Chapter 44: Calling Card

Once we finished eating, we headed down Baker street in earnest. We stopped in front of a undescriptive apartment entrance.

"221b…"

Van referenced the number I read aloud to the paper he had with the address scribbled on it."This is the place."

Delly scanned the area with a critical eye. "This doesn't look like a proper detective's office."

Van agreed with the vampire. "It doesn't, does it...if Leonhardt wasn't mistaken, he should be here…?"

The vampire scoffed at Van. "Perhaps I should have asked this sooner, but is this Sholmes really going to be of any assistance to us?"

The door creaked open as we stood in front of the doorway. "That can't be helped. A thief's instincts are always to run from the law."

I look past Van to see a familiar face in the doorway. I waved a quick greeting to Sholmes.

The detective smiled at me and pulled the door open further. "I thought you would be arriving around now. Welcome, please come in."

Delly looked at the detective distrustfully. "Van Helsing, did you tell him about this meeting ahead of time?"

"No, I didn't." Van denied telling Sholmes about our spontaneous visit. "He probably predicted that we would arrive here through some sort of logical reasoning."

I blinked at Sholmes and decided to enter the flat regardless of the guys suspicions. "At any rate, we are here anyway and Sholmes is waiting for us. It would be rude to keep him waiting."

The men stared at me as I climbed the stairs leading to the apartment.

"Ah my lady Arianell, it is a pleasure to see you once again." Sholmes bowed as I made it up the final step and into his door way. Van and Delly just looked each other before shook their heads and followed me inside. The quaint detective lead us into an ordinary parlor just off the main hallway.

I looked around the room in wonder. Everything looked rather ordinary. There was nothing on the walls or on the tables that I would have expected to see in an ordinary detectives office. Sholmes caught me staring and explained nonchalantly. "This room isn't actually my office. That room is always a bit of a mess and there is barely any room to walk in there. I do apologize, but let's talk here."

We sat around the room talking for a bit before a older women came in with a tea service. She poured each of us tea and then left us alone with Sholmes. Once the hot beverage had been served the conversation began in earnest.

Sholmes got straight to the point. "What is it that you want?"

Van scowled at the detective as I sipped my tea with a only slightly shaking hand. "Hmph...I'd have assumed that you've already figured that out by now."

Sholmes smiled as his eyes flicked to my rattling teacup. I looked down at the source of the rattling with a scowl. "Oh? You overestimate me. Well, let me make an educated guess then." Sholmes chuckled and waved me to continue drinking. "It's alright if it rattles, I see your arm is bandaged quite heavily."

Van shot me a concerned look and I just switched my hold on the tea cup. The rattling almost completely stopped.

Sholmes thought aloud. "You are here today seeking some sort of information regarding the Azoth incident. In particular, regarding the Brandl murders from last night. How's that? Am I correct?"

I set my teacup onto the coffee table, about halfway drank. "That's correct…? How could you guess?"

Sholmes laughed and pushed a plate of tea snacks toward me. "You should eat something to recover your strength. As for how I know, it's simple elementary, my dear."

Sholmes took a drink from his own teacup. "I have welcomed a number of clients into my business for the last past few years, but right now I take on only a limited number of cases...purely for my own reasons." The man smiled over his teacup slyly. "Its been the same once I moved to London. Only a select few in Scotland Yard know of me being here, and perhaps Captain Leonhardt."

I sat back into the sofa as Delly sat across from me. Van, on the other hand, was positioned on the same piece of furniture, but one cushion over.

"If you've made it this far, I can only assume that you have Scotland Yard's blessing, or that you've had some kind of contact with the captain." Sholmes was a little further away from us, staring at the papers spread out on the desk before him. "They're all busy right now chasing after this Azoth fellow...the one behind Jack the Ripper case as well as the Brandl murders."

Shomles looked up from the papers to address us. "Van Helsing, Lady Arianell, I hear you have been involved in the recent death of Jack the Ripper." The detective easily pieced together the recent events and how we factored into them. "The common thread shared by all these points is Azoth...that name. So, if we continue down that path of logic, the reason you're here must be because you are seeking as much information as possible on this person's movements and you want a professional detective's help." Sholmes laced his fingers together and rested his chin on top of them. "That's the only natural conclusion. What do you think?"

