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"Release me, filthy vermin!" The young vampire king screamed at his masked assailants through the cloth being held to his nose and mouth. Despite the effects of the drugs, his feet and fist flailed valiantly, striking semi-effective blows at the four men in black jackets and black eyemasks holding him captive. Delly's wayward kick caught the man attempting to hold his legs together across the jaw, sending the man sprawling onto the grass in a twisting lump of black. Brave little Sisi danced around the standing men, dodging blows aimed at his head with fierce growls and snapping teeth lunging for their knees and ankles before turning his fury on the fallen man. The other three redouble their efforts upon the blow to their companion who is already charging back to grab Delly's legs once again, Sisi's fangs embedded deep into his pants that ripped further as he moved. A masked man stood on each side of Delly's shoulders and held his struggling arms while the fourth member tried to keep the cloth over Delly's nose, the fabric presumably laced with an anesthetic.

Van Helsing absorbed all this in a single glance, pushing Sierra safely aside and reaching for his guns where they laid off to the side on the blanket. Alarm surging through his veins for his charge. How could he be so stupid as to let the king of vampires out of his sight? Taking quick aim, he fired a second later, his rock salt bullets flying straight and true into the two men that held Delly's feet and the cloth over his mouth, rendering them unconscious for the time being. Still, the soldier was just a second too slow as the drugs had already taken effect on the vampire who was now limp and slumbering in the hold of the remaining two kidnappers. Hoisting the vampire king up by his armpits, the two standing kidnappers still standing took one look at a furious Van Helsing already on his feet and charging in their direction and fled for a rackety black automobile, a kick to the rump sending little Sisi tumbling head over heels in the grass in their wake.

I scrambled to my feet after Van Helsing, my hand had already drawn the rapier from its sheath at my side and the other held up the long material of my skirt so I could run. Van's rock-salt bullets clanged against the side of the kidnappers's automobile, unable to connect fully with the humans ducked down in the interior and trying to start the engine. Over the sound of Van's gunshots was the terror-filled screams of people fleeing the park. They trampled through the flowerbeds like stampeding cattle, blind with panic and crushing any person unlucky enough to fall to their knees. Trying to thread through the crowd while also keeping an eye on Van who was bearing down on the kidnappers with impressive speed despite the obstacles, I heard a pitiful and familiar yelp from Sisi, the little dog skillfully dodging the stamping feet as to the best of his herding dog ancestry but it wasn't quite enough. My little friend was in serious danger of being stomped like a wayward bug.

Stowing my rapier at my side, I dove for the dog and scooped him up in my arms. As I bent over, a sharp elbow painfully dug into my ribs, pushing me forward into the panicked crowd. I grunted, tucking Sisi's sausage-shaped body against my chest and rolled with the motion. Van's deep voiced roar shouted my name to the skies as I launched up on my feet with no injuries to speak up. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for my skirt. The long fabric had become caught beneath the heel of someone's shoe as I was moving, part of my skirt ripped free while the other did not. Now the frayed edge hung just under my knees, the discarded ribbon of fabric quickly stomped into tatters by the last panicked people fleeing the park.

Van Helsing was locked in combat with the two men who were attempting to kidnap Delly and the two he had previously shot and knocked unconscious, but who were now awake and bearing long, wicked looking knifes in their hands. One man separated from the others and hopped into the car, twisting at the key to try and start the motor. Belching a cloud of oily black smoke, the machine growled to life with a grinding roar. The kidnapper in the driver's seat shouted something to the others, but the words were lost in the roar of the automobile and the crack of Van's fist against the jaw of another kidnapper. His target dropped to the ground like a limp doll, completely unconscious. The kidnapper's companions must have caught the meaning of the message, because the remaining two men teamed up and began throwing back-to-back blows aimed for Van Helsing's head and shoulders. Van Helsing ducked and twisted, avoiding blows from the two men which he returned with a kick to the chest of the second that send him flying into a nearby tree. The kidnapper's head clanged woodenly against the trunk before slumping to the ground in a heap, firmly knocked out this time. As the soldier twisted with the motion of the blow, his heart stopped when he saw Sierra vanish beneath the screaming crowd, only starting again when he saw her beautiful silver head pop back up with the dog in her arms. That moment of distraction was all the kidnappers needed to gain the upper hand, slamming a sharp blow upside the soldier's head that sent the hunter to his knees. He had heard Sierra's warning cry of his name, but it was too late, the damage was done. Now he watched through the spinning haze of his vision as the last kidnapper hopped into the automobile and they sped away, taking the vampire king with them.

Holding his aching head in his hands, Van Helsing spotted the arrival of the first police officer riding in on horseback. Darting a quick glance over at Sierra to ensure her safety, he did not waste any time as he strode over with a purposeful stride, the thunderous expression on his face wilting the young policeman's courage like wax before an open flame before the soldier even arrived. He was going to commandeer that horse and pursue his friend's kidnappers and he wasn't taking no for an answer.

I scurried to catch up with Van Helsing, falling behind by about 10 steps due to my head aching slightly from blow Van had received. Sisi snuffed and wiggled in my arms, a growl building in his throat as his little legs waved in the air, eager to return to his pursuit for his friend. Glancing over at Van, I saw him snatch the reins of the horse from the now-dismounted police officer's hands and start trying to swing himself up. I can't let him pursuit the thieves alone, but I can't take Sisi along as well. My little corgi friend and horses is not a good combination, more like one of Van's explosively seasoned recipes that combusts into scorching flame when the ingredients are mixed together. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a well-dressed woman calmly leading a small orange and white spaniel on a leash through the excitement. I could not assist Van in the rescue while holding my little canine friend, but I'm hoping that since the lady was taking such care to avoid startling her own pet, maybe she would be willing to help me with Sisi as well. "Excuse me, miss?"

"Yes?" The lady turned and looked at me expectantly. The little spaniel at her side yipped a greeting while wagging its plumy white tail.

"Could I ask you for a favor really quickly?" The lady nodded, Her interest piqued by the squirming dog in my arms. "Could you please take this dog to my friend's address?" The well memorized address of Fran's clinic rattled off my tongue with lightening speed and I relayed a quick message as to what had happened. The woman graciously agreed, accepting the burden of the enraged corgi with a smile and a gentle command to her own well-behaved dog to follow her. With that task done, I turned back toward Van Helsing and found my soldier had already commandeered the horse and was preparing to ride off. Leaving behind the stark white and trembling officer to guard the unconscious kidnappers lying on the ground. Breaking into a run, I leaped onto the horse's back just as Van commanded her into motion.

The horse stamped her feet in protest at the sudden new weight that has descended on his back. Shifting into a quick-fire bucking motion that forced the solider to pull hard on the reins in effort to regain control. "What are you doing, Sierra? Stay here where it's safe!" Van hissed out from between clenched teeth while trying to keep the crazed mare underneath him calm. Defiant blue eyes swirled with a light marbling of silver stared back at him full of fire and courage for the chase ahead.

