Turning Point
The following takes place following: A Town Under A Spell
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Breaking News: Joyce Summers, MP, Arrested on Conspiracy Charges Linked to “Vampire Slayer” Allegations
By Simon Talbot | Walver Lake Herald Online | November 5, 2024
In a stunning development, Joyce Summers, Member of Parliament for Willowdale and leader of the CNT Party, has been arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit genocide. The move follows explosive claims tying her eldest daughter, Buffy Anne Summers, to the clandestine identity of a “Vampire Slayer” allegedly responsible for the deaths of hundreds—possibly thousands—of vampires over the past decade.
Summers was taken into custody late last night by Widdlington Police’s Special Investigations Unit. Authorities allege she knowingly supported her daughter’s campaign against vampires—now classified as a protected minority under the Vamprellian Rights Act—and accuse both Joyce and her younger daughter, Dawn, of participating in “organized, targeted violence” against the vampire community.
The scandal erupted earlier this week when Buffy Summers was detained on suspicion of being the Slayer. Investigators cite forensic and digital evidence linking her to numerous unsolved killings across multiple jurisdictions. She later escaped custody during transfer to a high-security facility and remains at large, considered a “serious threat to public safety.”
Documents obtained by the Herald indicate Joyce Summers provided material and logistical support to her daughter, leading to additional charges of obstruction of justice and violations of the Vamprellian Rights Act. Legal experts have called the case unprecedented. “If proven, this would represent a deliberate effort to undermine vampire protections—an act of conspiracy on a national scale,” said Professor Edith Rawlins of Waldonian University.
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the CNT Party, already divided over the Vamprellian legislation. In a brief statement, party officials expressed “deep concern” and declined further comment. Analysts warn the scandal could cripple the CNT’s credibility, given Summers’ central role in shaping policy.
The pro-vampire group VAMP hailed the arrest as “a victory for equality and justice,” while critics questioned the timing and political motives behind the charges. “These are highly unusual allegations,” said Evan Harris of the Concerned Citizens’ League. “Regardless of one’s stance on vampires, it’s alarming to see a sitting MP charged based on her daughter’s unverified actions.”
As Joyce Summers awaits arraignment and the fugitive Slayer remains at large, authorities have increased security in regions with significant vampire populations. The Walver Lake Herald will continue to follow this extraordinary story as it unfolds.
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The Master slammed the newspaper down on his desk in impotent rage. As acting editor-in-chief of the Waldopolis Chronicle, he tried to maintain composure for the sake of office morale, but the weight of the new Widdlington and the sheer obscenity of the injustice were becoming too much to bear.
As he searched the cluttered desk for a pen, rifling through a stack of Travers’ pornographic magazines in the drawer, his mind wandered back to the events of the past week.
A group of higher vampires had seemingly cast a powerful spell over the town of Widdlington, manipulating both the media and government into recognizing them as a protected minority. This status allowed them, quite literally, to get away with murder on a nightly basis. Though a vocal minority in the public and a few independent media outlets pushed back against the oppressive "Vamprellian" policies, the truth was that vampires now held complete control over the establishment.
Even Queen Mayuri, who had seen the threat thanks to her husband Wesley’s influence, felt helpless, having recently ceded most of her power to the new government. The Master's attempts to contact Prime Minister Konrad directly had been blocked, leaving him with no high-level allies. Now, the rot was beginning to infiltrate the Council.
Meanwhile, Travers was once again under Dr. Shawn’s care, having been sectioned for his own safety. Though not fully turned, he had clearly fallen under a vampiric spell after being repeatedly fed upon by Fiona Malone. One night, the Master had awakened from a fugue state to find Fiona in Travers’ bed, draining him of his fluids. Though he managed to intervene, she escaped into the night.
Despite claiming to be fine, the next day Travers tried to steer the Chronicle’s reporting away from the vampire menace, all while rambling incoherently before violently attacking Ermintrude without warning. Master Trelawny speculated that Travers’ goblin physiology had slowed his transformation; had he been human, he would likely be fully turned or dead by now. As it was, he was lost to them, driven mad with lust for his vampiric mistress.
To make matters worse, the Master’s efforts to spread the truth through his control of the Waldopolis Chronicle had drawn relentless harassment from the authorities, who charged him with publishing "hate facts." He was also facing a lawsuit for alleged defamation from Victor Alaric, leader of the vampire advocacy group VAMP. The Master felt world-weary and unsure of his next steps; while he had allies, they were few and far between.
