The sounds of water dripping out of a bucket sounded a thousand times louder to our poor Akiko. Every drop of water hitting the ground made her wince and cringe. It sounded as though a hammer slammed into metal.
The object she lay on was not exactly comfortable but it was soft. It was itchy too. Her head lay on something as equally soft. Inhaling slowly, faking sleep, she smelt…straw…hay.
Slowly in a hesitant manner, she opened her red eyes and looked around. She was in a house. A small hut like room, actually. It held a few decorations like paintings and vases, but the bed she lay on was made of stray and…not so comfortable. Everything else was calm. It gave her a homey feeling, even though she didn't really have a home. It was warm yet cool.
What had happened? Frowning, she sat up and closed her eyes, meditating for a moment. She remembered leaving Dracula, thinking he cared for her. She walked into the silent village, thinking it was odd how the atmosphere felt. There was a storm coming, maybe it had passed while she was out. Then she remembered feeling…feeling wild. She felt her senses sharpen. Then she remembered hearing Van Helsing's voice…then darkness.
Standing up, she jumped nearly a foot to hear the same voice as before. "You shouldn't roam around just yet." Turning, she blushed to see Van Helsing standing in the doorway.
Finding that none of her limbs ached, she shrugged carefully. "I don't see why not…I'm not injured. I guess I got caught up in the moment of the storm and just…collapsed from all the work lately. I'm glad you were there, who knows…" Who knows what I might have become, is what she wanted to say. "…Who knows what could have happened to me."
Her voice was forcibly calm, something that the hunter picked up on quite quickly. It was on habit that she did that, for Dracula never, hardly if at all, noticed. She only did that when she felt cornered or threatened.
"…Yeah, I understand. Well, come on and join me and Anna for some food. I noticed last time you weren't used to drinking so much so…we'll limit the alcohol." He grinned playfully at her, watching her cheeks turn pink. The scars darkened considerably, making his gaze linger for a moment.
Akiko, noticing how long he stared, blushed even more despite herself. It wasn't that she was uncomfortable around him…in fact, it was quite the opposite. She felt safe around him…safer than when she was around Dracula. It was ironic that he was their enemy and for her to be comfortable with him. They had established a connection of some sort when they first met.
It was an odd way to meet; for a girl no older than fourteen to come to a big man's rescue. For her to jump out of nowhere, suspiciously out of the blue, and drive the vampire bride away. He was grateful no doubt, but after years and years of hunting and searching for evil, he had grown a sixth sense that was called suspicion. Still, she looked innocent despite her appearance and seemed trustworthy. So why not be friends? He'd find out about her more soon enough, vise versa.
They lingered in the room for a moment longer. There were many unasked questions shining brightly in his eyes, as were hers. In a slug like manner, they looked away and walked into a different room. The hallways were as beautiful as the rooms, filled with paintings and such. But nothing compared to Dracula's castle.
"So tell me about yourself." She stated while sitting at a table, sipping some watered down wine. Anna and Van Helsing sat near by, starting to eat silently at first. They had heard about Anna before, now it was Van Helsing's turn.
"…Well…I don't remember much. I know I'm a hunter of all things evil and…I'm not sure if I have relatives." He answered emotionlessly.
"Why not?" Akiko blinked.
He stared at her for a long time, "…I don't remember. But sometimes I think I might."
Short yes, but I'm busy. Next chapter: I NEED IDEAS! I'm thinking the afternoon with them, then Dracula…and maybe the plan of a ball? I don't know! Ideas please!