatedly in the chest. Suddenly I heard a man's voice yelling from across the road “Hey stop! Leave that woman alone!” I turned to see Michael. The Dark Slayer turned and gazed in my direction. Instinctively, I ducked. The next thing I knew I was lying in my bed next to my sleeping wife.”

“You're saying the Slayer plans his victims' deaths and obtains pleasure doing so?”

“I'll explain what I think is happening. I believe the Dark Slayer summons his victims while they are dreaming. He then brings them to his private location. There they remain asleep until he awakens them. When he wants a subject dead, he conjures up a way to kill them which, yes, pleases him. He sets the scene, carries out his murder then everything disappears and returns to nothingness, darkness. The people are found dead where they were apparently sleeping.”

“Doc, this is too unreal. These things you're telling me are impossible. They can't happen.”

“Brian, they are happening, and we have to stop the Dark Slayer's madness. Let's call it quits for tonight. Go home get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow we'll see if we can devise a plan to stop him before he kills again.

“Alright Doc. I'll see you in the morning around eight.”

That night Brian poured himself a strong shot of whiskey with a splash of coke. He kicked back in his recliner slowly recapping his discussions with Dr. Ashinoff. Michael's vivid dreams. Slayer's private hideout. Created death scenes. People returning to reality dead. Kill Dark Slayer at midnight. He began to doze.

“BRIAN!”

Brian was jostled awake. “Whoa! What the f...? Is somebody there?” When there wasn't a response. He shook it off and went to bed. He quickly entered slumber land. No Dark Slayer.

After two strong cups of Colombian with a shot of Crown Royal he shaved, showered, dressed then headed into the Forensics Lab to meet with Dr. Ashinoff.

“Morning Brian. Have a seat.”

“Morning Ralph.”

“Well Brian, Last night I went back to the Dark Slayer's hiding place with my camera. I snapped a few pictures of six of his victims. They've been faxed to Melissa accompanied by a note of urgency. She'll find out who these people are. And what significance they have to the Slayer, if any. Missy's great at her job and has a way of digging up information where others can't. She'll get to the bottom of why he chooses these particular people and why he chose Michael.”

“I hope so. Did any murder take place?”

“Ya, I witnessed the murder of a drunken homeless man. Same procedure as the night before. I'm guessing his pattern and routine doesn't change. Which might be to our advantage.”

“Doc something strange happened to me yesterday evening when I got home. Kicking back with a drink I dozed off and swore I heard someone call my name. It was as clear as if they were standing right next to me. Do you think it was him?

“Maybe it was your wife?”

“No, she's visiting her parents in Chicago. It's just me and the dog.”

“In that case I believe it could have been the Dark Slayer trying to summon you to his world. But why I don't know. Let's just wait and see what Melissa comes up with, then we can go from there.

“Alright. Let me know when you hear something, anything.”

“Will do.”

Brian headed back to his department. His mind was reeling. He's been so overwhelmed with everything. He tried to concentrate on his back log of work he's put off since his friend's death. This didn't come easy, but he did accomplish a few things. In fact, he helped to close one case. It was a long day but none the less, productive.

“Hey, Joe, I'll have a shot of Crown Royal straight up.”

“Gotcha Brian.” the bartender snickered. “What's up?”

“Why do you ask?”

“In all these years, I've never witnessed you drinking anything straight. So, what gives?”

“Oh nothing. Just a lot on my mind.” Brian thought, I sure as hell can't tell him what's been going on. He'll think I'm ready for the loony bin. In the corner of his eye, he swore he saw someone dressed all in black and wearing a long trench coat slip out the side door. He quickly ran to the exit tripping over bar stools in the process. Swinging open the door to the alley he sees the tail of a trench coat slither behind a garbage dumpster. “Aah NO!” he thinks out loud. He quickly turns and sprints back to the bar.

“Pour me a double.” he announces to the bartender. After nine shots of whiskey and an hour and a half later Brian heads for home. Thank god he only lives two blocks because everything is a blur. Stumbling through the door, stripping off clothes and leaving them where they drop, he approaches the sofa which appears miles away. His body plunges on the cushion like rapids on rocks. He's passed out cold.