His only remaining hope lay in the possibility that this was all the result of the capricious "Ed" simply toying with him. Perhaps the vampires were just part of a grand prank or a ham-fisted social satire. If that were the case, there was still hope; the Editor’s fickle nature meant he could grow bored of his dark creation and undo it on a whim. For now, the Master waited, uncertain of what lay ahead but clinging to the faint possibility of reprieve.
Suddenly, the phone rang. With a grunt of exasperation, he snatched up the receiver. The voice on the other end informed him that his presence was required at the Senior Masters chamber immediately.
Master Devlin: “Very well…” (puts the phone down) “Brian!”
Brian: “Yes, sir?”
Master Devlin: “I need to head over to the Council grounds. You’ll have to mind the office while I’m gone.”
Brian: “Sorry, Master Devlin, but I’ve got my mandatory blood donation appointment this afternoon. I was just on my way out.”
Master Devlin: “Mandatory blood donation…” Steam shot from his nostrils. “Outrageous! How could you comply with this?”
Brian: “What would you have me do, sir? Refuse? Risk going to prison? I'm not strong like you, sir. And I can't just fly whenever I like.”
Master Devlin: “Hrmmm…”
Brian excused himself as the Master rubbed his temples, feeling a headache already forming. He scanned the office and spotted Helen, the cleaning lady, methodically wiping down a filing cabinet.
Master Devlin: “Helen! Mind the office while I’m out.”
Helen: “Me, Master Devlin?”
Master Devlin: “Yes, you. You're in charge till I return.”
Helen: “But…”
The Master stopped and turned as he passed her.
Master Devlin: “Oh, but if Wally shows up, I'd advise you not to try to challenge him, for your own safety.”
Without waiting for her reply, he strode out into the corridor and made his way to the Masters Council grounds.
****
At the Senior Council chamber…
Master Robert: “Ah, Devlin, just in time. Let me introduce you to our two new Senior Council members.”
Robert gestured to the pair waiting in the chamber.
Master Robert: “This is Master Keir, and Master… uh, Kamala, from Division. They’d like a word with you regarding the Council’s position on this VAMP business.”
Masters Keir and Kamala stepped forward, their expressions a blend of disapproval and curiosity. Master Robert clapped his hands together with a theatrical flourish.
Master Robert: “Well then, now that the introductions are made, I’ll leave you all to it. I’m off to Florida on a long-overdue vacation!”
With that, he whisked himself out of the room, leaving Devlin to face the new arrivals.
Master Keir: “Master Devlin, we are here to address several operational concerns. Chief among them is your association with The Waldopolis Chronicle and the potential reputational impact on the Council.”
Master Devlin: “Is that right?”
Master Keir: “I’m afraid so. Your vampire-critical stories are deeply damaging to this institution, and we cannot allow it to continue.”
Master Devlin: “Cannot allow it? Who the hell do you think you are? I’ve never even heard of you, and you’re going to waltz in here and start giving me orders?”
Master Kamala stepped forward, placing a hand lightly on Devlin's arm. Her tone was a calculated blend of condescension and breezy casualness.
Master Kamala: “Look, we get it. You’re nervous about embracing our new Vampire friends. A lot of the old-timers are. But here’s the thing, Stevie… The Council needs a major image refresh. Too long has it had a reputation for being behind the times. It’s our job to change that.”
Master Keir: “That’s why the official position of the Council going forward is to align with public sentiment and adopt a pro-vampire stance.”
Master Kamala: “Exactly. So that means your little newspaper will also need to be a lot more… vampire-inclusive.”
Devlin stiffened, rage building.
Master Devlin: “More… vampire-inclusive?”
Master Kamala: “That’s right. Public attitude is changing, sweetie. So if you’d just get with the programme, that’d be great. Okay?”
Master Devlin: “What absolute horse shit is this?”
Keir and Kamala exchanged nervous glances. Neither were used to being spoken to like this.
Master Devlin: “Clearly, neither of you has been here long or paid much attention. Let me enlighten you. The Council has never looked good. We are seen as freaks, yet people still need our help. Once we help them, we’re back to being freaks again. This is the life we live — the one we’ve chosen. We protect the public from vicious, predatory creatures, whether they approve or not. If you honestly think being ‘inclusive’ to a bunch of murderous vampires is the answer, you’re fucked in the head!”
