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~~THE VAN HELSING CHRONICLES PART II~~
Several months have passed since the upheaval of Dracula's return and Edward Van Helsing's new life-state as a creature of the night. It is now spring 1906. Our tale continues...
Several months have passed since the upheaval of Dracula's return and Edward Van Helsing's new life-state as a creature of the night. It is now spring 1906. Our tale continues... Night had fallen, Edward arises from his daily slumber. He looks helplessly in the powder room mirror, why does he bother? There is no reflection.
'Probably just as well,' Edward thought to himself. It would be a shock indeed to see his altered state. He shrugged dejectedly and started to wash up and get dressed. In the past several months, Edward and Dracula had managed to stay out of each other's path, as Carfax Abbey was a large estate, and most nights Dracula was gone to points unknown. However, on this particular evening, their paths crossed.
"Why Edward! I must say you do not look at all well. You look drawn and pale...not feeding?" Dracula sneered scornfully. "Stay out of my affairs, Count." Edward said in an angry clipped tone. "I will never harm another human being, unlike YOU."
Dracula began to chuckle softly. "I see, so these last months you have been feeding on rats and chickens? No wonder you look so terrible. You cannot subsist on such a diet, Van Helsing..." "Listen close, and I will tell you how it should be done..." Dracula whispered in a conspiring voice. "You need the blood of humans to survive, we do not wish to draw attention to ourselves, so you pick an area in which to feed. You pick a home, select a...human...and take just enough so the next morning the poor unsuspecting person feels weak, 'under the weather'...perhaps they are getting sick...so they stay home in bed a few days." Dracula continued, "You wait until that person's blood builds back up, a few months or so...and you can visit again if necessary. Never, ever drain a person dry. Not only will it make you very sick, but it speaks very ill indeed for our survival if corpses began to pile up all over the countryside."
Edward drew back in horror. "Surely you can't be serious!"
"Nearby London has over two million souls, Edward. Plenty to go around. And you are not 'harming' them, really. You are merely 'borrowing' a little blood for your survival. They recover, and go on with their meaningless little lives! And you will no longer have to search barnyards and the London docks for your meals!"
Edward's handsome face writhed in disgust.
"And one last thing...DO NOT bite the same person twice within a few days of each other or they will become a vampire. We do not want to add to our numbers!" Edward felt sick; sick to his soul.
'This is what I have become, a blood-sucking parasite, ' Edward thought miserably to himself.
He turned on his heel and walked away from Dracula.
"You will do well to remember my advice Edward," Dracula called after him, "Your very survival hinges on this, you will see!" Over at the Harker's, Sabrina has reach the age of consent, such as it was. Now an adult, she watches and waits...she has not seen Edward since that night of his transformation into a vampire, but she quietly is scheming and plotting...she has plans for Edward Van Helsing. The young and tender romance between Jon Van Helsing and Verity Harker is progressing. Jon will be going to University in the fall, and he wastes no time in declaring his arduous feelings for Verity.
Jon, ever the romantic, smothered Verity's delicate hand with passionate kisses. "I love you so much Verity, say you will marry me as soon as we are of age! Come away with me...we can get a small flat near the University, we can be together...for always!" He said, his voice trembling. "Oh Jon, I love you too. Of course I will marry you! As soon as possible...I have loved you my whole life, my darling..." Verity's voice trailed off. She began to tremble, all she wanted was Jon to take her in his arms and kiss her. Jon pulled Verity in close for a romantic and loving embrace...slowly he began to kiss her, more deeply than ever before. Verity threw her arms around Jon's neck and returned his love...the autumn could not come soon enough for them both... Vic Harker has also just had his 18th birthday, not long after Sabrina's. Vic has given it a lot of thought, and he has decided to explore a career in medicine. He will join his dear friend Jon at University...the very same university his father and Harrison Harker attended so long ago. One chilly spring evening at Carfax Abbey, Victor Harker is warming himself by the crackling fire when Carolina walked up to him and said quietly, "Victor, we need to talk. You have been very distant these last months. You have hardly been near me...my darling, is something wrong? Please, we used to tell each other everything!" Victor turned and looked at his dear wife, the firelight dancing on his tormented face.