After a restless dreamless night Brian awoke to the worst pounding of his life. It's getting louder and louder. “DAM!” “STOP!”

“Brian! It's me, Ralph! Open the door!”

“Hold on Ralph!” he hollers back.

Ralph pushes the door open just as Brian grabs the handle. Instinctively he lets go as the door slams into the wall leaving a doorknob dent in the drywall.

“What the hell Ralph! Why are you here and not at the lab?”

“I've come checking on you. Is everything all right? You didn't show up for work?”

“Dam! What time is it?”

“Ten.”

“Shit!”

“Ya Brian, you look like shit.”

“Doc, I think the Dark Slayer is here and he's looking for me.”

“That can't be Brian. I don't THINK he can leave his domain.”

“Well, I THINK he can.”

“Get looking presentable and we'll head back to the Lab and see what Missy dug up. I'll drive.”

“No argument from me.”

Neither man spoke during the ride back to the Lab.

“Gentlemen, I've been looking all over for you. Come to my office. There's something you've got to see.” Missy said, her voice trembling.

“All right, spring it on us girl.”

“Let me start by saying kudos to you Ralph for getting Michael's medical records. There is a link between the deceased victims including Michael and the Dark Slayer.”

“What is it?”

“The unbeknownst victims of the Slayer are from the study group Michael was a part of. I cross referenced the victims with the names in the study. And as sure as I'm standing here the names match. 'Karen Murvey', 'Tammi Hall', 'Josh Miller' and so on.” This is the only group known to exist. Here's something even stranger. All the victims were found dead gripping a six-inch blade deep into their chest. Same as Michael.”

“Where were the bodies found?”

“In the place they were sleeping when dreaming and summoned to Slayer's domain. Josh Miller, the homeless man stabbed to death in his box in an alley. Karen Murvey found stabbed to death in her boyfriend's bed. Police records show there have been seventy-four of the subjects killed this way in the last five years. That leaves thirty-four subjects including their dependents the Slayer has yet to dispose of.”

“Doc is it possible to track down these people? Have them meet us in an undisclosed place and explain what's happening to them. Maybe we can pool our heads and devise a plan of attack on the Slayer. And save some lives in the process.”

“Sure, we can do that. Anything's worth a try. Melissa left us a list of the names. Get a team together Brain and contact Motor Vehicle, Blue Star Phone Company, Las Carlost Court Records, real estate records and anywhere else you can think of. I'll contact the FBI, Terror Watch List, Missing Persons and State's prison records. Let's cover as many bases as we can. This might take us awhile.”

“On it.” Brian replied. He spent the rest of the day and late into the night doing Google searches on the subjects with some success. And making numerous phone calls to different agencies. Burned out by ten-thirty he cracked open a Miller Light (thought he'd go easy on the drinking) and reclined back calling it a night. Before hitting the sack, he guzzled down another beer. Sleep came easy. He was exhausted mentally, physically and emotionally.

“What the hell! Where am I?” Brian mumbled out loud as he cautiously walked across a dimly lit street. “This must be the Slayer's domain.” He whispered softly.

“You are so right Brian. I've been summoning you for quite some time now, but you've been resisting my call.”

“Why did you invite me here?”

“Oh, I think you know the answer to that.”

“I want you dead!” Brian screamed at the Dark Slayer.

“I know. You and your friends are planning to do just that. But what you don't know is I am too strong and powerful for you. I can't be terminated as your friend Micheal found out.”

“We will kill you! I will kill you!”

“We shall see about that.” The Dark Slayer snickered as he dispersed as quickly as he appeared.

Brian woke up in a sweat. “Oh shit! I've got to get to the Lab!”

“He's on to us! He knows!”

“Whoa Brian, slow down. Who's on to us? What are you talking about?”

“The Dark Slayer!”

“How do you know?”

“I was there last night in his Domain. We talked. He knows we're planning to kill him.”

“That's OK.”

“But Doc, he insists he can't be killed. We can't kill him.”

“We can. We just need a plan.”


Three weeks later miraculously all thirty-four remaining test subjects are located and have agreed to meet at an abandon building in what's called Circle Square.

They're brought up to speed on who the Dark Slayer is and his killing spree. How he summons his victims then places them in a scenario where they are brutally stabbed to death.