"Van, we don't have time to argue about this. I'm going to help you rescue Delly!" I pointed straight ahead at the rapidly departing car. The black smoke belching from the engine was providing a very visible trail. "Now hurry up, they're getting away!" Van Helsing growled something unintelligible, but nudged the horse into a rocking full speed gallop. My arms tightened around his waist in shock, my chest pressing against the line of his back.

Orange sparks flew into the air from the strike of the horses's iron-clad hooves against the cobblestone pavement. Van sure-handedly steered the mare around the slow-moving automobiles in pursuit of the one currently containing Delly, earning quite a few sour glances from various lords and ladies in their own automobiles as well. More than once I heard a voice complaining about the recklessness of today's youth, but I didn't pay them much mind. I was certainly more focused on the rock-salt dented rear of a automobile that was steadily drawing closer. Van Helsing's muscles tensed under my arms, one hand freeing itself from the reins to reach and draw the gun strapped to his leg.

Van Helsing lifted the gun level with his sight, violet eyes carefully gauging the distance between the automobile and himself. He really had to be careful where he placed his shot, if not correctly done, the car would crash and injure young Delacroix along with his kidnappers. It is true that vampires are extremely hardy, Delacroix even more so as he was a pure-blooded vampire, but an injury could possibly turn fatal in even the strongest of specimens. He would not hurt the boy if he could prevent it. He debated whether to try and shoot the driver, but there was a high possibility that the car would crash once the driver was unconscious. Potentially hurting any innocent bystanders as well. The safest bet would be to shoot out the tires one by one. Unless the steering controls were very bad, losing a tire shouldn't cause such a loss of control that would pose a major risk, then he could quickly disarm the kidnappers as well. Lining up the sights of the gun barrel with the spinning left rear wheel, he was ready to squeeze the trigger when a shout of alarm went up from the kidnappers.

"Step on it! The guard and the girl are catching up with us on that cursed horse!" The passenger kidnapper screamed at the driver. The automobile swerved just as Van fired, the bullet clanging harmlessly off the already dented trunk. Peering over Van's shoulder, I saw a glimmer of metal appear in the bright sunshine, but I couldn't see exactly what it was due to the kidnapper's own dark clothing. A quick boom and a high-pitched whistle sailing off to my right told me what I needed to know. The kidnapper had decided to return fire with real bullets, not the rock-salt kind like Van was using. More shots quickly followed, the bullets searing by in a blast of heat and a trail of bitter smoke. Van Helsing snapped off three more shots, each one missing the target and pinging off the metallic body of the car.

While the gun-wielding kidnapper fires off a series of return shots that had us ducking low against the horse's back, the driver preformed a hair splitting turn into a narrow alley, the car rising up on two wheels to execute the sudden sharpness of the turn. Van's breath muffled a curse and I clung on tight to his waist as he yanked the reins hard, shifting the direction of the horse's gallop to angle down the alley in pursuit. A volley of bullets accompanied our turn, sliding through the air mere inches from our bodies. The car twisted and turned through increasingly narrowed alleyways, more sparks pouring forth when the driver misjudged the distance and the car's side scraped against the brick walls of the buildings. I had to kept a tight hold of both Van with my arms and the saddle with my legs to avoid being sent sliding off on each turn. Tugging on the reins, Van directed the horse to leap across an incoming missile bouncing across the pavement, a side mirror that had been shorn off with a tight turn. The kidnapper shouted something incomprehensible at the driver, but I could see his face flushed red with anger. Van took the opportunity to fire straight at one of the tires, a loud pop accompanying the targeted tire bursting open, a jagged hole ripped open the tubing and had allowed the air to escape. The kidnappers yelled between themselves, the one bearing the gun returning fire with renewed vengeance while the driver continued on with only three whole wheels, the fourth making a slapping sound as it still rolled along on the axle.

"Damn it!" Van Helsing cursed as a stream of heated air tingled against his ear when a bullet went sailing past, burning the patch of skin an angry flushed red. He heard Sierra hiss in shock and felt her cringe lower against his back, one of her arms loosening from around his waist. Daring to glance over his shoulder, he was quickly met with the sight of Sierra's face creased up in pain, her free hand clasped tightly to her bicep where silver blood oozed between her fingers. Van's jaw clenched tight, his teeth grinding together as his anger flared even higher. These punks were going to pay dearly. Van aimed his gun again, staring down the sights at the head of the gun wielding kidnapper and pulled the trigger. His eyes widened in shock when only a clicking sound was produced. Empty! His pockets were also empty, the full boxes of ammunition still in the drawer of his desk at Renfield's mansion. Van cursed again under his breath while the kidnapper's cackled loudly, a sound that grated on his already stressed nerves. The gunman fired again, raining another hale of bullets down on the unfortunate couple. Stretching one arm behind him to press Sierra closer to his back, he shielded her with his body while also forcing the horse to slow down and take cover in a section of a cross street that ran between two buildings. Without his supply of bullets, the soldier and the angel were nothing more than sitting ducks waiting to be slaughtered.

Dust showered down on Van's head, bullets peppering the side of the building as the roaring sound of the motor faded into the distance. Only when the action had calmed did he release Sierra from his side. "Are you alright?" He pushed his glasses up the slope of his nose while he spoke, anger and frustration sharpening his words into a gruff bark.

"I'm okay." Lifting my fingers, I was happy to see that the wound had already started to slow its bleeding. A shallow half-moon shaped trench was carved horizontally into my bicep. Grazed by a bullet it seemed rather than a full entry wound. Retrieving a handkerchief from his pocket, Van gently but firmly tied the cloth into a makeshift bandage around my arm, silver blood slightly staining the cloth and had already spread to the sleeve of my blouse. It seemed that all my clothes today were going to share the same fate, delegated to the scrap box. I would have time to worry about that later because the kidnappers had not escaped yet. Faintly in the distance, I could still hear the rattling belch of the broken motor puttering along. We still had a chance to catch up to them. "Go ahead. We're wasting valuable time. They are still close enough that we could catch up."

Van Helsing narrowed his eyes but nodded. Sierra had a valid point. Shifting back around, he nudged the horse into a gallop and they thundered in pursuit of the kidnappers. The broken roar of the engine was easy to follow even at a distance. The kidnappers, high on their pretend belief that they had escaped from the soldier and the angel, had slowed the automobile down to a more sedate speed. When the rear of the automobile became visible in the distance, along with the cackling driver the passenger who had exchanged the guns he had earlier for a flask of something that Van strongly suspected was liquor. Slowing down to a canter, the two followed in behind the kidnappers vehicle, never close enough to be noticed but also not far enough away that they would lose sight of the target either.

