Last chapter of the night, I think, since I haven't written the rest yet... And I have other stories to update.
Disclaimer: Look, if it becomes mine, I'll tell you.
"We need to see the Chosen One."
"He's getting some well-earned rest; whatever you need, I can deal with it as Regent." The Count smiled wanly; Erin was impressed with his ability to dissemble, even now - but then the whole family were stone-faced, standing on the steps of the school. Mina's gaze locked onto Erin's, then, and the half-fang realised her red-rimmed eyes and smudged makeup were letting the side down.
"What's wrong, Erin?" The words sounded kind, but she obviously wasn't the only one who recognised the trap hidden there.
"Mum," Jonno whispered, "she's probably upset about Adze. Stockholm Syndrome, you told me about it once, remember?" The older slayer looked surprised and delighted that he'd remembered, but Ingrid let out a bark of laughter.
"As if she'd be that interesting. They're saying you got attached to Adze, Erin." The half-fang frowned; she could hear that, just as well as Ingrid could- "...Which you have to admit would be way cooler than spraying yourself in the eye with stasis spray." Erin hung her head - no need to fake the embarrassment she knew she had to show. How could she have forgotten the impact her bite would have on the ceasefire? She'd been kept out of sight since her fall for a reason. At least her jacket was zipped all the way up, hiding the scar.
"Yes, well, not that this isn't fun... It's almost dawn. If you had a point, you might consider getting to it." The Count's tone of mild disinterest faltered for a moment and Jonno's eyes narrowed.
"We want the Chosen One's assurance that the ceasefire holds despite my earlier..." Mina took a deep breath, "...indiscretion." The Count didn't bat an eyelid, though he couldn't be any less confused than Erin was.
"Yes, yes, of course." The Van Helsings looked surprised.
"Just like that?"
Erin caught Jonno's eye and took over negotiations, hoping he'd go along with her idea.
"The Regent will have to take a hostage until ...Vlad wakes up. Isn't that how it works? If w- the vampires have a representive from your side, since you're the ones who broke Truce..."
"It's the only way they're honour-bound to stick to it. Fine. I'll do it."
"Jonno-"
"Mum, don't fuss. I've spent enough time here, one day won't hurt. Besides, Erin'll watch my back."
Mina gave the girl in question a penetrating look.
"See that you do. If any harm comes to him," she turned her glare onto the Count as Jonno climbed the steps and stood beside him. "we will wipe you out." Then she turned on her heel, striding back towards the two slayers at the gate.
The moment no human eye was on her, Erin sped indoors, the other vampires following in the nick of time as the sun rose. The Count let go of Jonno's shoulders as if he was diseased.
"I hope you have an extremely good reason for this. The last thing we need is a breather hostage!" Erin met him glare for glare, ignoring the confused looks of the other three, despite the fresh tears that sprang to her eyes at the harshness of her own words.
"In case you hadn't realised, we're in big trouble and our best flying-by-the-hem-of-his-cape improviser is currently sharing an over-sized plant pot with our best strategist!" The other vampires flinched as if they'd been slapped, but she didn't have the patience to sugar-coat things. "I just got us the Guild's next best thing."
