Chapter 2 - Arrival in Venice
Carl POV
"Van-" My dangerous comrade shot a sharp glance my way, and I remembered what he had said about using his name. "S-sorry... anyway, do you know what these people are saying?" Around us was a crowd of Italians, pressing inwards, trying to block the path. "I can only make out a few words..."
Van Helsing sighed irritably. "They're basically saying that we're unwelcome and that 10,000 ducats is offered for the head of Van Helsing." He turned back to the crowd of riled Italianos and shouted to them. "Un vampiro è nella tua città! Vuoi sua scomparsa?" I knew what he was saying without the translation he offered. A vampire is in your city. Do you want her gone?
Slowly, the muttering crowd quieted, and an elderly man stepped forward. Coughing, he spoke broken English. "You... come to Italy, stranieri, to cause an end to un vampiro?" Coughing wetly again, he chuckled. "How are you sure that it has not been ended?"
Van Helsing's face hardened and he held out a ring... the very ring that Dracula had claimed as his own. "Avete visto questo di recente?" Have you seen this recently? The old man's face contorted in horror, and he stepped backwards, crossing himself. "Lo prendo come un sì." I take that as a yes. Van Helsing's eyes narrowed, and he snapped at the crowd. "Where is this evil?"
The old man bowed his head, seemingly in anger, until he spoke. His voice was saturated with grief. "Lei è a Palazzo Ducale ... con la nostra principessa." As soon as he spoke, I understood his emotion. The princess of Italy, her parents dead, her brother deathly ill... There was every reason why the townsfolk would be horrified. 'If their princess dies, then they are leaderless... and if she is turned, then there is no guarantee that any of them are safe, even from their beloved ruler.'
Van Helsing's only reply was a curt, "Grazie." Pushing through the crowd, he strode into the city, leaving me little choice but to follow.
Prince POV
"Sorellina, per favore non mi allattare. Lasciate che il medico tende a me. Se io passo, tu sei tutta Italia ha lasciato." Sister... please don't nurse me. Let the physician tend to me. If I pass, you are all Italy has left. I tried to say more, but Lena's gentle look stopped me.
"Giovanni Rosso, mio fratello e principe in Italia." Giovanni Rosso, my brother and prince in Italy. "Fino a quando si cammina senza aiuto, vi vedrò giorno per giorno." Until you walk unaided, I will see you day by day. Standing in a rustle of skirts, Lena walked to the window before turning and smiling at me. "Catalina vuole vederti, pure." Catalina wishes to see you, as well. Walking back to my side as I coughed weakly, she tucked a sweaty strand of my hair behind my ear. Speaking in English, she whispered, "Blood and water are two different things, mio fratello. I will not let you die." Lena pressed a light kiss to my forehead before heading to the door. "I shall send Catalina in." I shuddered, not just from the breeze coming through the open door. I must not let that beautiful monster sway me... and I must protect my sister.
A/N - Ohayou, minna! :D So, I've updated my Van Helsing fanfic. I like the freedom given with this... they didn't make a sequel of the movie, which made me sad, but I like being able to expand on Gabriel's experiences. Also, my OCs work for me in this one. :D I hope you like it... I haven't gotten any reviews yet, but I'm trying not to let it get to me. Please, if you do read this chapter, drop a review and tell me what you think. It would mean a lot to me to know that someone is interested. :)
P.S. - I know virtually no Italian, so the translations were done using translate dot com. I apologize if there are any mistakes, but I have no real way of seeing them right now. :3 Thank you for staying with me this long!