The longer we traveled, the more I noticed the changes in our surroundings. The tightly crowded residential buildings were becoming spaced farther apart, the sheer size of the buildings quickly doubling and tripling in size to form giant warehouses easily able to house two to three airships at once. The unique smell of the Thames hung in the air, as did the overpowering scent of engine oil and fresh steam. A few workers and mechanics walked from building to building, their faces and clothes smeared with black grease and grime while multiple airships floated in the sky above our heads, the thrumming of their engines so loud that it seemed like the sky itself was vibrating. "We must be getting close to the docks along the Thames." I thought idly, unaware that I had actually spoke till Van Helsing grunted his agreement.

Sooner than I expected, the ragged automobile pulled to a stop outside an otherwise unsuspecting warehouse identical to the others that populated the area. We slowed to a stop, dismounted, and took cover behind a stack of crates unloaded from another ship. Van Helsing tied the horse's reins to a wooden plank sandwiched between two of the crates before kneeling down beside me. I was trying to watch the kidnappers, but the soft breath of the horse tickled against my neck as she nuzzled her velvety nostrils against my cheek. A very sweet and affection creature now that her duty had been fulfilled. Making small shushing noises through my teeth, I patted my fingers against the long expanse of her nose, satisfying her desire to be touched and turned back just in time to see the warehouse door swing open and more dark-clothed bandits flow out of the building like thousands of ants from an anthill. A man and woman stepped out following the flood of black, the woman's chattering laughter scratched against my ears as her name floated free from the depths of my memories. Duchess Blackwater. I felt Van stiffen beside me, no doubt recognizing the very same person who he had worked for previously as a freelance bodyguard. Although I didn't recognize the well-dressed man at her side, they were most obviously together considering the amount of flirting the duchess was engaged in, but his clothes and high bred mannerisms slightly reminded me of Renfield's but still different.

The driving kidnapper lifted the lax form of a still peacefully slumbering Delly from the backseat of the automobile, his feet and legs now bound tight with sturdy rope. Blackwater leaned forward and cooed over the slumbering boy, only to be roughly jerked back by the man. He lowly mumbled something to Blackwater, dismissively gesturing at Delly with sharp flicks of his hands like he was shaking off water droplets. The duo spoke together for a few moments, the unknown man's low mutters mixing together with Duchess Blackwater's higher pitched fawning. When finished, the man turned around and issued a sharp bark of a command to the drunken kidnapper standing off to the side before marching inside, the man's back ramrod straight and nose pointed high in the air, the characteristic walk of a snobbish aristocrat. "Wait for me, darling!" Blackwater screeched before flouncing inside. Several of the newer henchmen took up guard positions outside the front door, a small number of five attempted to help the two kidnappers who were struggling to carry Delly's weight between them, the drunken one staggering even more so than the sober one. Once the last person of that little squad had been admitted, the door swung firmly shut and the remaining guards pulled guns out from beneath their clothing.

Van Helsing assessed the situation before them with the cool mind of a soldier at war. With this many guards stationed out front, his ammo supplies gone, and who knows what else waiting inside the warehouse, the situation was very unlikely that they would be able to gain entry for Delacroix's rescue at this entrance. Inwardly wishing that he had reloaded the supply of extra ammunition that he always carried instead of signing the paperwork in his office, Van rummaged his hands through the pockets of his jacket and trousers in search of any stray reminders that might have slipped aside. Not one, two or three, but five rock salt bullets resulted from his search. Still much too low a number to provide any real help against the odds, but better than nothing he assumed. Cocking open the barrels of both guns to load three bullets in the smaller handgun and two bullets in the larger shotgun, Van snapped the guns closed and returned them to their rightful positions. He looked up to find Sierra staring at him with concern in her eyes, one hand absently patting the shoulder of the horse that had found something interesting on the ground to nose.

The surprise dampened the freezing fire of anger in Van's eyes for a moment. He must have been lost in thought. "I'm assuming that I would be unable to convince you to stay here?" He whispered, the phrase more a resigned statement than a question as he pushed a hand through his rumpled blonde hair in agitation.

"Nope," I replied back. No way was I willing to let him go in there unaccompanied. I was a trained soldier as well and most certainly recognized the disadvantaged that was presented to us.

"Fine." Van turned back to view the layout of the warehouse before us. "I'm going to sneak around to the back of the building where there should be another entrance. One that might be less guarded than the one here, then we will sneak inside and retrieve Delacroix. All without alarming these gun-bearing goons stationed here. Stay with me and do not fall behind, do you understand?" He stood up, a flash of guilt showing in his gaze as it wandering over the makeshift bandage on my arm. His hand started to lift and brush against the my hand, but then it dropped. The emotion in his eyes retreating behind the a frosted glaze I recognized from when he had went to battle before.

"Don't worry about me. I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well. Although there is just one more thing I had in mind." I twisted my fingers in the collar of his jacket and hauled him so close that our lips barely brushed. "A kiss for luck." I whispered before sealing the connection.

Van's rare but extremely arrogant smirk graced his handsome features when we parted. "I don't need luck. I have an angel on my side." He said, placing another kiss on my forehead before he began sneaking off, guns already in hand before turning back and silently arching an eyebrow in an "are you coming?" gesture. With my face flamed red as a tomato, I drew my rapier and crept along behind him. Subtly we weaved through crates and around building corners, we avoided the thuggish guards one by one. Sometimes they walked so close that I could hear them breathing and smell the cheap liquor on their breath. My fingers always tightened on the handle of my rapier in response.

As Van predicted, the rear entrance to the warehouse was guarded only by two henchmen who looked no younger than 18. Slouched against the industrial strength steel door, they both appeared to be asleep. I poked Van's shoulder in question, but he dismissed my curiosity with a wave of his hand to be quiet, making a walking motion with his fingers to step forward. We walked right up to the door before the either one of the boys opened their eyes.

"Hmmnn... who'er... you?" The first one slurred, blinking at us through bleary eyes. A blow from Van's hand to the pressure point in his neck sent him back to sleep. Snores quickly falling from his lips. His partner never woke up from his slumber, but I lightly pinched the pressure point in his neck just to be sure. Leaving the two boys leaned up against the side of the wall, we revealed them of their meager weapons -- a dull knife and an empty gun -- before entering the warehouse.

Surprisingly, the inner warehouse was completely empty except for a large airship that occupied most of the interior. There was not a trace to be found of a henchman, the elegantly dressed man, or even Delly. It was all much too odd.

Then I heard it. The sharp click of high heels against wood.

"Well, well. If it isn't the handsome war hero himself, Abraham Van Helsing. And look, he brought his little angel playmate too. It's so wonderful to the see you again. Although it would have been much nicer if you had left your little plaything at home. We could have so much fun together." Duchess Blackwater stepped into full view aboard the deck of the airship, flirtatiously twirling one strand of her hair around her finger. A predatory smile stretched her scarlet red painted lips into a garish grin akin to a clown's.

