Van Helsing (Cont.)

Anna stood in front of the map of Transylvania, hands on her hips, her dark brown eyes scanning the map over and over. At the sound of hard knocking, she pulled her gun from it's holster and made her way to the door, cocking back the hammer.

Carl waited nervously. "You think she'll be angry?"

Beatrice tilted her head, considering Lestat's words.

"Bee?" Hannah looked up. "You look like you're concentrating on something."

"Oh," Beatrice leaned against the carriage. "Hannah, would you...go with me..." She nodded towards the trees.

Hannah sighed in understanding. "John is out there, Bee. Can you wait for Jinx or Michael?"

"I think so," Beatrice agreed.

 

Oh, I shan't let that monster hurt either of you lovely ladies, Lestat smiled at Beatrice, shutting his eyes and grinning to himself.

 

"I wouldn't be, if I were her," Edward commented, straining his ears. "I'd welcome help, since it seems like such a lonely life..."

 

"Try it for a few hundred lifetimes," Van Helsing muttered, unable to stop himself from touching the handle of his gun.

 

Anna opened the door, gun ready at her side. "Who are you?" She asked after surveying the four mens faces.

"Oh my," Carl breathed, noticing Anna's gun.

Beatrice relayed to Hannah what Lestat told her.

"Alright, I'll go with you. But I'm not letting you out of my sight." Hannah got out of the carriage. "Deal?"

Beatrice considered for a moment. "Okay."

 

"I figured someone like you would know my face at a glance, Miss Valerias," Van Helsing began, a small smile on his face when he caught her eye.

 

Edward kept his mouth shut, trying his best not to look through Anna's mind.

 

"Van Helsing," Anna said after giving him a second look. She turned her gaze to Carl. "And you brought a monk?"

"Actually, I'm just a friar," Carl corrected.

"Why are you here?" Anna asked Van Helsing, ignoring Michael and Edward for the moment.

Beatrice took Hannah's hand, practically dragging her along.

"Calm down, Bee," Hannah tried not to smile, returning Beatrice's grip.

"Sorry," Beatrice murmured. "But just think about everything that's happened.... It's all a bit... surreal."

"I felt like that too," Hannah watched her feet glide across the forest floor. "At first. But now... I guess you could say I've gotten used to it."

 

Michael lowered his eyes to stare at the ground instead of Anna. Seems I have more to do than I thought.

 

"We're actually looking for some assistance," Van Helsing began, taking his hand off the handle of his gun. "Regarding what you base your life around. We have some information that will assist us all in the coming future... I'd appreciate it, then, if you'd..." He paused, reaching over to lightly brush her hand on her own gun, "... if you'd put that away."

 

Well, isn't she the prefect mentor for you? Lestat commented sarcastically at Beatrice. Just perfect...

 

Oh, that's not smart, Edward snapped at Van Helsing, unsure if he was paying attention to him or not.

 

"I don't trust strangers." Anna raised the gun. Van Helsing, a friar, and two other men come here asking for information? They either know about Velkan or they're going after Dracula.

"Used to it?" Beatrice looked at Hannah, trying not to think too hard over Lestat's words.

Hannah noticed the look on Beatrice's face. "Not the killing part," She clarified. "The other parts."

"Oh," Beatrice laughed lightly.

"Though I do miss the sun...," Hannah said quietly. "I used to take walks with Henry after our classes.... I miss him too... so much."

"I'm sorry, Hannah," Beatrice murmured, feeling guilty for bringing up a painful subject.

 

Michael looked back up at Anna. She means business.

 

"It's about Dracula, miss," Edward began suddenly, looking at Anna. "We know..." he faded, leaning forward slightly, lowering his voice. "We know his only weakness. Wouldn't you and your family... your brother," he added suddenly, pulling at her thoughts. "Your brother Velkan would be happy to hear you know how to kill Dracula."

 

Michael stared at Edward. That was a bold move.

 

You two are so sweet, Lestat murmured, almost to himself. I can't help but want to be around such... sorrowful people. My weakness, you may say...

 

Thanks, Edward said sideways to Michael, trying not to smile.

 

Anna's jaw went slack, but she quickly composed herself, pressing the gun against Edward's chest. "How do you know my brother?"

"I killed him, Bee. Before I met you..." Hannah slowed her pace. "I even came across your scent one night... You cut your finger on the broken window in your stables. It was only a matter of time before I lost control near you..."

"But Lestat got to me first," Beatrice managed to say.

Hannah nodded. "I would have killed you if it wasn't for him."

Just like you should have killed that girl in Vatican City. John muttered to Hannah. You know you won't be able to hold back if you go there again.

Hannah gripped Beatrice's hand tighter. "Go on, Bee. Get it over with. I don't want to be gone to long."

"Hannah?" Beatrice winced at Hannah's hold. "Your voice is shaking."

 

Well, things are going interestingly over there with your new friend, Lestat commented, listening to Edward. Brilliant boy of Hannah's, isn't he?