"Yes.." he rasped hoarsely, "There is something wrong, horribly wrong, and I do not know how to tell you." Victor hesitated and sighed. "The hunger, the need, whatever you call it...it has got much worse Carolina, so much so I almost bit you. I cannot bear the thought of harming you...so I have stayed away." Carolina was shocked. It had been so long since they had spoken of "the need" as they called it. She had assumed Victor had things under control. Sometimes she almost forgot that Victor was half-vampire.
'What torture he must be enduring!' she thought to herself worriedly. Carolina ran into Victor's arms. "Oh my darling...what you must have been going through! I wish you had told me sooner. Please, let me help you!! I can help you fight it, I cannot bear to see you in such torment!" she sobbed.
Victor held her close. He did not know what to do... Carolina grabbed Victor and began to kiss him tenderly.
He had missed this closeness, a closeness that held such joy and contentment for him. Victor began to kiss Carolina, deeply and romantically. Something he had not done in months. God, he loved her so... "Yes...Yes!" Carolina cried. She kissed Victor back with great enthusiasm. How she missed his embrace, his glorious kisses. The room began to feel very warm, and it was not the fire dancing in the fireplace making it so. Victor bent Carolina backwards, covering her with loving kisses.
Again, the throbbing *wump wump* of Carolina's carotid artery drew Victor's mouth down to her neck.
A strong buzzing sound began to scream in Victor's head, his blood rushed through his brain as a raging river after a large rainstorm.
He sunk his teeth into her soft, white neck...Carolina moaned... As soon as the first metallic tasting droplets touched his lips, Victor drew back in horror. "God! I am cursed!" Victor screamed in agonized torment.
"Stop it Victor!" Carolina cried sharply. "You barely broke the skin...calm down! I am not afraid or repulsed, I am not running from you in terror...I am here...LOOK AT ME!" Victor did indeed stop and looked at his beloved wife. She had a most determined look on her beautiful face.
"I love you in spite of your so-called 'curse', maybe more because of it. But you have to stop torturing yourself! I will not have you turn from me!"
She took Victor by the hand and led him into their bedroom. "Now, lie there and relax Victor...calm yourself, and I shall be back directly..."
Carolina left Victor to contemplate what had just happened. His tortured mind was racing. What was bringing on this abhorent, vampiric behaviour? How can he stop it? He thought of Carolina. What a brave, beautiful woman... Carolina emerged a short time later. She had taken her hair down and styled it the way she did when they were first married. She was wearing a white silk nightie that enhanced her luminous beauty. Victor smiled. He had almost forgotten how glorious she looked, how stunning...she lit up the room. She crawled onto the bed and whispered huskily to Victor, "Now, let me show you how much I love you...Just lie back and relax my darling...."
Victor did as he was told, and all through that spendid night, not once did the 'need' come over him...this time. Earlier that same evening, Edward paid an unexpected visit at the Harker's. Sabrina opened the door.
"I came to see Uncle Harrison..." Edward spat coldly. "Tell him I am here!"
Sabrina had not seen Edward for months. She stared longingly at him, even in his current vampiric state, his handsomeness had not diminished. "He is not here...none of them are, they went into town for supper. I begged off with a headache." Sabrina said stiffly, sensing Edward's coldness.
Edward pushed past her rather roughly and went into the hall. "Forgive me If I do not believe you...I will check for myself."
"As you please...really Edward, have you nothing to say to me...about my appearance? I think I have grown up rather well. Do I not attractive you?" Sabrina smiled smoothly, her hands on her hips.
"I have told you before, and believe me, nothing has changed; you mean nothing to me, less than nothing. The very thought of you makes me ill, get that through your over-sized egotistical brain!" Edward curled his lip in distaste. Sabrina turned away so Edward would not see the hurt look on her face.
'How dare he be so cruel! Damn him! Only Edward can hurt me so....Very well, I shall strike back!'
she fumed inwardly. "Still pining for dear Mina are we? Well let me enlighten you to a few facts you may not be aware of, Edward Van Helsing! We just recieved a letter from Mina, she is enagaged to a man she met in Scotland, A lord! Seems she has forgotten about you completely!!" Sabrina cried triumphantly. Edward hissed at Sabrina. "You are a filthy liar! She would do no such thing! She would not be so callous and hurtful, Not my Mina!"