"You are gifted detective." I let my gaze lock onto his. The feeling of being heavy analyzed took over. It was a bit uncomfortable, but not any different then the last few times we had talked. I kind of felt like he could see through me.

"You look like you have seen better days my lady."

I sighed knowing what he said was true. Sholmes seemed satisfied with my confirming sigh and turned to looked over at the young vampire. The young king seemed particularly bothered by Sholmes, and was naturally putting some distance between him and the detective.

Van's voice seemed slightly impressed as he approved of Sholme's analysis. "Hmph...It certainly appears that you're worth requesting cooperation from."

Sholmes turned his analyzing gaze from Delly to Van. "Oh? Do I meet your demanding standards? Let's talk business then. I like to keep my work and my private life separate." Sholmes narrowed his eyes at Van in warning. "My skills don't come cheap, Van Helsing."

I crossed my injured arm over my torso and waited to see how Van would handle paying Sholmes.

Van set his tea down, shutting his eyes resolutely. "It doesn't matter. Lupin will take full responsibility for the payment."

I raised my eyebrows in surprise and struggled to contain my mirth as Van volunteered Lupin for managing the detective's payments.

Sholmes laughed alongside me. "Haha, you're hiring a detective with a thief's money! I enjoy the irony." Sholmes was all business in a matter of a few heartbeats. "You are requesting that I resolve the mystery of identity of this Azoth character and get to the bottom of the incidents, is that correct?"

I was warm and content listening to the men's low voices and I felt my eyelids slowly drifting shut as they slowly agreed on the scope of the job.

Van looked over at the sleeping women nestled into the couch and just shook his head.

"She is quite cute when she is sleeping." Sholmes observed as Van folded his arms scowling. Sholmes took Van's reaction as he was implying that Sierra wasn't attractive when she was awake. "To clarify my statement, she looks attractive awake as well. Perhaps it has something to do with having the lady napping in my apartment..."

Van narrowed his eyes and sat back in the cushions before starting to inform Sholmes on what he knew, as well as his current involvement in the incidents.

Sholmes listened quietly to Van's explanation, well aware of his casual and protective glances at the sleeping women. The detective was completely unsurprised at the recent turn of events. Sholmes flipped through the papers on his desk as Van finished retelling his story. "I see, so everything is mostly as I had already expected. Take a look at this."

Van got up and went over to look at the large paper Sholmes was pointing to.

It was a map of the entire city with dates and information scribbled on numbered points.

"Within the past few months, the number of violent crimes within London has increased at a rapid pace. I was personally interested in that little fact. As I result I have been following the incidents for quite some time now, and quite recently I have discovered a strange commonality."

"Oh? What is it?" Delly got up to look at what the men were reviewing. As the vampire got up, he thumped the table with his foot. Hard.

The dishes clinked together as Delly froze in place as the deadly point of a rapier rested on his throat.

Van and Sholmes looked up from the desk to see an interesting sight before them. Sholmes was to busy appraising the angel's fighting stance to say much of anything as Van growled. "Sierra, put the weapon down. There isn't any cause for alarm."

I was startled awake by a very nearby, heavy, thudding sound and the twinkling sound of unsteady china. My hands were already moving to defend myself as my eyes shot open and I slid to my feet in a lithe movement. My sleepy, unfocused eyes rested on Delly's frightened ones as the tip of my rapier rested on his throat. My ears picked on Van's voice ordering me to stand down, and even through my sleep induced haze I lower my weapon.

"Uhhh….Sierra?" The king looked at me with worried eyes as I slowly recognized him.

"Delly…?" I looked around the room in confusion. "Where…"

It slowly came back to me. It was Sholmes apartment.

I hurried to put the weapon away looking sheepishly at Van, who just shook his head and went back to studying the map in front of him.

"You are very practiced at that." Sholmes rested his chin on his hand, his head slightly cocked to the side inquisitively. "And that rapier is very ordinate. Where is it from might I ask?"

