Van Helsing (Cont.)

Van Helsing waited for Carl to answer.

 

Hannah! Edward tried again, a little louder and more forceful this time against her mind. Get up before something drastic happens and there's nothing we can do about it! I know you're strong... wake up!

 

Well, tell me what you'd like to do, little Bee, Lestat suggested happily, entering Dracula's castle now. How you'd like to help, anything at all... and I will give it to you.

 

I know I'm strong... I've been told it so many times... but I don't have the courage to use that strength. Beatrice's reply was soft, yet filled with determination.

Hannah slowly started breathing again, her senses befuddled. Her fully black eyes opened and she sat up quickly. She felt crowed, cornered. She heard different voices say her name; one a lycan, one a werewolf, and the other... a friar. Her first reaction was to get away, confusion muddling her judgement. Feeling the strong breath of the werewolf, Hannah backed up a bit. Then the scent turned familiar.
"Edward...?" She breathed, her eyes fading back to their bright honey color. She lurched forward, latching her arms around Edward's furry neck.

Aleera hesitated for only a split second before her nails piecered through Jinx's skin. "Enough tricks. Are you so cowardly that you can't use your own face in a fight?"

 

Carl nodded, "She should soon..." he answered, "Her body just needs to recharge and heal. It will only take alittle bit of time." he looked up at the others. "I'll watch her until she wakes up, but you all need to get Dracula before he runs or something."

Jinx bit down hard on her lip to stop from yelling. She let her glamour drop finally and gave Aleera a cruel smile. "No, but you react so predictably." she answered, throwing her leg out around Aleera's, pulling so the bride fell down and Jinx could stand up again. Taking out the dagger she kept in her skirt's pocket, she moved around to hold it over Aleera's throat.

 

You're not understanding, my little child, Lestat sighed at Beatrice. Can you tell I'm so close to you... right now?

 

Hannah! Edward shouted in her mind, surprised when she collided with him. You're okay? Tell me how you're feeling... Jinx is down there now getting rid of that b.itch of a monster that hurt you!

 

"It's best we move," Van Helsing insisted. "I don't think it's safe sitting here."

 

Hannah buried her face in Edward's fur. "It hurts, but I'm okay. Is Jinx by herself?" She asked suddenly. "Aleera's too fast to be handled by one of us!"

Beatrice concentrated, blocking out everything else that was being said around her. What are you doing here? She asked after she figured out how close Lestat was.

"Is that it?" Aleera asked tauntingly. She grabbed Jinx's wrist and then sunk her fangs into Jinx's pale skin.

 

"hannah dont' over exurt yourself." Carl warned, "I'm sure she's okay." he added, sounding more sure than he felt. He just didn't want Hannah to hurt herself while she was still healing.

Jinx shreiked at the bite, dropped her dagger, and, with her free hand, punched Aleera in the face. She felt Aleera's fangs tear deeper in her hand and she bit her lip hard enough to break skin. "Damn it." she growled, pulling her arm back again to punch but this time extending her fingers to cut Aleera's face.

 

Van Helsing grumbled under his breath, going over to the window so he could see down where Jinx and Aleera fought on the bridge. He aimed his bow carefully, and then swore under his breath, having a hard time hitting just the one target.

 

Edward let out a soft bark in Hannah's ear, happy to hear she was somewhat okay.

I want to help her, Edward said calmly to Hannah. But I want to stay with you... and Van Helsing will go crazy if I'm hurt or anything happens to me...

 

Why? Well, to see and help you, little one! Lestat chuckled at Beatrice, happily leaning against the corner of the bottom of the staircase, just out of view. Imagine the scare I would give your friends if I just... popped up next to you now!

 

Hannah stood up. "Go help Jinx."

Don't! Beatrice replied quickly. They're all very tense and I'm afraid that they might hurt you.

Aleera released Jinx and kicked her away. She stood up and wiped the blood from the side of her mouth. "My master would love to have someone like you as a bride."

 

"Yes, someone go help her so we can move," Van Helsing sighed, unable to get a clear target on Aleera.

 

Edward stepped close to Hannah, rubbing his head on her leg and growling softly. Are you sure? he asked.

 

No one can hurt me, Bee, Lestat insisted, almost seriously. As if anyone could...

 

Jinx sucked on the wound and spat out Aleera's venom before jumping to her feet. "I don't submit to anyone, much less someone as pathetic as your 'master'. How can you let anyone control you like that?" she asked, contempt in her voice, moving behind Aleera before she could react and catching hold of her throat. Her fingers drove into her throat, causing venom laced blood to spill over Jinx's hands. Ick, I wish I had something to light her on fire with. I hate dismembering things.

 

"I'm sure," Hannah answered. "I'm standing, aren't I? Jinx is the one who needs help right now."

I still worry... Beatrice insisted.

Aleera grabbed Jinx's hand and yanked it away, throwing Jinx a fair distance across the bridge. The rips on her neck healed, small wisps of smoke coming from the venom. "He does not control us," She growled fiercely. "We freely follow him."

 

"That's smart." Jinx snapped, sarcasticly as she got back to her feet. "Why? Does he love you? Or care about you at all? what kind of husband is he that you call him your 'master'?" she started walking towards Aleera again, thinking as she spoke, of how to kill the bride already.