Sabrina folded her arms in anger. "You think she is so perfect...love can make a fool out of anyone Edward, even you, it seems!" "You know her childish scrawl...the letter is over there on the hall table, go and read her pathetic ramblings for yourself, then get out. I have had enough of your miserable exsistence!" Sabrina roared.
She turned and flounced upstairs to her bedroom, leaving a stunned Edward. He slowly went over to the table and read the letter. Every word was a knife in his heart. Edward soon followed Sabrina into her room, without a word or explanation, he grabbed and kissed her roughly.
The kiss held no warmth, no affection, no kindness.
All he saw before him was Mina's face...he wanted revenge, he wanted to punish Mina, and perhaps himself.
He could not stop ...he did not want to stop. Sabrina did not care that Edward did not love her...or even like her for that matter. All she cared about that he was here now, in her room.
She needed no invitation...she grabbed Edward and kissed him with a hunger that has been stored up in her for years. Things progressed quickly...and before they knew it they were on Sabrina's bed.
To Edward, it meant nothing...to Sabrina, it meant everything... It was over. Edward got up and was dressed already. He stood and looked out the window into the beckoning darkness.
"This will never happen again. EVER. I did it out of revenge, in some twisted way I thought I was hurting Mina. But perhaps I wanted to hurt you more. To give you a taste of what you will never have. If that sounds cruel and arrogant, unlike me, then fine.
But then. I am not the man I once was...you saw to that Sabrina. Good-bye." Edward said with no emotion. Edward left the room and closed the door quietly. Sabrina hung her head. Her face was burning red hot with shame. 'He used me...' she said aloud.
All the feelings of estascy and joy she felt being in Edward's arms were now gone. He destroyed it. She stood determinedly. No tears came to her eyes, no wave of sadness. She stood for the longest time staring straight ahead.
'I believe I will have the last laugh, Edward Van Helsing, see if I don't!' she vowed. After Edward left the Harker house, he flew around London, trying to forget what just happened.
In a lonely dark alley, he spotted a rather beautiful young woman walking alone on the cobbled street below.
He swooped down for a closer look. He appeared quietly behind her. She was indeed attractive, but what was she doing alone in this rather unsavory part of London? Perhaps she was out like him, trying to forget her troubles.
No doubt one of the many poor women with no place to live, no job, struggling to make ends meet. "Excuse me, I seem to have taken a wrong turn, I wonder if you could give me directions?" Edward asked kindly.
The young woman turned to face Edward. She was very beautiful, but poverty and sadness were deeply etched in her face. Edward lulled the poor unsuspecting girl into a trance... He was spurned on by an impulse, a need. He was still hurt, and angry. Edward felt all control leave him. The desire for survival kicked in, as Dracula foretold. He sunk his fangs into the young woman's pretty neck.
She groaned, not out of fear...but she seemed to enjoy it! Edward thought to himself incredulously. He drank with a deep and never-ending hunger. Dracula's words began to swirl in his head.
"Never, ever drain a person dry...take only what you need to survive...we do not want to litter the countryside with corpses..."
Edward relunctantly retracted his sharp fangs. The young woman dropped to the ground unconscious. He watched her for sometime. Her chest was still moving, she was still alive. She would recover, as Dracula said. She would not remember what happened.
As for Edward, he never felt so alive. He stepped over the young woman and began to walk away down the lonely dark street. Boisterous noises from a nearby public ale house filled the air.
He felt nothing. No remorse, no anger or sadness.
As attractive as she was, the young woman was nothing more to him than...food. Victor awoke the next morning, Carolina was already up and beginning her day. Victor sat for sometime, mulling over what had happened the night before.
The "need" had to be addressed...and now. It was only getting worse. Perhaps it was time to persue a scientific course of action. He would talk to Edward tonight. Surely two scientists could approach the problem analytically. Come the early evening, Victor found Edward in the small library upstairs. He audibly gasped. Edward looked almost...human. "What affected this change in your appearance?" Victor questioned.
