Lady Nessa: I'm not completely sure if Anna is going to return.. that part of the plot is still unsure. Not finalised yet.
Star Mage1: I was hoping I would update soon too, but unfortunately I didn't, and for that I am extremely sorry.
Blix: The Frankenstein monster was a good character, I liked him. I also liked Van Helsing as a werewolf, that's lurking around my plot hole too.. but we'll see.
I know it's been so long, and I hate myself for it. I'm sorry. I got caught up in my new school, the workload has most certainly increased and I have been trying hard to keep my X-Men story on track. But let's hope things improve.
Chapter 5The stormy weather had cleared as the three figures traipsed down the board onto solid ground. This harbour was much more quieter than the one in Romania, and this is what Van Helsing preferred. He took the lead in the group, walking ahead and guiding his friends through the streets of Rome. The sunlight beat down upon the small sandy streets, long shadow winding through the alleys. Van Helsing had departed from the ship after paying a good deal of money to the captain, who was still unimpressed with having the monster on board.
But that was over with now. Now Van Helsing and his friends had the issue of returning to Vatican City… with Frankenstein's monster.
"Van Helsing.." said Carl quietly as he hurried alongside the tall man. He was now in his original Friar robes, the hood down to leave his ruffled spiked blonde hair windswept on his head. He only continued with his words when the pair of dark eyes glowered down at him, "The Holy Order will not be pleased, the Cardinal will - "
"I know.." answered Van Helsing simply, straightening his hat slowly as he continued to stride across the cobbles, his coat billowing lengthily behind him, "But I'll make them see as I do."
But Carl shook his head, "No, I told you.."
"Carl.." muttered Van Helsing, nothing else was said but it gave Carl heed to stop talking and shamefully lower his head. The Frankenstein Monster looked up slowly to watch his two friends in front of him; he didn't say anything, continuing to take his heavy and mismatched steps.
The beautiful hallway of the church beckoned the footsteps of the three figures inside. The soft sunlight filtered mysteriously though the stained glass windows, sending beautiful shades of patterns across the old marble flooring. Whilst Carl walked slowly by the Frankenstein monster's side, Van Helsing stalked in front, taking long and cautious strides. They were about to turn by the altar to enter the secret underground layer when the Cardinal appeared around the corner with a very solemn expression on his face.
"Carl," he said abruptly, causing the younger Friar to turn around with a faint gasp. "Go to the kitchens and find yourself and.." his eyes hardened upon the monster, ".. your friend, some food." His eyes steely flashed upon Van Helsing, "Gabriel, come with me."
Van Helsing slowly looked behind his shoulder to Carl, nodding his head once before taking his usual confident strides towards Cardinal Jinette. The Cardinal had used his real name, the secret name. This had to be serious. And he had a nagging feeling that it would be something to do with the Frankenstein's Monster.. and possibly something to do with Dracula.
Carl gently turned on the spot, beckoning the monster with him as the two disappeared behind a stone built wall and down a dimly lit corridor to the underground levels. The stone wall shut resoundingly behind them. Van Helsing sighed, followed with his head bowed behind the Cardinal. He was led down another corridor, walking by elaborate walls of fire torches and old religious paintings. The Cardinal's strides were that of a composed and powerful man, somebody to be respected. And Van Helsing did, although he had many a bitter word to say about the man. Was it any wonder? He was sent out on constant missions, living an eternal life he was destined to do, the curse he was ordained to fulfil. Not one to complain however..
Van Helsing sauntered quietly into the room the Cardinal led him into. It was only a small room, meant for visiting guests or for those of higher statuses like the Cardinal to sit and read or think. Two large leather chairs sat by a grand marble fireplace. The red of the chairs gleamed brightly in the light of the flickering flames, the entire scenario looked very warm and inviting. Van Helsing just wanted to go right up to one of those chairs and curl up in it to sleep right now. But then he would only be fed years of nightmares, catching up on him. He let out a long sigh whilst the Cardinal glared right at him, "Please, take a seat."
Van Helsing happily obliged. It had been a long period in Transylvania, much had happened. He rested back slowly in the chair, taking his hat off and propping it on the nearby table, his coat been flung over the chair arm. He leant back with a soft exhale of a sigh. "It's good be to home," murmured Van Helsing sarcastically, blissfully closing his eyes and pretending to settle down for a nap.
"I did not bring you here for a lethargic get-together," snapped the Cardinal as he lowered to sit in the chair opposite. Van Helsing opened a sharp eye at the brisk voice.
"No, I should have guessed.." he muttered, sitting up, "Come on.. Lecture me, warn me. The usual critical reminiscence of my missions."
"Hold that tongue," replied the Cardinal warningly, "True, the whole affair could have been handled more gracefully and without the death of the late Princess Valerious." Van Helsing's relaxed face quickly tightened to a narrowed glare at the Cardinal, but he continued to talk, "But the task was completed, you freed Transylvania of the nightmarish happenings with Count Vladislaus Dracula and his brides. And for that I honour you."
Van Helsing raised a brow, "What's the catch?" he muttered. There had to be one, things never went smoothly for him.
"There is no catch, there is no need to dwell anymore on the happenings in Romania," the Cardinal managed a small smile to the man opposite. But his voice took a solemn and serious tone, "However.."
"Here we go.." muttered Van Helsing to himself, his fingers rubbing at the bridge of his nose as his eyes closed wearily.
"There are several matters that give me cause for concern; first one being the arrival of the Frankenstein's monster, the monster that had to be killed. He is the key to raising the dead. If anyone gets their hands on him the consequences will be catastrophic. Why didn't you kill him?"
Van Helsing glared across at the Cardinal, a snarl tracing his words, "He told us he wanted to live. Who am I to take away the only thing he wants?"
"You are Van Helsing!" cried the Cardinal, "You are to protect this world from the Devil's evil atrocities."
"I am!" snarled Van Helsing, leaning forward, "I am protecting that man from those who wish to use him for evil, and for those who wish for his death. He is not evil, Father.."
"But he can be used for evil!"
"Not if we take care of him!"
The Cardinal sighed gently, resting a hand over his eyes, "Quiet," he muttered before raising his head once more, "I have another issue to take up with you, Van Helsing. Though I praise Friar Carl and yourself for the results and the findings of Werewolf slaughter upon Count Dracula. you should have took care of Princess Valerious."
"What?" growled Van Helsing, standing abruptly, "You think I did not try? You think I did not care?"
"I said – "
"You don't understand, Father! Anna – "
"Princess Valerious to you!"
"Princess Valerious became a true friend to me, I protected her with my life," he said softly, glaring down upon the Cardinal.
But the Cardinal stood to his feet also, watching Van Helsing with a solemn gaze, "But it was your strike that was the final blow. As much as I deride to say this, you killed the Princess. That's how the world will see it Gabriel.."
"Do you think I am not aware of my crime?" hissed Van Helsing as he turned away from the Cardinal, he grabbed his belongings off the chair and stalked over to the door, "I know what I did.. Werewolf or not, it was my fault. And that sin will reside with me forever." He sighed softly, turning to look gently over his shoulder at the Cardinal, "I am a cursed man, Father. My life is a curse, and I infect those around me." He slowly took the handle of the door, opening it gently, "Perhaps one day, God will forgive me, and give me the death I long for."
With that.. he exited the room.. leaving the silent Cardinal to look sadly upward to the obscured heavens.
What a long awaited update!
