While on the
train from Varna to Galatz, Van Helsing was becoming increasingly anxious,
though he knew not the exact reason for the thick tension that now invaded upon
the space of his and Mina’s train car. He was certain, however, that his stress
was the product of one of two things; perhaps even both: their shortening
distance to the confrontation with the Count or his companion’s furtive and
increasingly frequent glances in his direction. A few kilometers back, she’d
begun gripping the armrest of her seat and clenching her eyes shut when not
looking his way. Her teeth had become permanently affixed to her bottom lip and
he feared that at any moment her actions would soon draw blood, but whether her
own or his, he was not certain. The closer they had come to their destination,
the more color her cheeks had lost and she looked to be more agitated by the
second. She had made them agree, before their journey, that death was to be her
only option if she should become afflicted with vampirism and he wondered at
what point in time in the near future would he be forced to act on that
promise. Sooner rather than later seemed the best option, but he had more
important things to worry about.
They had all
left Varna by different modes of transportation: Johnathan and Arthur by
steamboat, Seward and Quincey Morris by horse, and he and Mina by train. He
deduced that Johnathan and Arthur would arrive in Galatz first, due to the
mountainous and uneven terrain that he now travelled upon. He suspected that
Johnathan, who was becoming increasingly angry, would not be overly kind to the
Count based on the vampire’s decision towards his fiancé and Van Helsing hoped
he would not let impulse override logic. For, at the moment, the Count had the
upper hand and Van Helsing was currently inclined in the already heavy
atmosphere, to ignore the feeling that he had overlooked something, though it’s
nagging, he believed, would not cease until Dracula was nothing but ash on the
castle floor.
In his musing
upon this grievous topic, he had effectively blocked Mina’s irritation, but he
was almost shocked to find that they were now arriving at the Galatz station,
where the three groups had previously agreed to meet. The trip had taken a few
hours and Mina now appeared to have a greater handle on her emotions, though
she fidgeted constantly. He would need to consult with the others on how best
to proceed with this future woman of the undead, but it would have to wait
until after their confrontation. Looking around for the rest of his companions,
he failed to locate Johnathan and once again his gut wrenched. Hearing his name being called, he turned to
see Arthur rushing towards them. So, it was as he feared. The fool had gone
alone in a fit of pride to execute the one thing that stood in his way of
happiness. He looked toward Mina to find her sallow skinned, fear inhabiting
her eyes as she made eye contact. Perhaps, if they hurried, they could catch
him and maybe Mina could talk some sense in to her betrothed, but all hope
seemed futile.
Making their way
to the castle, hoping that Seward and Morris would join them quickly when they
realized the situation, but not having a choice, they ascended the mountain
where the castle was perched upon. Squinting in the darkness, he was
unsurprised to find two lone figures ahead in the distance in what appeared to
be a courtyard, only illuminated by the torch held in the smaller framed man’s
hand. Though there was a gasp to his right, he was shocked still as the only
woman in their group screamed and rushed forward, effectively catching the
attention of the two men before her. Van Helsing suspected that she had taken
leave of her senses in her state of discomfiture and he knew that she had
little time left. Regardless of the outcome, she would be dead soon enough. A
voice in his head, that he’d tried to ignore all along, reminded him that, most
likely, they all would be, one way or the other. Especially now that one of the
Count’s arms was acting as a vice around Jonathan’s neck. He could hear Mina’s
pleas for his freedom in return for servitude and Johnathan’s gasps of pain.
The count merely laughed and as he felt a chill creeping up his spine, he
realized he had not one weapon that could save them all. Though he had a
crucifix attached to his belt that was neighbor to the lone stake he carried,
Dracula now had leverage and he did not. Mina would be no help to him in her
currently deteriorating state and Arthur had next to no skill in dealing with a
monster of this caliber. It was likely that Seward and Morris would arrive to
this courtyard in the near future to find nothing but ash and despair. Deep
down, he knew it to be true. The Count would likely murder his two companions
and himself and would certainly take Mina as his own, with or without her
consent. But what kind of man would he be to surrender now? After all they’d
done? Wielding the only two weapons in his arsenal, one in each hand, he took a
step forward towards death, which was now staring back at him unerringly. The
only sounds to be heard was a deep, but chilling laugh that echoed through the
surrounding valleys, immediately followed by woman’s desperate scream.
-KC, SK, AB, SW
Alternate Ending:
Making their way
into the castle, hoping that Seward and Morris would join them quickly when
they realized the situation, but not having a choice, they ascended the
mountain where the castle was perched. Squinting in the darkness, he was
unsurprised to find two lone figures ahead in the distance. However, as they
grew closer he began to realize the two figures expanded into five. He became
very confused. The other three people introduced themselves in one of the most
pleasant soothing voices he had ever heard. The three men’s names were Aro,
Caius, and Marcus. Van Helsing was very bewildered and not sure how to react by
these extra men. All he knew was that he knew he should be scared. The three
new men seems rather old and very serious. He then realized that the four
vampires; the Count, Aro, Caius and Marcus, had Jonathon hostage. Mina was
pleading to try and keep her fiancé alive. Aro walks towards Mina and Van
Helsing jumps in front of her. He promises not to hurt her so Van Helsing
reluctantly steps aside.
Aro takes Mina’s
hand so quickly that she jumps, both from being startled and the chill of his
skin. Aro can see the images in Mina’s mind of her and Jonathon together and so
in love. Aro being much nicer than the others thinks they should let Jonathon
go so they can continue this happiness. Marcus, being much more serious, just
thinks that they should kill them both and use them to feed. Aro is not having
any of this. Aro and Marcus begin to argue. In the midst of the arguing the
Count is getting closer and closer to Jonathon’s neck. Mina realizes what’s
going on and screams. Aro and Marcus turn so quickly and sharply that they do
not even seem to move. Aro snaps Dracula’s arm off so quickly that it seems
effortless even though it breaks like stone. Dracula screams and Jonathon runs
to Mina. Aro looks at the two lovers and says, “Say anything and we will be
back.”
-MD, ML
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