Edward sighed. " Amazingly, your father has, shall we say, shown me the light? I am no longer going to fight it, I am what I am and I have accepted it." Victor listened with some dismay at Edward's explanation, of Dracula's advice. Victor was disgusted and fascinated all at the same time. He often wondered how his father managed to subsist...now he knew. He was conflicted, he did not know how to process this new information. "Edward, that is fine if you have accepted what you have become, but for myself, I weary of the internal struggle I face daily! Again, I almost attacked Carolina...Surely as men of science, we can approach this dilemma logically. Does it not affect the blood, could we not look at this as a disease?" Victor's voice rose passionately.
Edward looked at Victor incredulously. "Do you mean find a cure? Could that be possible?" Edward sighed. "To not be a vampire anymore...to have my life back...I would give anything!" Victor shook his head. "It is a permanent life-state Edward, I cannot see how it can be done, at least not for me. But perhaps we can discover a way to suppress the 'need, urge', or if you wish, a cure."
Edward though for a moment. Since his change, he had forgotten all about science. This would give his life some purpose! "Of course! We shall begin at once, Uncle Victor..." Edward thought of Mina. If they found a cure, she would not find him so loathsome, Who wants to share their life with a vampire?...and perhaps she would reconsider her upcoming marriage! Yes...Mina Harker. The poor unsuspecting young woman was being utterly charmed by the worldly Lord Raynor Nightwood. He knew just how to draw her in to his web. He has had many hundreds of years to perfect his art of courtship and seduction, how many dozens and dozens of women over the centuries fell under his charms?
When he at last proposed, Mina breathlessly accepted.
She was entirely smitten... Mina never questioned why she only saw Raynor in the evenings. When she once asked, he stated rather dismissively that the running of his estates kept him occupied from dawn until dusk. She had yet to see this estate in question, Raynor did all his courting at the Carberry's. Lord Raynor Nightwood was also once known as Raynor von Nachtwald. But that was many hundreds of years ago. His cold, grey eyes mirrored the empty soul that lay within. For like Count Dracula, Raynor was vampyre, a creature of the night.
He had his plans for Mina Harker, and none of them had anything to do with love...
A few weeks have passed, and one evening Sabrina has arrived at Carfax Abbey to visit her grand-father. Dracula was reading the paper as he usually did after his slumber. He was fascinated by the modern world.
"Sabrina my dear, listen to this...aeroplane takes first flight in Europe, more than 200 ft, is that not fantastic? The world has advanced more in the last 20 years than in the previous 200. Amazing!" "Yes, It is fascinating...Grandfather, I have a favour to ask. I must get away from here and was wondering if I may go stay at one of your castles for some time. Please, it is very important to me!" Sabrina pleaded. "Why must you feel the need to leave, what has happened my dear? There is more you are not telling me, I sense your sadness, and your hate. It is Edward Van Helsing, is it not?" Dracula whispered. "Not just a childish infatuation, you truly love him?" "Love him?" Sabrina growled. "I loathe him! The very air he breathes! I cannot abide being in the same area as him, I must get away to collect my thoughts. Please grand-father I implore you to let me leave!"
"There is a very fine line between love and hate, my child. I know." Dracula thought for a moment. "Very well, I will contact my servants in Vojvodina where they will await your arrival." Sabrina ran to embrace Dracula. "Oh thank you grand-father...this means so much!"
"How long will you be gone, my child?" Dracula asked.
"I don't know, for quite some time. I will keep in touch." Sabrina hugged Dracula closer. "Thank you grand-father!"
Dracula smiled. It pleased him to help Sabrina. It is the beginning of dusk, and a family meeting is about to take place at the Van Helsing's.
Jon and Verity have called Jane and Edward into the front parlour and are explaining how they wish to get married in a matter of weeks, at the end of summer before University begins.
"But...you are both barely 18 years of age!!" Jane sputtered. "Barely adults!"
"Edward has no objection, do you Edward?" Verity asked pleadingly. Jane turned to her oldest son. "Surely you can see the folly, Edward! They are children! They do not know their own hearts!" Jane cried.