"I don't have time for your foolish antics woman! Release Delacroix now!" Van growled, the cold fury in his voice just as lethal as the guns he held in his hand.

"Oh, pooh. You're no fun anymore, Van Helsing." Her ghoulish smile grew even wider as she snapped her fingers once in the air. At the summons, the mob of sword and gun wielding henchman appeared from behind the ship, spreading out in a flood of black coats and expressions eager for blood. More henchmen swarmed through the back door we had just entered, effectively surrounding us completely. "How about this? If you can defeat my henchmen, you are welcome to take back your little vampire king." Blackwater cackled from her perch on the deck of the airship. Van lifted his handgun up and quickly fired off two shots, the bullets barely missing the duchess by a inch as she ducked, slamming into the henchmen who had been standing behind her. In response to the threat to their leader, the henchman bristled and snarled, weapons drawn and gleaming in the light.

"Stay close to me, the battle will be much harder if we are separated." Van Helsing mumbled low enough so that only I could hear. We stood back to back, his guns ready in his hands and my rapier in mine, ready for battle. The snarling mass of henchmen descended, the boom of guns mixing with the clash of steel and the bass drumming of the airships engines. Together, Van and I danced a dangerous waltz. Stepping in time with each other, we avoided the flying bullets of the gunman, twirling to the side just before the bullets lodged in our flesh, their path continuing on to stop in one of their companion henchmen. Conserving the three bullets he had left, Van was opting for hand to hand combat with only using his guns for a shield against the blades when necessary. That was fine with me, with a quick stroke of my rapier, his opponents were quickly disarmed of their weapons and ready for Van to jab a blow to a sensitive pressure point. The rhythm became easier as we moved together.

Dodge, parry, slash.

Dodge, parry, slash.

Dodge, parry, slash.

Over and over, My rapier flashed about in a display of lightning-swift speed, disarming all who dared to approach and slashing quite a few arms that were not quick enough to be drawn back. The crowd of leering faces blurred together into one sneering mass eager for victory, Blackwater's cackling ringing out loud above the clashing din of steel against steel. I spun around on one heel, dodging a blade meant to skewer my stomach and slamming my fist into the side of the assaulter's head, where he crashed into a lump for the others to stumble over. As much as I tried to keep my shoulder's brushing against Van's, there was just too many henchmen throwing blows to stay together. More bodies flowed into the small gap between us, forcing us into isolation beneath the relentlessly attacking blades.

"How do you two like my henchmen?" Blackwater purred in self-delight. "I knew who I would be facing so I selected only the most talented swordsmen and gunmen for this assignment. A brilliant idea on my part, don't you agree?"

No, I most certainly did not agree. Red blood stained my rapier, flowing down over my hand and mixing with the silver blood that stained my own sleeves. My arms burned from the weight of the weapon in my hands, as did my shoulders and ribs. The pain melding together to the point I could no longer tell my own from Van Helsing's. The air in the warehouse was stiflingly hot from the steam expelled by the airship's engines, so hot that sweat rolled down my neck and pasted the neck of my blouse to my skin. More droplets clung to my hair and bangs, dripping down into my eyes till tears rolled down my checks from the burning sensation. Kicking a henchman in the chest, I swiped a damp hand over my face and narrowly dodged a blade aimed for my head. The nameless henchman leered mockingly, his thin lips stretched in a paltry imitation of a smile that exposed broken yellow teeth. I narrowed my eyes, flicking out a kick that struck the henchman right behind the knee, the limb crumpling beneath him like paper as he dropped, slamming his chin straight into my knee which I jerked upward with a sharp crack of bone on bone. His sharp chin hurt, but my knee provide worse damage. The henchman's eyes rolled back into his skull and he fell limp to the floor. Scattered around him, his companions began eyeing me like I was an unpredictable wild animal instead of the tame little girl they were expecting as they circled, looking for any opening to strike.

"Van! Sierra! Incoming!"

The sound of a soft and familiar voice calling out a warning arrived just a few seconds ahead of the sound of glass vials breaking. Immediately voluminous green smoke clouds enveloped the interior of the warehouse. Quickly covering my nose with my hand, I watched as all of my opponents slowly began falling to the ground one by one in a drug induced sleep. A few tried to throw a few more blows, but I was able to quickly dispatch them to the ground with a well placed blow. One was more stubborn than the rest, determinedly lurching forward with his blade still held aloft and ready to strike. Just over his shoulder, I noticed a tall, lanky shape rapidly approaching through the smoke. I know this type of smoke, and that shape.

"Sierra!" I stepped aside as Impey's red hair sailed past, wide open arms slamming into the trembling henchman and squeezing tight. "The world's greatest engineer has come to save his angel!" Impey shouted while hugging the henchman tight to his chest, his eyes closed in excitement and smiling brightly. Now completely unconscious, the henchman's lack of response to the hug must have triggered Impey's brain to turn back on. "Hey, wait a minute... You're not Sierra."

"I'm over here, Impey." I giggled. My vampire friend turned towards me and barred the full wattage of his smile, casually throwing the discarded henchman over his shoulder like a used rag. Immediately I was swept up in his arms, his cheek smushed up against mine while he babbled cheerful nonsense.

"Well, hello there, Duchess Blackwater." I heard Lupin's smooth voice come from someone in the vicinity of the last place I saw Van. Although my vision was currently blocked the mass of Impey's fluffy red hair. "Fancy meeting a lady of your standing in a place like this. Although I do believe that your efforts are in vain, do be a dear and release Delacroix and I will personally speak to the awaiting squadron of soldiers stationed outside this very warehouse about your cooperation."

Wriggling free of Impey's smothering hug, I saw Van Helsing, Fran, and Lupin -- the last fully dressed in his gentleman thief outfit -- all staring straight ahead at a very furious Blackwater who was now turning a very bright shade of red. The scowl on Van's face beat out Blackwater's for frosty ferocity. His violet eyes were frozen glaciers of ice as he started at the noblewoman. I'm sure he was remembering his time spent serving her as a bodyguard and our subsequent encounters after that, ones that frequently left me wishing I could slap the smugness of the duchess's face.

"Au contraire, Arsene Lupin" Blackwater smiled shiftily. Waving her hand in a gesture to a henchman hidden inside the ship, the grinding and roaring increased in volume as the airship began takeoff. I watched Van's face twist in comprehension, and his enraged charge forward, guns peppering Blackwater's airship with his last three bullets but the ship was one of the newer models with a speedy liftoff. The ship's lowest deck was beginning to clear the roof by the time Van reached where the airship was docked. "I do believe I'll take my leave now. Van Helsing, it's been lovely to see you again. Perhaps we can meet under more pleasant circumstances the next time, and without your little plaything as well. Ta-ta for now!" As she finished speaking, Blackwell raised a hand to her lips and dramatically blew a kiss towards Van.

Standing still as stone, we all stood and watched the airship faded into the sky, along with our friend Delacroix.