I was still trying to wake up. "My apologies, I must have nodded off..."

Van looked at the piece of paper Shomes was ushering forward.

Delly and I both made our way over to the table. Delly grabbing onto my hand to support me as I rubbed my sleepy eyes and yawned. On the piece of paper in front of Van was a list of names. Next to the names was another column. Between these two columns, Van was quick to pick out what this list contained. The column next to the names were armed forces ranks.

I leaned over to study the map, the list of names catching my eye while I scanned over the topography. Several of the names had already been crossed off the list. Other names sounded are very familiar to me. Viscount Brandl's name already had a heavy black mark crossing it out, and I let my eyes read over the next line, and then the next. I felt my blood run cold at the sight of the hit list and I flicked a glance at Van.

Van looked at Sholmes surprised. "This is...a list of those who received commendations after the vampire war."

Shomles looked down at the list concerned. "Exactly. I have a client in the government for whom I solved an interesting case for and as payment he kindly provided me with this list."

There was a moment of silence as Shomles gently traced a finger over the names with lines through them. "As I'm sure you understand by now, the killer has been murdering his targets in an order. An order according to this list."

Delly looked over the list with a disgusted expression. "Hmph...from the perspective of a vampire, such individuals deserve death."

Delly was still holding my hand, and I unconsciously tightened my grip. Delly shot me a concerned look as I stared back at the stark reality wrote on the paper before me. "Van...your name is on this list as well…"

Sholmes nodded confirmed what I said. "Indeed. After the current top person on the list is killed, you'll become the next target. You came to me at a good time."

My heart hammered in my chest as Van stared at the paper, his expression hardening. "The problem is...how did the killer get his hands on this top-secret list?" Van shifted his gaze from the paper back to the map. "...that would imply that the killer is within the government, or Azoth has some connection to the government. It's got to be one of those two scenarios..."

My voice was soft. "That would imply that Azoth is working for the government."

Sholmes closed his eyes and thought about our statements. "Azoth has been an accomplice to a number of crimes. After Jack's story, I am inclined to think that he possess a certain charisma. This charisma draws criminals to him, and he has the intelligence to control them. He is a grand master of puzzles and human behavior. "

Van didn't say a word as Sholmes assessed Azoth's character.

As Sholmes said this, I just grew more determined that whoever this Azoth character was, it wasn't Finis.

Sholmes noticed Sierra's unease at his statements as she shot nervous glances at the the vampire hunter. "Either way...I am unfortunately still in the middle of my own investigations. I have yet to learn the truth about this Azoth character."

Van states his opinion quietly, but firmly, leaving little room for doubt "...Azoth is Finis."

Sholmes watched Sierra shake her head slightly and felt inclined to agree with her. Shomles turned his attention back to Van. "Finis? Are you referring to...the technology adviser to the British military, Finis? Do you truly believe that he is Azoth?"

Van closed his eyes and sighed as I locked my gaze on Sholmes.

"Yes."

Sholmes tapped the side of his face in thought. "Hmmm...on what basis do you found this theory on?"

Van calmly turned to Sholmes. "During the events with Jack, Azoth left a message containing information that only Finis would know."

I thought about that information, was he referring to his past? Having been a puppet and not losing someone precious? I traced a line lightly on the table still not 100 percent sure what Van said was the complete story, but I was nowhere near confident enough to ask what he meant.

Van looked at the small group huddled around the table watching the others reactions. He quickly established another boundary as he folded his arms and growled. "I don't intend to tell you exactly what he was referring to."

Shomles waved Van's concern off. "I see. Hmmm..That's acceptable. I will keep your warning and theory in mind."

Sholmes shot a look at Sierra as she wobbled in place. Delly steadied her as Van sighed. "I have two pieces of information for you before you leave. One, is that this Azoth fellow seems to have a tendency of working two night in a row, which means that tonight the survivor at the top of this list is going to be his target for certain."

Van nodded and shifted to look at the map, watching Sierra out of the corner of his eye. "That is useful information, good thing we hired you."