"Mother, I have never seen two people so sure of their feelings, outside of Victor and Carolina. They are mature beyond their years. And frankly, life is too short, why deny them their happiness?" Edward said gently. Jane's resolve was beginning to crack. She looked over at the young couple, cuddling closely on the sofa. Yes, it was as Edward said, they were obviously in love.
"And what of your parents, Verity? Where do they stand in all this?" Jane questioned pointedly.
"If you and Edward give your consent, they do also." Verity smiled. Jon got up and faced his brother. "I know we are young, I know things will be tough at first, with concentrating on studies and such. I Love Verity with all my heart, and I know our love will get us through anything." Jon said with a firm conviction.
"I do not doubt your maturity or determination, Jon, I have all the faith in you...and Verity. Be happy and enjoy your life and love...I envy you, dear brother..." Edward's voice trailed off sadly. Finally the date arrived, dusk was settling over the large back yard of the Van Helsing Estate. Surrounded by their loving family members, Jon and Verity exchanged vows under the flowered covered arch.
Sabrina was not in attendance as she had left for Vojvodina, nor was Mina, but the rest of the family watched as the young couple pledged their troth. "I take you Verity to be my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live." Jon placed the ring on Verity's finger.
My darling Jon, we are bound together until death takes one of us, My heart and my soul are yours forevermore...I will love you through good and the bad, through joy and the sorrow. I will try to be understanding, and to trust in you completely. Together we will face all of life's experiences and share one another's dreams and goals, for as long as we both shall live. It was done. The two young adults were married, the family rose to their feet and burst into spontaneous, delighted applause.
The families were now tied together even closer, bound by love and respect and would be for many years to come.
Tied together by love...and tragedy. Jon immediately went over to his older brother. "Thank you Edward, for helping to make this all come about, it is the happiest day of my life! And to have you here by my side, only increases my joy!"
"I would do anything for you Jon...anything." Edward smiled. Carolina went to find Verity who had disappeared. She found the young woman alone in the powder room. "My dear! Why are you all alone? The party is outside, Jon is waiting for you to cut the cake!" Carolina exclaimed.
Verity's whole body was trembling. "Oh Aunt Carolina, I am terrified...our wedding night, I love Jon so!! I do not want to disappoint him...I must sound silly..." "Listen to me my dear, we all feel that way, but it will soon pass. You both love each other, believe me, that is all that matters. Enjoy each other, and all will fall into place."
Verity smiled. "Really? Was it like that for you and Uncle Victor?"
Carolina smiled. "Of course, now come my dear...your love awaits you." The party continued on late into the night, never had the two families had such a pleasant time, at such a gloriously happy occasion.
Even Victor managed to put aside his tortured thoughts and enjoyed himself. Victor found Vic in the Van Helsing's solarium. "There you are son, I was looking for you! What a glorious day this has been!" Victor smiled broadly. "They will be very happy, Verity and Jon, the love they have is obviously deep and unshakable, would you not agree?" Vic turned away. His father was correct, but why did he feel a little sad at such a joyous occasion?
Was he jealous that he had not found love as yet...or did he have feelings for Verity? He dismissed that thought entirely from his mind. Utterly ridiculous!
He smiled slightly. "Yes Dad, they will be extremely happy I am sure." Victor beamed at his son. "I haven't felt this content in ages Vic, I am going to take advantage of my good spirits. Come, let us return to the party!" Victor cried good-naturedly.
Vic could not help but smile in return. It did him good to see his father laughing and smiling. Together they went to join the rest of the family. This was the fourth morning in a row Carolina has been violently ill. Her mind began to whirl. Could she be expecting a child? She was almost 40 years of age! And years ago a Doctor told her she could not have any more children! It cannot be!
Carolina decided to seek out Doctor Blewett the next day. It must be some sort of illness, surely, she reasoned. After seeing the Doctor the next day and he confirmed Carolina's suspicions; she was resting comfortably in her room when Count Dracula walked in unannounced. He took Carolina by surprise. She had very little to do with Victor's father since his return, she was somewhat speechless.
"My dear, do not be alarmed. I sense you are not well. I have come to ask after your health." Dracula said in a gentle and melodious voice. Carolina looked into those dark penetrating eyes of the Count. 'He knows! It is uncanny! I haven't even told Victor yet!' She thought incredulously to herself.