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"Release me, filthy vermin!" The young vampire king screamed at his masked assailants through the cloth being held to his nose and mouth. Despite the effects of the drugs, his feet and fist flailed valiantly, striking semi-effective blows at the four men in black jackets and black eyemasks holding him captive. Delly's wayward kick caught the man attempting to hold his legs together across the jaw, sending the man sprawling onto the grass in a twisting lump of black. Brave little Sisi danced around the standing men, dodging blows aimed at his head with fierce growls and snapping teeth lunging for their knees and ankles before turning his fury on the fallen man. The other three redouble their efforts upon the blow to their companion who is already charging back to grab Delly's legs once again, Sisi's fangs embedded deep into his pants that ripped further as he moved. A masked man stood on each side of Delly's shoulders and held his struggling arms while the fourth member tried to keep the cloth over Delly's nose, the fabric presumably laced with an anesthetic.

Van Helsing absorbed all this in a single glance, pushing Sierra safely aside and reaching for his guns where they laid off to the side on the blanket. Alarm surging through his veins for his charge. How could he be so stupid as to let the king of vampires out of his sight? Taking quick aim, he fired a second later, his rock salt bullets flying straight and true into the two men that held Delly's feet and the cloth over his mouth, rendering them unconscious for the time being. Still, the soldier was just a second too slow as the drugs had already taken effect on the vampire who was now limp and slumbering in the hold of the remaining two kidnappers. Hoisting the vampire king up by his armpits, the two standing kidnappers still standing took one look at a furious Van Helsing already on his feet and charging in their direction and fled for a rackety black automobile, a kick to the rump sending little Sisi tumbling head over heels in the grass in their wake.

I scrambled to my feet after Van Helsing, my hand had already drawn the rapier from its sheath at my side and the other held up the long material of my skirt so I could run. Van's rock-salt bullets clanged against the side of the kidnappers's automobile, unable to connect fully with the humans ducked down in the interior and trying to start the engine. Over the sound of Van's gunshots was the terror-filled screams of people fleeing the park. They trampled through the flowerbeds like stampeding cattle, blind with panic and crushing any person unlucky enough to fall to their knees. Trying to thread through the crowd while also keeping an eye on Van who was bearing down on the kidnappers with impressive speed despite the obstacles, I heard a pitiful and familiar yelp from Sisi, the little dog skillfully dodging the stamping feet as to the best of his herding dog ancestry but it wasn't quite enough. My little friend was in serious danger of being stomped like a wayward bug.

Stowing my rapier at my side, I dove for the dog and scooped him up in my arms. As I bent over, a sharp elbow painfully dug into my ribs, pushing me forward into the panicked crowd. I grunted, tucking Sisi's sausage-shaped body against my chest and rolled with the motion. Van's deep voiced roar shouted my name to the skies as I launched up on my feet with no injuries to speak up. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for my skirt. The long fabric had become caught beneath the heel of someone's shoe as I was moving, part of my skirt ripped free while the other did not. Now the frayed edge hung just under my knees, the discarded ribbon of fabric quickly stomped into tatters by the last panicked people fleeing the park.

Van Helsing was locked in combat with the two men who were attempting to kidnap Delly and the two he had previously shot and knocked unconscious, but who were now awake and bearing long, wicked looking knifes in their hands. One man separated from the others and hopped into the car, twisting at the key to try and start the motor. Belching a cloud of oily black smoke, the machine growled to life with a grinding roar. The kidnapper in the driver's seat shouted something to the others, but the words were lost in the roar of the automobile and the crack of Van's fist against the jaw of another kidnapper. His target dropped to the ground like a limp doll, completely unconscious. The kidnapper's companions must have caught the meaning of the message, because the remaining two men teamed up and began throwing back-to-back blows aimed for Van Helsing's head and shoulders. Van Helsing ducked and twisted, avoiding blows from the two men which he returned with a kick to the chest of the second that send him flying into a nearby tree. The kidnapper's head clanged woodenly against the trunk before slumping to the ground in a heap, firmly knocked out this time. As the soldier twisted with the motion of the blow, his heart stopped when he saw Sierra vanish beneath the screaming crowd, only starting again when he saw her beautiful silver head pop back up with the dog in her arms. That moment of distraction was all the kidnappers needed to gain the upper hand, slamming a sharp blow upside the soldier's head that sent the hunter to his knees. He had heard Sierra's warning cry of his name, but it was too late, the damage was done. Now he watched through the spinning haze of his vision as the last kidnapper hopped into the automobile and they sped away, taking the vampire king with them.

Holding his aching head in his hands, Van Helsing spotted the arrival of the first police officer riding in on horseback. Darting a quick glance over at Sierra to ensure her safety, he did not waste any time as he strode over with a purposeful stride, the thunderous expression on his face wilting the young policeman's courage like wax before an open flame before the soldier even arrived. He was going to commandeer that horse and pursue his friend's kidnappers and he wasn't taking no for an answer.

I scurried to catch up with Van Helsing, falling behind by about 10 steps due to my head aching slightly from blow Van had received. Sisi snuffed and wiggled in my arms, a growl building in his throat as his little legs waved in the air, eager to return to his pursuit for his friend. Glancing over at Van, I saw him snatch the reins of the horse from the now-dismounted police officer's hands and start trying to swing himself up. I can't let him pursuit the thieves alone, but I can't take Sisi along as well. My little corgi friend and horses is not a good combination, more like one of Van's explosively seasoned recipes that combusts into scorching flame when the ingredients are mixed together. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a well-dressed woman calmly leading a small orange and white spaniel on a leash through the excitement. I could not assist Van in the rescue while holding my little canine friend, but I'm hoping that since the lady was taking such care to avoid startling her own pet, maybe she would be willing to help me with Sisi as well. "Excuse me, miss?"

"Yes?" The lady turned and looked at me expectantly. The little spaniel at her side yipped a greeting while wagging its plumy white tail.

"Could I ask you for a favor really quickly?" The lady nodded, Her interest piqued by the squirming dog in my arms. "Could you please take this dog to my friend's address?" The well memorized address of Fran's clinic rattled off my tongue with lightening speed and I relayed a quick message as to what had happened. The woman graciously agreed, accepting the burden of the enraged corgi with a smile and a gentle command to her own well-behaved dog to follow her. With that task done, I turned back toward Van Helsing and found my soldier had already commandeered the horse and was preparing to ride off. Leaving behind the stark white and trembling officer to guard the unconscious kidnappers lying on the ground. Breaking into a run, I leaped onto the horse's back just as Van commanded her into motion.

The horse stamped her feet in protest at the sudden new weight that has descended on his back. Shifting into a quick-fire bucking motion that forced the solider to pull hard on the reins in effort to regain control. "What are you doing, Sierra? Stay here where it's safe!" Van hissed out from between clenched teeth while trying to keep the crazed mare underneath him calm. Defiant blue eyes swirled with a light marbling of silver stared back at him full of fire and courage for the chase ahead.