Sholmes collected his papers back up, but left the map out. The detective started to organize them. "You are welcome, but do be careful. I do not think this opponent will be easy to take down. I have no doubts on telling you that Viscount Brandl was attacked and killed by a vampire."

Van leaned forward interested in what Sholmes was offering. "What is the other piece of advice?"

Sholmes gaze lingered on the women who was admiring another map on his desk. "I would firmly suggest that you take care of and watch her closely. I am well connected to many government entities and know that there are several searching for any angel survivors."

My gaze shot up from the map, knowing Sholmes must have recognized the locations I had been reviewing. "Who…?!"

Sholmes smiled at me. "I told you I took an interest in you when we talked in the cafe, I like to be in the middle of mysteries, and you my dear are quite the mystery."

I leaned forward and set my hands on the table. "Sholmes ...who is looking for me?"

The detective smiled as Van looked and the angel in this unfold was interesting. "While I don't think the queen has received word yet that there were any survivors, but rumors are still whirling that Twilight is interested in you, along with this Azoth character." Sholmes leaned forward. "For you madam, might also be interested in knowing a mostly unknown group from France is calling themselves Phosphorus."

Sholmes sat back as Sierra shook her head. "No, that name doesn't ring any bells."

Van frowned at this news. "What do you know about Phosphorus?"

Sholmes drew out a business card. I took the card from him with a shaking hand, but genuine interest. The calling card on the back side was a single golden feather. I flipped it over to see the elegant french script puzzled. I could make out the name Phosphorus, but not much else. The card only had the name and the inscription, "Lighting the way for all travelers."

I stared down at the card, reading it several times as Delly looked over my arm. "What does that mean?" He indicated to the text as I passed it over to Van.

"..."

Sholmes shrugged and put the rest of his papers away. "It came to me in a very strange manner, a young boy wearing a large hat gave it to me."

I blinked, this was sounding more familiar. "Can I keep this card?" I asked Sholmes as Van passed it back to me.

Our hands touched briefly and I felt a slight shock pulse through my hand from where we touched, making me dropped the card. Van's eyes narrowed as I fumbled to pick up the card with numb fingers. I looked the card back over suspiciously. "Did they say or give you anything else?"

Sholmes shook his head. "No, I am afraid not."

Delly watched as Sierra rubbed her injured arm. "Why are you helping her?"

Sholmes watched Sierra's reaction intently. "Quite frankly, she in very interesting. It's not everyday that I stumble upon well hidden government secrets, and her's appears to be quite interesting indeed."

Van folded his arms back together. "Back to our Azoth problem, your certain that he will strike tonight?"

Sholmes nodded as he swiveled in his chair back to Van. "His strike pattern appears to be very precise and very brutal."

Van and Delly nodded in agreement. Delly went and grabbed a biscuit off the tea tray. "I am not quite so sure brutal is the correct word. One of our most hated enemies is dead and the mansion is in quite a terrible state, however that style is very familiar to me. I reminds me of someone I once knew very well."

The young vampire shot a heated look at Van Helsing as he started to eat the biscuit. I shot a concerned look at Delly as he finished chewing his snack. "The killer is most likely...a pure blooded vampire like myself."

With that last little bit of information we decide to leave. I tucked the business card into my pocket, unsure of what to think. So many things were running through my mind as we caught another cab back to the mansion.

"You look concerned." Van was watching me as I gazed at the moving London streets.

"Its nothing."

Delly scoffed. "If it's nothing then why are you making that face?"

I scowled at Delly's keen observation. "I am just thinking."

The sun was starting to set as we pulled up to the gates. Van held out his hand to assist me with getting out of the carriage once more.

"Thank you." I accepted his hand as I got out, careful not to trip. Delly stared at me concerned but Sisi quickly darted out the front gates and the vampire chased after him calling out.

Our eyes watched Delly run around the expansive gardens chasing the dog as Van let go of my hand.

"I am sorry to be such a bother." I commented to Van as he paid the coach. The carriage drove off with a clatter of hooves.

Van carefully selected his words. "After what Jack did, it isn't surprising that your having difficulty recovering. However, we should head inside and let the others know about what we found."