“So, you're saying that each and every one of us is slated to be called to his world through our dream only to be killed by this Dark Slayer?” cried a woman in a wheelchair.

“We're all going to die by being stabbed in our dream?” Questioned a stout middle-aged man.

“And he wants us dead because we all share this unique ability about our dreams?” Monica mumbled.

“OK, everyone please calm down. I've asked you all here to help conduct a plan to kill the Slayer. I've explained what I know. Now together we need to brainstorm and come up with a scheme which will outsmart the Slayer. He must not know or sense what we are to do. So, this has to be calculated precisely. As I have told you he must die at exactly midnight sharp. Not a nano second before or after. And you definitely can't be transitioning back to reality. It must happen in his Domain. Is this clear to all of you? If so, let's get busy. I want to hear every idea or strategy any of you come up with no matter how crazy it may sound.”

After hours of contemplating numerous ways of disposing of the Slayer the group finally came up with a plan. They needed a break before they put all the pieces together. They dispersed to their families for the night and agreed to meet again tomorrow to finalize their ideas.

That night Brian was again summoned by the Slayer.

“So, Brian I sense you've been trying to figure out a way to end my existence, but you need the help of my intended victims.”

“How do you know that?”

“I can appear in the real 'realm' for short periods of time. During those times I can focus my thoughts onto what I want to hear. And I heard you needed their help. Well, let me tell you, they won't be part of your plan. There will be a mass killing tomorrow at midnight and I'll get rid of them all. No one can stop me!”

“You can't do that!”

“Oh yes I can Brian and I will!”

The next day everyone met back at the abandoned warehouse. Brian told them about his meeting with the Slayer. And they finalized their plan.

“Ralph, how can we gather enough knives? We all need one.” Said Tom.

“Don't worry Tom I can get the 6-inch blade knives we need. You go with Brian and make sure everyone knows what they are to do. Role play. Brian is nominated to be the Dark Slayer. Practice till I return with the knives. Then we'll put our skills to the test with the knives.”

Later on, that day Ralph returned with a locked box filled with thirty-four sharp shiny blades of steel. Once weapons were in hand their role play began. Everyone practiced exactly where they would be standing and the position for which they would strike the Slayer. Brian was to be the first to penetrate the blade into the Dark Slayers heart precisely at midnight. Followed by repeated stabbings to the heart, brain, eyes, ribs, kidneys back, legs and family jewels. This all had to be carried out with the utmost precision. Absolutely no mistakes.

“OK people the Slayer is going to summon all of you to his Lair tonight. You will arrive sleeping but he will wake you and zap you into the setting he's planned. Remember all of you will be in that environment together. I don't know what it is, but it has to be something where death will occur to all of you at the same time. I understand this sounds scary and impossible. But we will pull it off.

“What happens if we don't kill him?” A girl by the name of Kathy asked.

“You know the answer to your own question Kathy.”

“All right people you're going to be heading back to your homes soon to get a good night's sleep because you need to be in your dream state for him to call on you. Most importantly clutch tightly onto the knife keeping it at your side. He must not see it when you appear in his Lair. Once he awakens you and you are in his imaginary scene you must be aware of his every move. Do whatever you can to throw him off his game. Distract him so Brian can quietly and unexpectedly come in for the kill. You all have your special designed watches ready to emit a blinding bright glow into the Slayers eyes and his surroundings. We expect the glow will throw the Dark Slayer off guard therefore giving Brian time to administer the deadly thrust to the heart at precisely twelve o'clock. The rest of you need to be in your positions at that time. Does everyone understand what their part is? This must be carried out as smooth as glass. We can't afford any mistakes. We have one shot at this, and one shot only. If all works as planned, I'll see you back here tomorrow afternoon. Good luck!”

That night despite the stress and anxiety the group was under, they all drifted soundly off to slumber allowing the Dark Slayer to invade their dreams. Shortly after eleven the Slayer summoned me. Slowly I meandered out of sight. Bodies began appearing in the dark abyss. Brian materialized first. Maybe this was the Slayer's plan. That was OK with me. I stood wide awake as I watched the group appear one by one resting on the ground. I closely observed each holding their knife at their side. Once all subjects materialized the Slayer emerged out of thin air. Standing steadfast like a dark shadow he slowly raised both arms and proclaimed, “Rise! Rise! Rise!”