"Van, we don't have time to argue about this. I'm going to help you rescue Delly!" I pointed straight ahead at the rapidly departing car. The black smoke belching from the engine was providing a very visible trail. "Now hurry up, they're getting away!" Van Helsing growled something unintelligible, but nudged the horse into a rocking full speed gallop. My arms tightened around his waist in shock, my chest pressing against the line of his back.

Orange sparks flew into the air from the strike of the horses's iron-clad hooves against the cobblestone pavement. Van sure-handedly steered the mare around the slow-moving automobiles in pursuit of the one currently containing Delly, earning quite a few sour glances from various lords and ladies in their own automobiles as well. More than once I heard a voice complaining about the recklessness of today's youth, but I didn't pay them much mind. I was certainly more focused on the rock-salt dented rear of a automobile that was steadily drawing closer. Van Helsing's muscles tensed under my arms, one hand freeing itself from the reins to reach and draw the gun strapped to his leg.

Van Helsing lifted the gun level with his sight, violet eyes carefully gauging the distance between the automobile and himself. He really had to be careful where he placed his shot, if not correctly done, the car would crash and injure young Delacroix along with his kidnappers. It is true that vampires are extremely hardy, Delacroix even more so as he was a pure-blooded vampire, but an injury could possibly turn fatal in even the strongest of specimens. He would not hurt the boy if he could prevent it. He debated whether to try and shoot the driver, but there was a high possibility that the car would crash once the driver was unconscious. Potentially hurting any innocent bystanders as well. The safest bet would be to shoot out the tires one by one. Unless the steering controls were very bad, losing a tire shouldn't cause such a loss of control that would pose a major risk, then he could quickly disarm the kidnappers as well. Lining up the sights of the gun barrel with the spinning left rear wheel, he was ready to squeeze the trigger when a shout of alarm went up from the kidnappers.

"Step on it! The guard and the girl are catching up with us on that cursed horse!" The passenger kidnapper screamed at the driver. The automobile swerved just as Van fired, the bullet clanging harmlessly off the already dented trunk. Peering over Van's shoulder, I saw a glimmer of metal appear in the bright sunshine, but I couldn't see exactly what it was due to the kidnapper's own dark clothing. A quick boom and a high-pitched whistle sailing off to my right told me what I needed to know. The kidnapper had decided to return fire with real bullets, not the rock-salt kind like Van was using. More shots quickly followed, the bullets searing by in a blast of heat and a trail of bitter smoke. Van Helsing snapped off three more shots, each one missing the target and pinging off the metallic body of the car.

While the gun-wielding kidnapper fires off a series of return shots that had us ducking low against the horse's back, the driver preformed a hair splitting turn into a narrow alley, the car rising up on two wheels to execute the sudden sharpness of the turn. Van's breath muffled a curse and I clung on tight to his waist as he yanked the reins hard, shifting the direction of the horse's gallop to angle down the alley in pursuit. A volley of bullets accompanied our turn, sliding through the air mere inches from our bodies. The car twisted and turned through increasingly narrowed alleyways, more sparks pouring forth when the driver misjudged the distance and the car's side scraped against the brick walls of the buildings. I had to kept a tight hold of both Van with my arms and the saddle with my legs to avoid being sent sliding off on each turn. Tugging on the reins, Van directed the horse to leap across an incoming missile bouncing across the pavement, a side mirror that had been shorn off with a tight turn. The kidnapper shouted something incomprehensible at the driver, but I could see his face flushed red with anger. Van took the opportunity to fire straight at one of the tires, a loud pop accompanying the targeted tire bursting open, a jagged hole ripped open the tubing and had allowed the air to escape. The kidnappers yelled between themselves, the one bearing the gun returning fire with renewed vengeance while the driver continued on with only three whole wheels, the fourth making a slapping sound as it still rolled along on the axle.

"Damn it!" Van Helsing cursed as a stream of heated air tingled against his ear when a bullet went sailing past, burning the patch of skin an angry flushed red. He heard Sierra hiss in shock and felt her cringe lower against his back, one of her arms loosening from around his waist. Daring to glance over his shoulder, he was quickly met with the sight of Sierra's face creased up in pain, her free hand clasped tightly to her bicep where silver blood oozed between her fingers. Van's jaw clenched tight, his teeth grinding together as his anger flared even higher. These punks were going to pay dearly. Van aimed his gun again, staring down the sights at the head of the gun wielding kidnapper and pulled the trigger. His eyes widened in shock when only a clicking sound was produced. Empty! His pockets were also empty, the full boxes of ammunition still in the drawer of his desk at Renfield's mansion. Van cursed again under his breath while the kidnapper's cackled loudly, a sound that grated on his already stressed nerves. The gunman fired again, raining another hale of bullets down on the unfortunate couple. Stretching one arm behind him to press Sierra closer to his back, he shielded her with his body while also forcing the horse to slow down and take cover in a section of a cross street that ran between two buildings. Without his supply of bullets, the soldier and the angel were nothing more than sitting ducks waiting to be slaughtered.

Dust showered down on Van's head, bullets peppering the side of the building as the roaring sound of the motor faded into the distance. Only when the action had calmed did he release Sierra from his side. "Are you alright?" He pushed his glasses up the slope of his nose while he spoke, anger and frustration sharpening his words into a gruff bark.

"I'm okay." Lifting my fingers, I was happy to see that the wound had already started to slow its bleeding. A shallow half-moon shaped trench was carved horizontally into my bicep. Grazed by a bullet it seemed rather than a full entry wound. Retrieving a handkerchief from his pocket, Van gently but firmly tied the cloth into a makeshift bandage around my arm, silver blood slightly staining the cloth and had already spread to the sleeve of my blouse. It seemed that all my clothes today were going to share the same fate, delegated to the scrap box. I would have time to worry about that later because the kidnappers had not escaped yet. Faintly in the distance, I could still hear the rattling belch of the broken motor puttering along. We still had a chance to catch up to them. "Go ahead. We're wasting valuable time. They are still close enough that we could catch up."

Van Helsing narrowed his eyes but nodded. Sierra had a valid point. Shifting back around, he nudged the horse into a gallop and they thundered in pursuit of the kidnappers. The broken roar of the engine was easy to follow even at a distance. The kidnappers, high on their pretend belief that they had escaped from the soldier and the angel, had slowed the automobile down to a more sedate speed. When the rear of the automobile became visible in the distance, along with the cackling driver the passenger who had exchanged the guns he had earlier for a flask of something that Van strongly suspected was liquor. Slowing down to a canter, the two followed in behind the kidnappers vehicle, never close enough to be noticed but also not far enough away that they would lose sight of the target either.

