Van Helsing

"Yes," Edward confirmed, a small yawn in his voice now. "I've only heard the tales from others in Rome... that would not really be somewhere we'd like to go, though, would it?"

 

"Maybe in a few years." Jinx suggested. "you are a better weapon now then a dozen swords. But don't worry about it, okay? You're smart, you'll be able to control yourself soon. And we're here for you until you can."

Will didn't let it show, but this interested him. He'd noticed the man who'd spoken to him ealier was a werewolf, and the girl was a vampire. "I see, and you are chasing her anyway? Odd behaivor for you, John."

 

"She belongs to me." John practically growled.

"No... No it wouldn't." Hannah kept her eyes on the ceiling. "You should sleep. We seem to be a popular group for trouble."

"Thanks." Beatrice said. "I hope Hannah isn't bothered by me... I mean, if she finds me a nuisance or something."

 

"Hmmm," Edward mumbled in agreement, shutting his eyes and holding her tighter. "Good idea... and... Hannah..." he faded off.

 

"That I understand, to my own degree." Will grinned to himself.

"If she finds you bothersome, she can deal with it. As can anyone who finds you being a vampire newborn tiresome. It isn't your fault and not your problem if others can't handle it." Jinx stated, "I think Hannah is fine with all this, don't worry about that. She's actully going through almost the same thing, I think."

 

"Oh... that's right..." Beatrice said. "I wonder how she's doing."

John just sighed, exasperated.

"Yes?" Hannah looked down at Edward.

 

Edward yawned again, half asleep. He could already almost see his dreams when he slurred, "I love you, too."

 

Lestat sighed to himself, suddenly stopping in the middle of the trees, sorrow creeping up on him. He cursed aloud, spun on the spot, and ran off into the trees, in search of nothing in particular but the darkness.

 

"She seems to be doing well. She's already much better than I was, as are you." Jinx smiled sadly and then changed it to a happier smile. "You might want to ask her about it when we stop again. Maybe you two can help each other through it all. Plus she can probably answer some questions more accuratly than me, being in the middle of hte process herself."

Will nodded to Angelyn. "Well, as I have effcivly annoyed the hell out of our friend, why don't you tell us some about yourself?"

 

Angleyn smiled, feeling completely relaxed. "I grew up with my brother and dad in Vatican City. My mother died giving birth to me."

 

Hannah smiled and let Edward sleep. I could live with this.

"I'll be sure to remember that." Beatrice tried to smile.

 

"Oh, how sad. I am sure she smiles down from heaven at you." Will said, kindly. "And of course, one day, you will see her agian." I wonder how soon that day will come...

Jinx jabbed her elbow into Beatice's side to get a full smile out of her, "come on, don't be so worried. You are stronger and faster than almost anyone on the planet, have some fun with it!"

 

Van Helsing managed to stay awake through the rest of the day, even though his eyes were tired.

I've stayed up a lot longer than this before, he kept telling himself. The run finally began to sink down toward the horizon, and he turned back to look at Jinx and Beatrice.

"Do you ladies need to stop again tonight or shall we continue to make better time?" he asked, his voice tired and cracking.

 

Jinx exchanged glances with Beatice. "Well, I think we probably need to stop... but from the sound of it, you need to stop even more than we do." she smiled at him, "So, where do we want to stop for the night?"

 

"What looks like a good place?" Van Helsing asked, stifling a yawn, his eyes bloodshot.

That nap wasn't enough, he thought angrily. Now it's going to slow me down!

"This all will be trees for a while," he added. "And there should be streams for the horses. We all need to get out of these carriages and walk around..."

 

"You need to go to sleep before you pass out." Jinx observed, guiding the horses to the side of the road. "I think there's a clearing over there," she pointed into the forest. "that should be a good place to stay for awhile."

 

John smirked. "Looks like they're coming to a stop." He looked up at the sleeping Angelyn on her horse he led. "This is going to be an interesting evening."

 

"Oh yes indeed." Will agreed and then laughed, "So, I was right, you are following that girl."

 

Indeed it is, Lestat thought to himself

Edward, he began, though he knew the man was sleeping. Edward... you need to get up and tell Hannah what's happening.

 

Edward stirred, trying to ignore Lestat's voice in his head. He kept his eyes shut, his cheek still aching, and he put a hand to it. The swelling had gone down only slightly.