Van Helsing

"We both know that would kill Hannah slowly for the next thousand years or so," Lestat smiled. "I didn't think that was something you wanted to deal with."

 

"True. Well, I won't have to worry about him soon." John stated.

"You can use Van Helsing and Carl's room." Beatrice pointed out. "She doesn't want anyone with her."

 

"They're asleep," Edward pointed out. "I don't want to wake him and risk Van Helsing doing worse than Lestat."

 

"I heard," Lestat muttered, not at all happy. "Interesting, but I would like to see it work."

 

"You think he can do against what she wants?" John questioned.

Beatrice made a face, but opened the door and went in with Edward. She felt the only thing she could do was make sure that Hannah was as comfortable as possible, and that meant doing what Hannah told her. She looked over at Hannah, cracking a smile when she saw Hannah was sleeping sounding, curled into a ball again. I wonder if that's because her stomach is still upset.

 

"Thank you," Edward muttered to Beatrice, stepping into the bathroom and shutting the door. He tried to ignore the heavy smell of blood and grabbed the nearest towel, running it under the ice cold water. He winced as he ran it over his back and the back of his head, turning the white cloth pink before he'd even reached his face. The wounds had not begun to heal yet at all.

He put his hands on either side of the sink, breathing deeply. Hannah, he thought, trying his best to speak through whatever dream she was having. I don't know if you can really hear me or not, but please listen: tell me what John did... tell me why you lied to me, why you left... use your mind if you don't want Beatrice to know... while you're asleep you can hear me, but if you wake up, you're own your own.

 

"No," Lestat agreed. "But he's physically stronger than her..."

 

"So you're saying he'll hurt her to stop her?" John smirked.

Hannah moaned and rolled over. Edward...? She knew none of her nightmares would have him in it unless she was dreaming about doing what John had told her to. No... Edward, go away. I don't want to talk to you.... Please, just let me be.

Beatrice knelt next to the bed. Should I wake her up?

 

Edward frowned. When can I talk to you, then? It's morning and we're leaving once the sun goes down again... as long as we're both up to moving by then...

 

"Maybe," Lestat replied, unsure. "It's hard to tell what he would do in that situation. I am willing to see, though, without interfering too much."

 

"I'm sure he'll let her go if that's what she wants." John countered. "And she's a very convincing actress."

I can't. Hannah argued. I don't want to say what he told me to....

 

Edward frowned, trying not to let his pain show through his thoughts. Well, you'll have to say it eventually, won't you? I'm beaten pretty badly, but I don't think Beatrice wants me taking the spare bed in here to rest... I'll go outside, I guess, but I can't go in Van Helsing's room.

 

"I'm sure," Lestat agreed. "We shall see."

 

No, stay with me. Hannah pleaded. This is a dream... I'm sure of it.... And I don't really understand it, but I want you to know that John will kill you unless I do what he says.

When Hannah moaned again, Beatrice lightly shook her shoulder. "Hannah, are you okay?"

 

"I'm still hungry," Lestat muttered, though the sun was up now. "But I guess I'll have to wait."

 

And what is that? Edward asked urgently, hearing Beatrice. You don't need to worry about his silly death threats. I know how to kill him, so he should be the one worried, remember? And you'll wake up soon, dear, he added. Tell Beatrice you want me to stay if you really do; she won't believe me.

 

"We both will." John muttered back.

Hannah was already half-awake, but she kept her eyes shut, hoping for the dream to continue.

"Hannah...?" Beatrice tried again uncertainly.

Hannah groaned. "If I was dead, you'd know, Beatrice."

Beatrice sighed, relieved. "Well you seemed upset. Was it another nightmare about your parents?"

Hannah opened her eyes. "No," She answered. "I'm not sure if this was better or worse.... Is Edward back? I don't think I should, but I want him with me now."

"Oh, okay. Then you won't be mad at me for letting him in." Beatrice tried to smile. "He's in the bathroom, but I think you should just stay still."

 

Edward grimaced again, looking at himself in the mirror. Half his forehad was swollen and purple, as was the opposite side of his jaw. The back of his head had a nasty bump on it, and his back didn't seem to want to stop bleeding slightly. When he heard Beatrice finish speaking, he stepped out of the bathroom, his hand on the wall to hold himself steady.

"Hi," he said weakly once more, trying to give Hannah a smile.

 

"You haven't eaten very much," Lestat commented. "And I wonder what the hell happened to that Will fellow... friend of yours, yes?"

 

"He's probably off making another collection." John said in a low voice. "It's a hobby."

Hannah bolted up. "What did you do?!" She was glad for Beatrice's supporting hands; s he knew she would have just fallen back down without them.