Van Helsing

Oh, she did, Lestat chuckled in Hannah's mind now. Don't worry, dear: I shall protect your little Edward from all the... evil vampires around here...

 

Carl climbed up next to Van Helsing this time, "Sorry, but I'm just taking a break from being in the carrige."

Jinx jumped back to her seat, staring straight ahead.

 

Hannah put her hand to her head, the pain dulled by Lestat's smooth voice. "I guess I hate him a bit less now."

Beatrice lightly clucked to the horses. Something smells good....

 

"You realize if I was the same man I was the last time you saw me, us two and the horses would be the only things alive right now," Van Helsing mused.

 

"I do not understand that man," Edward sighed, rubbing the cut on his stomach again. It was completed healed now except for a small white line. "But Jinx..." he began now. "That's just odd. What the hell was he doing to our heads?"

 

"Yes, I realized that." Carl agreed. "But I've accepted the fact that you are going soft." he grinned at Van Helsing.

 

It's an old trick, my friends, Lestat explained in both Edward and Hannah's head. And, yes, I know you both are amazed I can speak to you both at the same time... anyway, Will... was it? Yes, the Dark Gift, it's called. Hannah, you must have heard it, maybe not. All you new generations of vampires are different. But it gives differently to all of us; all the things I can do I learned or just was born into this immortal life with. Lucky for you, I know how to counter that old thing... but it takes much engery, Hannah, dear, and therefore I chose Edward to help over you. No offense intended. But I suggest you talk to your friend about this Will... she's got something to say...

 

Van Helsing frowned. "I should have left you in Rome," he snapped, moving the carriage forward once more.

 

"Too late now." Carl wasn't offended by Van Helsing's words.

 

Hannah cringed closer to Edward.Of course I know what it is. I just don't use mine.

Beatrice sniffed the air. What is that smell?

 

That's too bad, Lestat smiled. There's a reason why it's called a Gift, my dear. I'm pretty sure... His voice faded for a moment, a soft breeze instead of a warm, soothing murmur. Yes, he continued. Your John... I mean, just John seems to know this Will as well.. time to go watch the fun. Play nice, you two.

 

"Well, that was interesting," Edward muttered, rubbing his head. "He isn't a bad person... at least, I mostly think he isn't."

 

"Not if I can help it," Van Helsing retorted, though he was smiling slightly.

 

"Beatice, what's wrong?" Jinx asked, noticing she was smelling the air.

Carl laughed, "What would you do without me? You'd be completly lost on the brains part of your job."

Will spotted John a few yards away. "John...?" he called out,

 

"He's twisted." Hannah muttered acidly.

It kind of smells like the bear.... Beatrice made sure to keep a fair distance between Van Helsing's carriage and her own, though she was slightly distracted by the scent of Carl. "I don't know." She answered Jinx.

John looked over his shoulder. What in the devil's name is he doing here!? He looked back at Angelyn and brushed a hand across her cheek. "You'll have to excuse me for a moment."

 

"I cannot argue with you, Carl," Van Helsing sighed. "But I am worried about Jinx."

 

"I know," Edward agreed. "But what does this Will want with John?"

 

Lestat kept a fair distance, and frowned when he saw the girl. What the hell is John playing at? he thought furiously. Not hungry yet?

 

"Oh..." Jinx noticed Carl sitting next to Van Helsing. "You really like how he smells, huh?" she asked, a little worried about the fact.

Will smiled, "I'm sorry to intrude, but I knew I smelled something familar. I can't belive it's you, man." He held out his hand to John as if they were old friends. A wave of trust washed over John, of course.

Carl nodded, "I can imagine."

 

Beatrice nodded, trying to focus on driving the carriage.

"I don't know." Hannah said, still mumbling. "Maybe they're old friends."

John shook Will's hand. "What are you doing here?"