AN: Ok Note, this chapter is more focused on Van Helsing, rather then Carl (even though this is a Carl fic)Don't worry! It has a point, which will once again lead back to our dear and wonderful friar. Thank you for the reviews, I really appreciate them!

Van Hesling tried to swallow the worry building up inside him. Carl was missing, not only that he was missing with a werewolf.
Thinking on Jade, He somehow felt he should show more compassion towards her. After all hadn't he himself been in the very situation?

Now was not the time for that. He had to find Carl, maybe find Jade and fix whatever mess he had gotten himself into.

The air was cold, the night sky clouded. As usual in Vaseria, it felt eerie and dangerous. He took in a sharp breath when he realised he was being followed. Hunted, He thought drawing his pistol. He would've picked it up sooner had his thoughts not been on Jade. And Carl. His senses now fully alert, he strode through the snow covered pine trees. Things were once again silent. What ever it was, it had stopped hunting him. He was nearing the town center, torches could be seen, and laughing heard.

"Looking for someone" Jade called to him, staggering into the open. Van Helsing spun around "How was the hunt?" He asked Icily.

Jade managed a small smile, then looked down at her clothes. Once again they were tattered and torn. Her hair stuck to the back of her neck. She groaned and fell to her knees clutching her side. Van Helsing was immediatly beside her.

"Where is Carl?" He asked helping her up. "Fine, He's Fine. He is at the bar. I told him to take a break." She leaned against a rotting tree for support, obviously in pain. Van Helsing pretended not to notice, though he found himself concerned, after all, He could empathize. "good" "I'd never hurt Carl. I'd kill myself before I ever did that." Van Helsing didn't seem to hear.

"You didn't kill me" He said looking her in the eye. This time she smiled easily, and held herself up "No, I didn't"

"You have some control over ?" He asked, clearly impressed, but trying not to let it show in his voice.
"In a way, I haven't killed anyone yet. I stalk them, hunt them, that I have no control over. But I can stop myself before I kill them, or bite them. It's getting harder, I don't know how long before I actually kill." She sighed, and once again, rested herself against the tree. He thought on this for a moment, then looked up to see her eyes glaze over. She fell to the ground, the bite marks red as ever.

Van Helsing took of his coat and wrapped it around her, then lifting her up,he entered the town center.

Carl glumly lifted his glass of ale. Jade had insisted he take a break..get a drink. He'd agreed after alot of persuasion. He ignored the groups of drunks crowding in. The other barmaid rolled her eyes, then proceeded to slap the hand that reached at her from behind. Carl stood up somewhat dizzily

"Excuse me, leave her alone."

The woman smiled at him, but it was plain to see that no one else had heard him. He sat back down, his moment of bravery long since gone. Carl shivered at the thought that Jade herself had worked here. Among these...men.

The bar doors swung open and standing there was Van Helsing, his hat tipped low over his eyes. In his arms was Jade, unconcios and wrapped in the cloak. Carl was up in a second and outside following Van Helsing.

"She is hurt" Van Helsing said sternly. Carl nodded, putting his hand to her neck. "She is burning up! We have to get her to the cottage." Van Helsing nodded this time and the two both began the fast walk to the cottage.

"Oh my...." Carl whispered, his jaw dropping. Van Helsing stopped Carl from running into the fire. There in front of them, was the old cottage, burning to the ground in bright orange flames. The fire reached Carl's lab and roared before devouring that part of the cottage as well. Like a great beast eating it's way through. "What happened?" Van Helsing asked breaking the silence, and setting Jade down on the ground.

Carl shook his head "I don't know" They stood watching, until Jade stirred in her slumber. Carl knelt down and checked her over "Must be a reaction to the medicine I gave her" He murmured. Van Helsing nodded before going off to investigate.

Van Helsing wandered around the cottage, kicking over tins and bottles that were strewn all over the ground. 'So it wasn't an accident, the house was raided' he thought, glancing over to Carl. As far as he could tell Jade was still unconcious.Why do I care? he thought, suddenly interupted by an arrow whizzing past his head

"Carl!" He shouted racing over to them."Hurry" He said scooping Jade up and running in the opposite direction. He didn't usually run, but until he knew what was going was his only option. Carl cast a final glance towards the smouldering cottage before taking after Van Helsing.

AN: Phew! That was a long one! Review or no updates! :D Thanks Guys!