They all did as he ordered. They were like a bunch of zombies. In a trance. Staring straight ahead, not blinking. Only listening to his commands. Slowly they walked in unison toward the opening of his pad into their awaiting fatal scene.

“Good. Good. Now follow me. I have something for you. All of you.”

With a sly gaze he turned his head in my direction.

Following behind them I had to quickly reach Brian and snap him out of it before it was too late. Brian was in the lead as I suspected.

Sneaking up beside him, I whisper, “Brian, Brian, can you hear me? Snap out of it. It's Ralph.”

To my surprise he winks, giving me a 'thumbs up' with his free hand.

Man, that was a relief. Maybe they're all pretending. I can only hope at this point. I watch as the Dark Slayer slowly ascends above the group. Everyone stops.

“Well done my prey. Look around you. You're all holding a knife. It's shiny and sharp. You will use it to kill one another. This is how you will all meet your death.”

“Dam, how did he know that?” Ralph said silently shaking his head.

“At midnight you will cease to exist, and I the Dark Slayer will continue to reign in the dreams of the unsuspected. None of you can stop me. For you will all perish at the hands of your fellow acquaintances. The group stood paralyzed as if these words meant nothing to them.

Suddenly an arena appeared under a wall of bright lights. The stands were filled with people cheering, yelling and cursing. “Get on with it!!” “I want to see some blood!!” “Kill!!” “Kill!” “Decapitate the bitches!!”

The test group still in a noticeable trance stood firmly in the middle of the arena surrounding the Dark Slayer who had ascended just a few feet above them.

Standing to the side and out of the way I anxiously waited for the drama to unfold.

Suddenly a thunderous clap erupted from the Dark Slayer. Silence overcame the audience.

“You are all here to witness the duel to death. Let the Death Game begin” he declared as he descended back to where he had previously been standing.

In an instant, knives were flaying. Just missing contact with flesh. The audience was watching with piercing glares as the scene unraveled. People are going crazy. Yelling, screaming, climbing over each other, fighting in the stands and throwing 'stuff' into the arena.

“HUSH!” The Dark Slayer commanded.

At the exact same second thirty-four specialized watches equipped with powerfully intensifying light aimed directly at the Dark Slayer erupted precisely at twelve o'clock sharp causing him to immediately be taken off guard. Promptly Brian Jabbed his knife deep into the Slayer's heart. The others penetrated their knives simultaneously into his body jabbing over and over. Instantaneously turbulent colors of grey, black and purple began swarming around the Slayer. His powers of telepathy, vision, conjuring, divination, illusions, summoning, and umbrakinesis separated from his body and disappeared into the air. Unrecognizable sounds emitted from the Slayer as his body swirled, twisted and pulled then suddenly burst into a zillion pieces and poofed into nothingness.

“Whoa! Cries Ralph as he appears back at the warehouse. Within seconds everyone is back.

“We did it! There was a slight twist in the well thought out plan, but it worked. We demolished the Dark Slayer. You guys did great. Your worries are over. Hey Brian, way to go man. You did it!

“He's not here Ralph,” Tom acknowledged. “He didn't come back with us.”

“Aah, he's here somewhere. Great job people. Head home to your families.”

That night Ralph was the most relaxed he'd been in years. A major weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He could finally close the case on the Dark Slayer. Tonight, he looked forward to a peaceful and restful sleep. First time in a long time he welcomed his dreams. After a hot shower he crawled under the covers next to his awaiting wife and gently fell to sleep.

“What the hell! Where am I?” Seconds after his eyes regain focus, he catches sight of a dark shadowy figure all in black approaching.

“This can't be, you're dead!” He rambled. “They killed you. I witnessed your murder. You're dead!”

“Hi Ralph. Let me introduce myself.” In an instant a ray of purplish light lit up a face of pure evil.

“BRIAN! NO! IT CAN'T BE!!! THIS ISN'T POSSIBLE!!!”

“Oh. But Ralph, it is! I am THE DARK SLAYER!!!! Welcome to my Domain!”

“NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

---