Van Helsing

"He didn't say you couldn't come." Hannah said. "I don't want to go at all, but I don't really have a choice."

 

"I'll let you go," Edward whispered. "He wants you there alone... Lestat said so."

 

Carl nodded, half asleep already, "Apology accepted. Good thing too, because we both know I could get back at you for that in just about exactly the same way." he smiled as he got closer to sleep.

Jinx took Beatice's hand and pulled her into a jog. They were already going faster than Beatice had been capable of going as a human. "So, what do you...eh, think of this whole thing?" she asked.

 

Hannah was about to go off about Lestat, but she contained herself. "What else could he possibly want to to talk to me about?"

"I don't know...." Beatrice said quietly, letting Jinx lead.

 

"Well, on the bright side, you are the strongest and fastest of all of us for about a year." Jinx tried to think of the good points of being a vampire.

 

Van Helsing muttered to himself, and then tried to sleep.

 

Carl just smiled to himself and fell asleep.

 

"I'm sure John has many things he'd like to discuss with you," Edward muttered, containing a growl. "Just promise me you'll be careful when you go... or else I will have to follow you."

 

The world is changing, the way we evolve is different... Lestat mused to himself. That girl isn't like me... Hannah and her friend differ... John and I are opposites in some ways... Sometimes I wonder if I should have stayed and died buried under that old house in New Orleans... the jazz music will change, the streets will become new, and I shall never go with them...

He smiled to himself, pushing away any inch of self-pity. He told himself not to think about it... I am here for a reason... he assured himself. To help or condemn yet, I do not know... but we shall see... John is more entertainment than I've had for fifty years...

 

"But what if I can't control myself...?" Beatrice murmured. "What if I hurt someone?"

"I'll be as careful as I can." Hannah promised. "But if I chance upon that Lestat guy, I'm not going to hold my tongue." She folded her arms.

 

"That's what Hannah and me are for, I guess." Jinx stayed her jog next to Beatice, "And if you feed enough, you won't need to go out of control." she bit her lip, "Actually, we do need to talk about that..."

 

Edward's frowned and turned to put his hands on either side of her face, his tone of voice low and serious when he spoke: "Do not toy with that one, Hannah," he began seriously. "He's more dangerous than anything we know of; he held me still with a single hand, dear. Remember that please..." he faded off for a moment, unsure how to voice his worry without offending her.

 

"Carl?" Van Helsing asked. "Are you awake?"

 

Carl sighed at Van Helsing's voice, "I am now.." he mumbled sleepily, opening his eyes. "What is it?"

 

Hannah smiled at Edward. "If he can't catch me, he can't hurt me." Her smiled widened at the look he gave her. "But I won't do anything to bother him. I promise."

Beatrice ran her tongue along her teeth. "Right.... Eating...."

 

"Do you think this is a good idea?" Van Helsing asked slowly. "I mean... the two of us alone have been fine before..."

 

It took all of Edward's strength to say, "Alright. I trust you... just don't be long. And," he added,"will John kill you if you ask him who made him?"

 

"yeah... um, what do you want to eat?" Jinx asked, feeling like a fool asking.

Carl turned and looked at Van Heling. "What do you want to do? Tell them to just hit the road? I dont' think it's really your choice anymore, I'm sorry to say. It's probably not such a good idea, but what can you do about it now?"

 

"Carl." Beatrice blurted and then covered her mouth. "No, no. I didn't mean it!"

"He probably won't answer." Hannah sighed. "I... I can ask though."

 

Edward nodded. "When... when wil you go?" he asked, holding her tighter. "What did he say?"