Master Kamala: “Okay, buster… you need to take a step back. You can’t talk to us like that—”
Master Keir: “Let me be clear. If you defy the Council on this, you will be opposing the very institution to which you swore allegiance. We will mobilise every legal, administrative, and financial mechanism at our disposal to strip you of authority, isolate your allies, and neutralise your influence. Consider this your final warning.”
Devlin clenched his jaw, pulse pounding, frustration boiling over.
Master Kamala: “Like it or not, this is the way it is, so you’d better just accept it, mmkay? You can’t stop progress…”
Master Devlin: “Maybe not, but I sure as hell can try...”
In a flash, Master Devlin’s fist drove through Keir’s chest. Kamala gasped in horror as her associate crumbled to dust.
Master Devlin: “Hmph. Thought as much.”
He turned to Kamala, grabbing her by the throat and lifting her off the ground. She struggled to speak.
Master Kamala: “Ack… wait… no… I’m not—”
Devlin’s hand snapped tight. With a single, brutal motion, her head popped off like a champagne cork. Blood gushed from the wound like a geyser as her decapitated body dropped to the floor. Unlike Keir, the corpse did not turn to dust.
Master Devlin: “Hmm… (shrugs) Oh well.”
The Master turned to find Waldo standing there with a gleeful smirk.
wF: “Wow, Stan! That was cool…”
Master Devlin: “Oh. Hello, Widdle Frunkut. You saw that, did you?”
wF: “Sure did, sir. Very impressive. That was like old-school McMurdo Masta energy!”
Master Devlin: “Yes, well, they were trying to pull some Davina Rubin bullshit. Had to be stopped. Although I must admit, I thought she was a vampire too.”
wF: “Well, the good news is at least you’re not vampirophobic! Yousa bein’ an equal opportunities murder! Just like Wiffuhuh!”
Master Devlin: “Hrmm. Well, I have some urgent business to attend to, but seeing as you’re here, how about you make yourself useful and clean up this mess for your Master?”
wF: “Sure thing, Stan! Thanks very much for this chance, sir!”
With one hand, Waldo ripped off his Walchak outfit to reveal his blue janitor overalls. He pulled a mop, bucket, and broom out of his pocket and got to work.
****
Some time later, at the Council Psychiatric Wing…
Dr Shawn: “Hello, Steven. What’s going on? I heard there was an amber alert across the campus…”
Master Devlin: “Yes, Doctor. The threat level has been elevated after I just dispatched two vampire agents who were trying to subvert the Senior Council.”
Dr Shawn: “Oh my…”
Master Devlin: “I’ve spoken with Roger, and we’ve decided to officially designate the advocacy group VAMP as a hostile entity. We’re advising all personnel to stay within Council grounds for the time being.”
Dr Shawn: “I see… Well, you don’t have to tell me twice. I haven’t gone home for weeks.”
Master Devlin: “Smart. Anyway, how is Travers? Have you had any luck with him?”
Dr Shawn: “I’m afraid not. I have to admit, I’m at a bit of a loss. The level of brainwashing we’re dealing with here is unprecedented.”
Master Devlin: “I wish to try again. May I speak to him?”
Dr Shawn: “Of course.”
Downstairs in the basement, the Master and Linda arrive at Travers’ isolated cell. Behind the glass viewing window, Travers is staring at the wall, rambling to himself. Master Devlin studies the charcoal sketches of Fiona Malone that decorate the stone walls.
Master Devlin: “Hello, Travers.”
The goblin spins around. Linda winces in disgust as she spots the twitching spider legs hanging from his mouth. With a snap of his lips, they disappear.
Travers: “Hellooo, Master Devlin… or should I say Judas! I knew you couldn’t stay away long.”
Master Devlin: “How are you feeling?”
Travers: “Love-sick, Master Devlin. Every night I hear my dear sweet Felicia call to me, but I’ve no way to get to her. It’s like a dagger in my heart… and it’s all thanks to you. Seriously, Master Devlin, I knew you were the jealous type, but this is out of turn even for you. Bros before hoes doesn’t mean locking up your best friend just because you don’t approve of his new squeeze…”
Master Devlin: “As I told you before, Travers, it’s for your own good. She’s not sweet—she’s a demon! A demon that has bewitched you!”
