Van Helsing (Cont.)

"You don't think I can take those stupid little things?" Van Helsing scoffed. "God, it's like you forgotten who you're working with."

Lestat sighed, moving down to sit on the step next to Beatrice. "You'll be fine, little one," he soothed, putting an arm around her. "You just need to show them your real power, become something that everyone fears, and they will respect you. Look..." He paused, putting a finger under her chin and turning her head so she faced him. "Look at me... are you afraid of me, Bee?"

 

"I only meant that we shouldn't just barge in there without a care," Anna clarified. She was about to continue when Hannah came back in.

The pause in conversation made Hannah stop and look at Anna. She gave Anna little wave and then headed back to Edward's room. Before she went in, she ran the back of her wrist over her lips to get rid of any excess blood.

Beatrice looked to the side instead of at Lestat. She answered, "At times."

 

"I never said just barge in," Van Helsing snapped childishly, folding his arms over his chest. "We will form a plan, divide into groups, and meet back here by nightfall so we can see what we've learned."

"Hi," Edward said, sitting up immediately when he saw Hannah. "Are you alright? That took a while."

"Oh," Lestat said softly, sighing the word through his white, pointed teeth. "I could... terrify you, my dear, that is for sure. Your... sweet appearance would not stop me from doing something like that." He leaned forward a few inches, his mouth brushing Beatrice's. "You know... despite all that power inside you that everyone hates you for, I could still tame you with one... little... movement..."

 

"And I assume that you've got this all figured out?" Anna said.

"Well," Hannah began, crossing to the bed. "I had a little complication, but I took care of it."

Beatrice yanked away from Lestat and stood up, folding her arms to cover her trembling. She had not forgotten the blood on her palms, and she was sure that Lestat hadn't either. "Lestat... I- I don't think... What I mean is.... See, I just... um..."

 

"Not exactly," Van Helsing replied. "If I'd had it all figured out, I wouldn't need you all, now would I?"

"Good," Edward insisted, not feeling it necessary to inquire further unless she mentioned it. "Now... if we want to leave without the others and get this over with, we'd best figure out where they are and what they're doing."

Lestat smiled, standing as well. "Articulate as always," he laughed, stepping toward Beatrice once more. "You do want my help, don't you, dear? I can give you anything you want, you know..."

 

"I guess there isn't any other reason for having all of them with you," Anna responded.

"They're in the library still," Hannah told Edward. "And by the look she gave me, Anna's still not warmed up to me." She laughed. "She's fun to mess with."

"I know," Beatrice answered. "But... weren't you just saying how you didn't want-" She paused, saddened by the thought. "That you didn't want to see me again?"

 

Jinx drummed her fingers on her knee as they went back and forth. "Yes, that's exactly the reason we're all around." she finally cut in, getting to the end of her nerves with Anna. "So let's see, a plan..." she looked off into space, thinking.

 

"I think we should split into two groups," Van Helsing suggested. "That way we can cover more ground and attract less attention."

"Yes, I don't really see her usefullness," Edward agreed. "Though, if we anger her, I don't see how we will be able to get into Dracula's castle."

Lestat nodded. "I've heard some advice since I made that rash statement," he began, moving forward until Beatrice hit the wall behind her and he stood but an inch or so from her face. He put a hand up next to her head on the wall, his blonde locks falling into his eyes. "I've decided you need my help, so you may ask for whatever you wish."

 

"I say we kick her out," Hannah muttered dryly. "She can have this place back when we're done."

Beatrice turned her head to the side, uncomfortable. "I just want to go home."

 

"That's a plan. Who should be in each group?" Jinx asked, looking at Anna only so she wouldn't get angry at being ignored. "Probably we should keep Hannah and Edward together, right?" she smiled vaguely

 

"Actually," Anna began. "I think those two should be split up. They can focus more if they're not drooling over each other."

 

Jinx's smile turned into a doubtful look. "I don't think they'll agree with that theory but if you can convince them, more power to you." she shrugged. "And what about the rest of us?"

 

Van Helsing smirked. "You, me, and Anna should stick together, Jinx. Hannah, Edward, and Carl can manage on their own. It's not that I want them to stay together," he added to Anna, making a point. "But their powers combined are very skillful and can prove well in our favor. Splitting them will just anger them and move our focus farther from our purpose. Sound good?"

Edward smiled, grabbing Hannah's waist and pulling her down next to him. "That's an idea," he laughed quietly, putting a hand up to her cheek. He let his thumb rest on her corner of her mouth while his fingers drifted up to her hairline. "You're so warm for a while afterwards... it's... different..."

Lestat rolled his eyes. "And your new-found, amazingly powerful, unstoppable vampiric skills?" he added to Beatrice's statement. "What of them? How shall you use them on the farm, my dear?"

 

"Then it's settled," Anna decided to back down. "But are you sure that Carl should come?"

"I like different," Hannah replied. "I'm just waiting for someone to come banging on the door, yelling about a corps." She turned her head away. "I didn't really mean to. I was in the forest, and he just came along. But... it was ten times better than any deer I've had."

"I'm not going to use them," Beatrice answered. "Well... I might talk with the animals, but that's all."

 

"Well, I'm sure he's getting tired of just sitting here," Van Helsing replied. "He's got to do something... that's why I've brought him along."

Edward grimaced slightly. "That's good, though," he replied. "I want you to be happy, no matter what you have to do. Please, don't worry; I'm right here."

"And what about your friends, little Bee?" Lestat insisted, pushing himself close to Beatrice, his body pressed against her. He ran a hand through her hair and smiled still. "How will they survive without your help, no matter how angry they may seem at you?"

 

"Don't worry Ms. Anna, I'm good with explosives and thing. At the least, I'll keep them on track by blowing up walls around them." Carl shrugged.

Jinx nodded, hiding a grin. "So, should I go tell Edward and Hannah about our plan?" she asked.

 

"Of course," Anna agreed without much enthusiasm.

"I know," Hannah tried to keep her tone cheerful. "I guess I'll just deal with the trouble when it comes."

"They'll be fine," Beatrice retorted. "They've got Hannah and Michael."

 

OOC: who the HECK is michael???? lol

BIC: "Make sure you knock first," Van Helsing joked. "Who knows what's going on in there."

Edward smiled, glad she was putting on a brave face her him. "We'd better get moving, then," he said, looking out the window. "It's getting light and everyone's going to get up soon."

"True," Lestat agreed. "But you understand, no matter how much you want to deny it, that they need you. They aren't as strong as you. I mean, look at me!" He laughed, touching her cheek again. "An amazing man like me, and I can't even keep my hands off you."

 

Jinx laughed quietly and left the room, finding Hannah and Edward's room. She knocked sharply on the door and waited.

OOC: micheal? what? who? i think you're imagining things haha

 

"Damn," Edward swore, sitting up. "I knew it. Come on in!" He called.