--Failed Antidote--

A/N: First of all, thank you Katrin Van Helsing for correcting me! You wouldn't mind if I use the name Lucrezia? If yes, just tell me and I'll change it! Also, Salena99, I will soon be writing Dracula's little flashback as to what happened when he died! Not this chapter but soon! And about Nemamiah's age… Well, I don't know myself, lol. He could be any age. But of course, his much more younger then Nemamiah! Anyways, thank you for the reviews! I hope you like this one! Well, I better let you read! Enjoy! (sorry the chapter's a bit short but there will be more excitement later!)

Summary: What if the antidote didn't make the werewolf venom disappear? What if Anna wasn't killed in the process? And what if without the antidote, Van Helsing is free to roam about without Dracula's will over him? What if another monster hunter is now after Van Helsing... to kill him, who happened to be Van Helsing's son? What if Dracula's alive and he chooses two ladies to become his Brides?

Disclaimer: Don't own Van Helsing! (hugs Van Helsing) But I can love him, can't I? (innocent eyes looks up at you)

Chapter Seven
Things Are Done For A Reason

"What would they want with Anna?"

"Make her into another of Dracula's brides"-Carl shivered-"or has her hostage for a trade," Nemamiah spoke. "Let's just hope she was taken because Dracula wanted to trade."

"But why would Dracula want to trade? We don't have anything," Van Helsing remarked. He felt agony rising in him but he did his best to ignore it. He wanted Anna back so badly, to see her face again.

Carl thoughtfully for a moment. "I don't know. But we must have something he wants. Or else he wouldn't take Anna… would he?"

"Maybe he wants us to surrender, which I won't allow," Van Helsing spoke darkly.

"Maybe…" Nemamiah muttered under his breath.

Suddenly they heard a chilling cackle from above. They could feel the rush of the wind blowing towards them as they spoke. "Dracula's bride… she's back," Van Helsing murmured.

"We'll go up and have a look," Nemamiah said and started to walk towards the stairs. Van Helsing caught his son's hand. "Be careful."

"I will," Nemamiah nodded as Carl smiled weakly at Van Helsing and followed Nemamiah.

Nemamiah and Carl walked up the stairs to find that another woman was now sitting on a chair, a glass of wine in her hands. Her legs were crossed and her yellow, blonde hair flowed down like a river, glistening. She sipped the wine and threw the glass away from her hands. There was a distant crash as the woman's violet eyes watched curiously at the two, almost… hungrily. She purred with pleasure and stood up, or rather, floated to her feet.

"Master commands a trade!" the bride declared. She jumped on one of the tables and gave a hiss. Her Transylvanian accent was very thick. She jabbed a finger at them. Nemamiah and Carl sighed in relief. It meant Anna was safe and sound. Or maybe not.

"The Princess… for Van Helsing," she purred, her marvelous violet eyes looked steadily at the two mortals. She crossed the table playfully and her dress slided behind with her. She raised her fingers and put a finger to her lips and then jumped off the table, standing right in front of Nemamiah, who froze, eyes wide. "Your pretty, little mortal. Pity we are in the opposite side of the board. So, what will it be? Hmm?"

"Anywhere but the All Hallow's Eve Ball!" Carl whispered into Nemamiah's ears before he said anything. Confused, but curious, Nemamiah nodded and said, "Someplace safe. No vampires or warlocks or anything."

The vampire looked thoughtful for a moment before she replied, "Today, Midnight, we shall meet in Budapest! My Master's palace is there. There Master shall trade with you!" Then she gave out another spooky cackle and flew out of the Manor with a quick a movement that astonished Nemamiah. Nemamiah and Carl stood frozen for a few seconds before recovering.

"Wow, that was a strange experience," Nemamiah spoke finally. Carl nodded. "That's the normal bit about them. The not so normal bit is where she bites you after she's done with you!"

Nemamiah gulped and walked back towards the dungeon. Carl followed him down. Van Helsing eyed them closely after they came back.

"What did the new bride say?"

"Dracula seems to want you, father."

Van Helsing's eyebrows lifted. "Why would he want me?"

"Well, maybe for the reasons that he knows you from the past and…" Carl began but Van Helsing glared at Carl. "Not now, Carl."

Now it was Nemamiah's turn to raise his eyebrows. "Is it true?"

Van Helsing gave out a silent growl before answering, "Yes."

"But you don't remember it, am I correct?"

Van Helsing nodded again.

"We have to get Anna back. What else did the bride say?"

"She said in midnight, today, Dracula will make a trade with us. He will trade Anna for you, Van Helsing," Carl replied.

"I don't understand, why would he want you, father?" Nemamiah said, a perplexed expression on his face.

"I don't know and understand either. But I don't care. If Dracula is willing to give Anna back, then you can trade me," Van Helsing said. Nemamiah and Carl both looked horrified at the thought.

"No, Van Helsing! We won't trade you! Remember what happened last time!" Carl said quickly. "What did happen that day?" Nemamiah asked.

"We went to get Anna back and-" Van Helsing began but he suddenly roared in agony. He felt like something huge and powerful was ripping him to shreds from the inside out. Then as soon as it came, it quickly disappeared again.

Van Helsing panted. "Are you alright?" Carl and Nemamiah said in unison.

"Yes… I'll be fine. For now."

"We should find out why Dracula wants you, father."

"Yes, but for now, I think you two need to go to Dracula's Castle before Midnight and save Anna. I have a bad feeling that Dracula's not intending to trade Anna."