The longer we traveled, the more I noticed the changes in our surroundings. The tightly crowded residential buildings were becoming spaced farther apart, the sheer size of the buildings quickly doubling and tripling in size to form giant warehouses easily able to house two to three airships at once. The unique smell of the Thames hung in the air, as did the overpowering scent of engine oil and fresh steam. A few workers and mechanics walked from building to building, their faces and clothes smeared with black grease and grime while multiple airships floated in the sky above our heads, the thrumming of their engines so loud that it seemed like the sky itself was vibrating. "We must be getting close to the docks along the Thames." I thought idly, unaware that I had actually spoke till Van Helsing grunted his agreement.

Sooner than I expected, the ragged automobile pulled to a stop outside an otherwise unsuspecting warehouse identical to the others that populated the area. We slowed to a stop, dismounted, and took cover behind a stack of crates unloaded from another ship. Van Helsing tied the horse's reins to a wooden plank sandwiched between two of the crates before kneeling down beside me. I was trying to watch the kidnappers, but the soft breath of the horse tickled against my neck as she nuzzled her velvety nostrils against my cheek. A very sweet and affection creature now that her duty had been fulfilled. Making small shushing noises through my teeth, I patted my fingers against the long expanse of her nose, satisfying her desire to be touched and turned back just in time to see the warehouse door swing open and more dark-clothed bandits flow out of the building like thousands of ants from an anthill. A man and woman stepped out following the flood of black, the woman's chattering laughter scratched against my ears as her name floated free from the depths of my memories. Duchess Blackwater. I felt Van stiffen beside me, no doubt recognizing the very same person who he had worked for previously as a freelance bodyguard. Although I didn't recognize the well-dressed man at her side, they were most obviously together considering the amount of flirting the duchess was engaged in, but his clothes and high bred mannerisms slightly reminded me of Renfield's but still different.

The driving kidnapper lifted the lax form of a still peacefully slumbering Delly from the backseat of the automobile, his feet and legs now bound tight with sturdy rope. Blackwater leaned forward and cooed over the slumbering boy, only to be roughly jerked back by the man. He lowly mumbled something to Blackwater, dismissively gesturing at Delly with sharp flicks of his hands like he was shaking off water droplets. The duo spoke together for a few moments, the unknown man's low mutters mixing together with Duchess Blackwater's higher pitched fawning. When finished, the man turned around and issued a sharp bark of a command to the drunken kidnapper standing off to the side before marching inside, the man's back ramrod straight and nose pointed high in the air, the characteristic walk of a snobbish aristocrat. "Wait for me, darling!" Blackwater screeched before flouncing inside. Several of the newer henchmen took up guard positions outside the front door, a small number of five attempted to help the two kidnappers who were struggling to carry Delly's weight between them, the drunken one staggering even more so than the sober one. Once the last person of that little squad had been admitted, the door swung firmly shut and the remaining guards pulled guns out from beneath their clothing.

Van Helsing assessed the situation before them with the cool mind of a soldier at war. With this many guards stationed out front, his ammo supplies gone, and who knows what else waiting inside the warehouse, the situation was very unlikely that they would be able to gain entry for Delacroix's rescue at this entrance. Inwardly wishing that he had reloaded the supply of extra ammunition that he always carried instead of signing the paperwork in his office, Van rummaged his hands through the pockets of his jacket and trousers in search of any stray reminders that might have slipped aside. Not one, two or three, but five rock salt bullets resulted from his search. Still much too low a number to provide any real help against the odds, but better than nothing he assumed. Cocking open the barrels of both guns to load three bullets in the smaller handgun and two bullets in the larger shotgun, Van snapped the guns closed and returned them to their rightful positions. He looked up to find Sierra staring at him with concern in her eyes, one hand absently patting the shoulder of the horse that had found something interesting on the ground to nose.

The surprise dampened the freezing fire of anger in Van's eyes for a moment. He must have been lost in thought. "I'm assuming that I would be unable to convince you to stay here?" He whispered, the phrase more a resigned statement than a question as he pushed a hand through his rumpled blonde hair in agitation.

"Nope," I replied back. No way was I willing to let him go in there unaccompanied. I was a trained soldier as well and most certainly recognized the disadvantaged that was presented to us.

"Fine." Van turned back to view the layout of the warehouse before us. "I'm going to sneak around to the back of the building where there should be another entrance. One that might be less guarded than the one here, then we will sneak inside and retrieve Delacroix. All without alarming these gun-bearing goons stationed here. Stay with me and do not fall behind, do you understand?" He stood up, a flash of guilt showing in his gaze as it wandering over the makeshift bandage on my arm. His hand started to lift and brush against the my hand, but then it dropped. The emotion in his eyes retreating behind the a frosted glaze I recognized from when he had went to battle before.

"Don't worry about me. I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well. Although there is just one more thing I had in mind." I twisted my fingers in the collar of his jacket and hauled him so close that our lips barely brushed. "A kiss for luck." I whispered before sealing the connection.

Van's rare but extremely arrogant smirk graced his handsome features when we parted. "I don't need luck. I have an angel on my side." He said, placing another kiss on my forehead before he began sneaking off, guns already in hand before turning back and silently arching an eyebrow in an "are you coming?" gesture. With my face flamed red as a tomato, I drew my rapier and crept along behind him. Subtly we weaved through crates and around building corners, we avoided the thuggish guards one by one. Sometimes they walked so close that I could hear them breathing and smell the cheap liquor on their breath. My fingers always tightened on the handle of my rapier in response.

As Van predicted, the rear entrance to the warehouse was guarded only by two henchmen who looked no younger than 18. Slouched against the industrial strength steel door, they both appeared to be asleep. I poked Van's shoulder in question, but he dismissed my curiosity with a wave of his hand to be quiet, making a walking motion with his fingers to step forward. We walked right up to the door before the either one of the boys opened their eyes.

"Hmmnn... who'er... you?" The first one slurred, blinking at us through bleary eyes. A blow from Van's hand to the pressure point in his neck sent him back to sleep. Snores quickly falling from his lips. His partner never woke up from his slumber, but I lightly pinched the pressure point in his neck just to be sure. Leaving the two boys leaned up against the side of the wall, we revealed them of their meager weapons -- a dull knife and an empty gun -- before entering the warehouse.

Surprisingly, the inner warehouse was completely empty except for a large airship that occupied most of the interior. There was not a trace to be found of a henchman, the elegantly dressed man, or even Delly. It was all much too odd.

Then I heard it. The sharp click of high heels against wood.

"Well, well. If it isn't the handsome war hero himself, Abraham Van Helsing. And look, he brought his little angel playmate too. It's so wonderful to the see you again. Although it would have been much nicer if you had left your little plaything at home. We could have so much fun together." Duchess Blackwater stepped into full view aboard the deck of the airship, flirtatiously twirling one strand of her hair around her finger. A predatory smile stretched her scarlet red painted lips into a garish grin akin to a clown's.