Van moved towards the door as I grabbed his jacket. "Van, wait…" I couldn't help but call out to him.

Van turned around slowly. "What?"

I bit my lip, regretting calling out, but it was too late to take it back now. I suddenly change my plans and I just threw my arms around him.

Van froze as Sierra hugged him. He wasn't sure if he should push her away or enjoy the moment, but she released him quickly enough.

"I am sorry. I do appreciate all that you have done for me. I am just..." The angel left off what she was going to say and turned pink as she stepped back away from him.

Van couldn't help but wonder what she was going to say. The hunter just stood there, taken back by the sudden gesture and he wasn't sure how to react.

"So..ummm…" I peaked at Van though my lashes to see if he was angry at me. I felt a bit relieved as he just seemed overly surprised at my sudden reaction. I grinned at him trying to hide my embarrassment, my face burning.

"I..I'm just really happy you came back." I finished lamely as he just stared at me not saying anything.

Van sighed and turned back towards the door. "I keep telling you it didn't mean anything, I was just lucky to find you when I did. Stop treating it like it means anything."

We reached the door and the hunter opened it for me.

Inside the mansion Fran insisted on looking me over and making me eat. Van scowled as the doctor shuffled me along to the dining room. Impey set out sandwiches for all of us as Van started to tell them what we had discovered and how we were going to proceed.

Fran forced a sandwich into my free hand as he undid my current bandages. I picked at my sandwich and listened to Van's deep voice rise and fall. I realized I felt quite a bit better after spending a majority of the day tagging along with him and resting periodically. I looked back to Fran as he undid the final wrap.

"Sierra…" Fran whispered to me. "These are looking a lot healthier." He put the disinfectant on the wound and I hissed in pain, now fully able to feel the wounds in all their glory.

Saint looked over at me as I hissed. "Are you alright my dear?"

"I'll live…" I muttered to him embarrassed once again, as Fran just shook his head.

"I think this is a positive sign. You didn't even register that kind of response earlier, you must be making progress."

Saint turned his attention back to the chat as Fran redressed the wound with a clean bandage. About the time we finished Delly came in to the dining room accompanied by a worn out Sisi. The vampire took his seat and started eating, listening to us discuss our plan of attack.

"Several Yard officers have already been stationed at the home where the next attack is expected to occur." Van's voice carried quite well in the quiet room. "I am going to join them. I intend to capture the vampire responsible for these recent murders." He looked around the room with stern gaze." But, this is my fight. There is no need for any of you to force yourselves to join me. I will handle this on my own."

He looked at me directly as he said this and I set my chin on a stubborn angle and meet his challenge. "There is no way in hell I am staying here." I looked around the room as several of them gave me distressed looks. "If any of you can beat me, I'll stay here." I set my hand on my rapier my eyes flashing. "But I am a part of this. Azoth wants my blood and he's after Cardia as well. It makes more sense if we stay together as a group."

Cardia spoke up. "I want to come with you. I promise I won't be a problem."

Lupin seemed in tune with Cardia's thoughts. "I'll obviously come along, too. Either way, the only remaining clue to Isaac's whereabouts is with this Azoth character."

Impey agreed with Lupin. "Exactly. If we let Azoth go, we'll be completely lost. I'll try to help out as much as I can, so you shouldn't have any trouble capturing the guy."

Fran's gaze flicked to Sierra's who was gazing determinedly at the group. "Ahh...please allow me to join you, I want to watch over the group and I believe I can provide valuable assistance. I promise not to get in your way."

Saint flicked a glance at the determined angel and then at the resolute Cardia. "I must apologize if my motives are not as pure as the rest of yours, but please allow me to join you. I am quite curious about this Azoth fellow and his presumptuous behavior...as well as the protection of Lady Arianell."

Van glared at me and then shut his eyes. "Hmph...so we are all going into this together after all. Fine, as long as you don't get in my way."

I lessened my grip on my weapon, relieved that no one had questioned my right to be included.

Next to me Fran raised his hand rather timidly and I held my breath praying he didn't protest. "I do have a question."