Travers: “No, Master Devlin, you are speaking out of turn. We are in love, and you just can’t handle that. So what if she’s a vampire? Love is love. I can’t force you to be tolerant, but you have no right to keep me here.”
Master Devlin: “No right? You want to talk about rights? Good, because your vampire buddies are turning this town into a tyrannical dictatorship…”
The Master holds up a printout of several Chronicle headlines covering the arrests and oppressive policies of the new vampire-influenced government.
Master Devlin: “Every day, people are being thrown in prison without due process for simply speaking out against being made lambs to the slaughter. Many of them mysteriously disappear. New laws mean we’re now living in a two-tier system—where vampires have the right to kill who they want, and everyone else has to smile and go along with it, or risk prison—even death.”
Travers: “That’s unfortunate. If only people could learn to be more tolerant and put aside their prejudice, then we wouldn’t need such laws. But we still have a long way to go, it seems. The vampires just want to live their lives, but vampirophobes such as yourself won’t let them. It’s little wonder they need extra protections.”
Master Devlin: “I can’t believe I’m hearing this from you, Travers… Whatever happened to the free-speech absolutist I knew? Mr ‘I’ll say whatever the hell I want because I’m an American goblin’…”
Dr Shawn raised an eyebrow as a thought popped into her head. She pulled out her phone and started searching.
Travers: “It’s true—Travers once was grossly offensive, I admit that. The fact is, Past Travers never gave much thought to the feelings of others. But what can I say? I’ve grown as a goblin. I now see the error of my old ways. Maybe you should too. Have you ever stopped to think how it makes our undead neighbours feel when you spout off all this hysterical fear-mongering and fake news?”
Master Devlin: “What about how their victims feel when they’re being eaten? Or their families who get thrown in jail for speaking out!?”
Travers: “Growing pains, Master Devlin. You can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs… It’s time you got with the picture. Inclusivity and tolerance are the way forward—not your backward, bigoted ways.”
The Master snapped, slamming his fist against the wall beside the cell.
Master Devlin: “God damn it, Travers! Enough of this madness!”
Dr Shawn: “Master Devlin, if I may…”
Master Devlin: (sighs) “Yes, Doctor?”
Dr Shawn: “Well, it’s a little unorthodox, but I had an idea.”
Master Devlin: (standing aside) “By all means. Proceed.”
Dr Shawn: “Why don’t we change the topic for a bit? Harris, how would you like to catch up on what’s been going on across the pond while you’ve been in here? I think it may interest you…”
Travers: “Pfft. What’s the point? Just more fake-news bullshit…”
He crossed his arms and turned to face the wall. Undeterred, Dr Shawn pressed play on a video and held the phone up to the glass.
Dr Shawn: “I just thought you might be interested in hearing who got re-elected recently…”
Music faded in, and Travers’ ears twitched as he heard his “old buddy and protégé,” John F. Kennedy, giving his inaugural address.
Travers peered over his shoulder cautiously. The video cut to a man waving the American flag in slow motion as the lyrics began.JFK: “…Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
🎵 I am a real American, fight for the rights of every man. 🎵
🎵 I am a real American, fight for what’s right — fight for your life… 🎵
Suddenly Travers jumped as the electric guitar kicked in. The video was a music montage of Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign set to Hulk Hogan’s theme.
As the screen filled with shots of patriotic fervour and Trump’s signature, often outrageous declarations to cheering crowds, a faint glimmer of recognition appeared in Travers’ eyes. The very British Master Devlin and Dr Shawn cringed at the tacky, overblown imagery—but they could see it was working. Travers watched, eyes wide, face pressed against the glass, spellbound, as the words of “American greatness” and “fighting for freedom” cut through the fog clouding his mind. By halfway through, he was already dancing and playing air guitar.
As the video neared its end, Travers was pumping his fist in the air as Trump chanted “FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!” after having just been shot in the ear.
Something in that moment gave Travers pause, before his face lit up as the video cut to footage of news networks declaring Trump the winner and 47th President of the United States. Travers wiped away a tear, straightened his posture as though shaking off invisible chains, and a wide, devilish grin spread across his face.
Travers: “Now that… that is a national treasure.”
The Waldoverse continues in Daddy's Home