"I don't have time for your foolish antics woman! Release Delacroix now!" Van growled, the cold fury in his voice just as lethal as the guns he held in his hand.

"Oh, pooh. You're no fun anymore, Van Helsing." Her ghoulish smile grew even wider as she snapped her fingers once in the air. At the summons, the mob of sword and gun wielding henchman appeared from behind the ship, spreading out in a flood of black coats and expressions eager for blood. More henchmen swarmed through the back door we had just entered, effectively surrounding us completely. "How about this? If you can defeat my henchmen, you are welcome to take back your little vampire king." Blackwater cackled from her perch on the deck of the airship. Van lifted his handgun up and quickly fired off two shots, the bullets barely missing the duchess by a inch as she ducked, slamming into the henchmen who had been standing behind her. In response to the threat to their leader, the henchman bristled and snarled, weapons drawn and gleaming in the light.

"Stay close to me, the battle will be much harder if we are separated." Van Helsing mumbled low enough so that only I could hear. We stood back to back, his guns ready in his hands and my rapier in mine, ready for battle. The snarling mass of henchmen descended, the boom of guns mixing with the clash of steel and the bass drumming of the airships engines. Together, Van and I danced a dangerous waltz. Stepping in time with each other, we avoided the flying bullets of the gunman, twirling to the side just before the bullets lodged in our flesh, their path continuing on to stop in one of their companion henchmen. Conserving the three bullets he had left, Van was opting for hand to hand combat with only using his guns for a shield against the blades when necessary. That was fine with me, with a quick stroke of my rapier, his opponents were quickly disarmed of their weapons and ready for Van to jab a blow to a sensitive pressure point. The rhythm became easier as we moved together.

Dodge, parry, slash.

Dodge, parry, slash.

Dodge, parry, slash.

Over and over, My rapier flashed about in a display of lightning-swift speed, disarming all who dared to approach and slashing quite a few arms that were not quick enough to be drawn back. The crowd of leering faces blurred together into one sneering mass eager for victory, Blackwater's cackling ringing out loud above the clashing din of steel against steel. I spun around on one heel, dodging a blade meant to skewer my stomach and slamming my fist into the side of the assaulter's head, where he crashed into a lump for the others to stumble over. As much as I tried to keep my shoulder's brushing against Van's, there was just too many henchmen throwing blows to stay together. More bodies flowed into the small gap between us, forcing us into isolation beneath the relentlessly attacking blades.

"How do you two like my henchmen?" Blackwater purred in self-delight. "I knew who I would be facing so I selected only the most talented swordsmen and gunmen for this assignment. A brilliant idea on my part, don't you agree?"

No, I most certainly did not agree. Red blood stained my rapier, flowing down over my hand and mixing with the silver blood that stained my own sleeves. My arms burned from the weight of the weapon in my hands, as did my shoulders and ribs. The pain melding together to the point I could no longer tell my own from Van Helsing's. The air in the warehouse was stiflingly hot from the steam expelled by the airship's engines, so hot that sweat rolled down my neck and pasted the neck of my blouse to my skin. More droplets clung to my hair and bangs, dripping down into my eyes till tears rolled down my checks from the burning sensation. Kicking a henchman in the chest, I swiped a damp hand over my face and narrowly dodged a blade aimed for my head. The nameless henchman leered mockingly, his thin lips stretched in a paltry imitation of a smile that exposed broken yellow teeth. I narrowed my eyes, flicking out a kick that struck the henchman right behind the knee, the limb crumpling beneath him like paper as he dropped, slamming his chin straight into my knee which I jerked upward with a sharp crack of bone on bone. His sharp chin hurt, but my knee provide worse damage. The henchman's eyes rolled back into his skull and he fell limp to the floor. Scattered around him, his companions began eyeing me like I was an unpredictable wild animal instead of the tame little girl they were expecting as they circled, looking for any opening to strike.

"Van! Sierra! Incoming!"

The sound of a soft and familiar voice calling out a warning arrived just a few seconds ahead of the sound of glass vials breaking. Immediately voluminous green smoke clouds enveloped the interior of the warehouse. Quickly covering my nose with my hand, I watched as all of my opponents slowly began falling to the ground one by one in a drug induced sleep. A few tried to throw a few more blows, but I was able to quickly dispatch them to the ground with a well placed blow. One was more stubborn than the rest, determinedly lurching forward with his blade still held aloft and ready to strike. Just over his shoulder, I noticed a tall, lanky shape rapidly approaching through the smoke. I know this type of smoke, and that shape.

"Sierra!" I stepped aside as Impey's red hair sailed past, wide open arms slamming into the trembling henchman and squeezing tight. "The world's greatest engineer has come to save his angel!" Impey shouted while hugging the henchman tight to his chest, his eyes closed in excitement and smiling brightly. Now completely unconscious, the henchman's lack of response to the hug must have triggered Impey's brain to turn back on. "Hey, wait a minute... You're not Sierra."

"I'm over here, Impey." I giggled. My vampire friend turned towards me and barred the full wattage of his smile, casually throwing the discarded henchman over his shoulder like a used rag. Immediately I was swept up in his arms, his cheek smushed up against mine while he babbled cheerful nonsense.

"Well, hello there, Duchess Blackwater." I heard Lupin's smooth voice come from someone in the vicinity of the last place I saw Van. Although my vision was currently blocked the mass of Impey's fluffy red hair. "Fancy meeting a lady of your standing in a place like this. Although I do believe that your efforts are in vain, do be a dear and release Delacroix and I will personally speak to the awaiting squadron of soldiers stationed outside this very warehouse about your cooperation."

Wriggling free of Impey's smothering hug, I saw Van Helsing, Fran, and Lupin -- the last fully dressed in his gentleman thief outfit -- all staring straight ahead at a very furious Blackwater who was now turning a very bright shade of red. The scowl on Van's face beat out Blackwater's for frosty ferocity. His violet eyes were frozen glaciers of ice as he started at the noblewoman. I'm sure he was remembering his time spent serving her as a bodyguard and our subsequent encounters after that, ones that frequently left me wishing I could slap the smugness of the duchess's face.

"Au contraire, Arsene Lupin" Blackwater smiled shiftily. Waving her hand in a gesture to a henchman hidden inside the ship, the grinding and roaring increased in volume as the airship began takeoff. I watched Van's face twist in comprehension, and his enraged charge forward, guns peppering Blackwater's airship with his last three bullets but the ship was one of the newer models with a speedy liftoff. The ship's lowest deck was beginning to clear the roof by the time Van reached where the airship was docked. "I do believe I'll take my leave now. Van Helsing, it's been lovely to see you again. Perhaps we can meet under more pleasant circumstances the next time, and without your little plaything as well. Ta-ta for now!" As she finished speaking, Blackwell raised a hand to her lips and dramatically blew a kiss towards Van.

Standing still as stone, we all stood and watched the airship faded into the sky, along with our friend Delacroix.