Van flicked his eyes to look at Fran. "What is it?"

Fran pointed out a flaw in the current logic sheepishly. "If the target is as well protected as you say Van Helsing, what makes you think that the target will attack tonight?"

At this point Delly stopped eating and interjected. "He will. There's no point in increasing the number of people present, it will only serve to increase that vampire's rage further."

Lupin looked down the table at Delly questioningly. "What are you talking about? Do you have information about the murderer?"

Delly proceeded to explain his logic. "Yes...I do have more information. I can tell, from the aftermath we saw at the mansion, that the fighting that occurred there is from my father's highest subject."

I crossed my arms and leaned back, pretty sure of who Delly was talking about. In between my past meetings with the vampire clan and from listening to Delly, I formed a pretty good idea of who the young king was talking about. He had told me priory, that he had been studying under his fathers most trusted adviser, Neuntote.

Delly closed his eyes and explained what he knew to the rest of the group. "My father's most trusted subject was referred to as Neuntote. He was feared by humans, but greatly respected within the vampire community as one of our best fighters." The king opened his eyes to gauging Van's reaction. "He was also my master in the art of battle. Van Helsing, Sierra, I am sure you recognize his name, don't you?"

I nodded confirming that I knew the vampire in question. "I believe I have fought with him in the past, as part of my own training."

Eyes shot down to me as Van folded his arms resolutely indicating he knew the subject in question as well. "Yes…"

"What…?" I asked the staring eyes. "Angels and Vampires had very close relationships. I did a brief study for a couple of summers when I was very young with several of the vampire clans as well as other angel clans...?"

Delly confirmed the fact. "Yes, we used to have very close relationships…."

Delly directed his lethal gaze to Van, who was just taking in the conversation with resolute face. "If you intend to capture this man, I will accompany you. I want to attempt to convince him that, as the leader of the vampires, I cannot stand by idly and watch one of my subjects succumb to the darkness."

Van coldly replied to the young kings request. "I advise against that."

Delly protested immediately. "What?! Why?! What right do you have to try to stop me?"

Van's gaze hardened and locked on to the vampire. Delly shrank back a bit as Van's cold words carried through the room.

"As you saw from the disastrous condition of the crime scene, he destroys his targets with an intense hatred. If he discovered that you have been acting alongside humans, he will likely try to kill you as well, regardless of you status." Van drove his point home. "Will you be able to fight one of your own kind? Could you fight your old master to the death?"

I gritted my teeth as Van forced Delly to realize what he was agreeing to do.

I felt very helpless as Delly's face fell and he tried to weakly express himself. "That's…"

Van stood from the table. "If you don't go into battle with the intent to kill him, you will die. I don't need anyone slowing me down. You should stay put here."

Delly said nothing more to Van as we prepared to leave once more. I look back at Delly, who was still sitting at the dining room table, looking lost and confused at his next course of action.

I wanted to say something to him, but as the rest of the group moved out, I felt myself being swept away in preperation.


Author Note:

Poor Sierra is in for a really rough next few days. (She just can't seem to catch a break...)

Quick things I thought might need to be explained: Sierra attacked Delly because he literally scared her out a dead sleep and she isn't in a place she feels all that safe. The only reason she stopped was Van's voice. This is slightly different from Saint, who is always sliding into her room unannounced, as Saint's dead quiet. Lupin might also be able to sneak past her, but I don't advise trying it! It also has to do with her feeling safe at the mansion and not in Sholmes place.

At any rate Sierra is doing a lot better after spending some time with Van...it also helps that they keep touching! (O.o) Van's kind of being bullied into it though. Aliester's concern from the last chapter drew his attention to how unbalanced/unwell she was, kind of like Aliester was assuming Van couldn't take care of his women, so Van is paying her a bit more attention now and trying to act more like a gentleman. (Opening doors, escorting her, the bakery, helping her in and out of the carriages, watching her...)

But...the apple, his reaction protectiveness during the chase, and the first carriage was all him doing those things sub-consciously...

If you like it Fav it or comment! ^_^