Carolina cleared her throat. "I am well Count. I thank you for the asking." she said coolly.
"Please, I would consider it a honour if you would call me by my given name, 'Garrard', it has been so long since anyone has used it. I am after all, your father-in-law. I do not want to be your enemy. What is past is past. My son loves you so completely, it would warm his heart if we could at least be civil to each other." Dracula declared cordially. Carolina could not believe her ears! This creature holding out an olive branch? When he very likely killed her father, Jonathan Harker? And he kidnapped her mother Jane causing all sorts of emotional upheaval and tragedy!!
She was about to curse the Count when she saw Victor standing off to one side. He no doubt heard his father's impassioned plea for peace. His face was searching hers, imploring her to accept. The last thing she wanted was to hurt Victor.
"Of course, Garrard. You are right."
Dracula turned to see Victor. "I shall leave you both, you no doubt have much to discuss."
"My dear, thank you for that. I know it was not easy for you." Victor said. "What did father mean we have much to discuss?"
"I have seen Doctor Blewett Victor, and he has confirmed I am expecting a child." Carolina said tenderly. Victor was quiet for some time. He stared into Mina's face not knowing how to take such news.
"I thought...I thought you could not have any more children, that it would be dangerous to your health! I could not bear it if anything were to happen to you!" Victor said, his voice quaking with emotion.
"If I rest for the next several months and not let anything upset me, the Doctor is confident I can deliver a healthy child with no lasting ill effects on myself. I have never been so happy, Victor!" Carolina cried.
Victor smiled warmly in spite of his concerns. Perhaps she was right, perhaps it would all work out. The future held many uncertainties, perhaps the worst of times were behind them...
TO BE CONTINUED~~
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56 Comment(s) posted so far
On Sep 29, 2007 drewsoltesz wrote:
This part is longer than the others, sorry for that. Also sorry Raynor and Mina are not featured more, (for those of you taken with Raynor, as I am!) I ran out of room! They are featured prominently in the next installment, (almost done!) This is my own story/mythology...excuse any spelling errors/grammar..etc...)Hope that coveres it!! Cheers!
On Sep 29, 2007 jaundyce61 wrote:
WOW! Edward in the streets of London, very creepy and effective! The wedding was sweet, and oh my poor tortured Victor!! Wonderfully done!!!
On Sep 29, 2007 Zayury wrote:
On Sep 29, 2007 sakravy wrote:
I liked this part more than the previous,Good job can't wait 'till the next part!
On Sep 29, 2007 Devalyn wrote:
Awesome and fascinating
I hope Carolina will be all right, she's a cool woman 
and I can't wait to see Lord Raynor and his poor victim more, I missed that a bit. 
On Sep 29, 2007 hazabaza1 wrote:
I hope Carolina and the child turn out alright! Evil Edward! Suckin' up that blood!
On Sep 29, 2007 estatica wrote:
Great chapter, as always! I was surprised to see so many love scenes, but in the end I kept wondering... I wonder if Sabrina is also pregnant? I was sad to see Edward not being as pure as he was before, but it does make the story a lot more interesting. I can't wait for the next update, I'm hooked!
On Sep 29, 2007 Gelika wrote:
Wonderful photos great story. More please.
On Sep 29, 2007 sallyhails wrote:
Excellant, I smell trouble, is Carolina going to be ok, I have a sneaky suspicion that she's not & it'll tip Victor over the edge. I'm really loving this story. Good job.
On Sep 29, 2007 caclark wrote:
good story
On Sep 29, 2007 vanessa190371 wrote:
interesting story
On Sep 29, 2007 sweetcharming wrote:
great continuation!
On Sep 29, 2007 cariadbach wrote:
Breathtaking
Romance , Mystery , Horror this story has everything . You are an amazing writer and the shots are captivating. I did not want it to end
Top marks.
On Sep 29, 2007 galilea wrote:
Hi drewsoltesz! This is the first story I have ever read here at TSR. It is wonderful! I can't wait to see what happens next!
On Sep 29, 2007 odnavgorode wrote:
Wonderful photos!
Brilliant!
On Sep 29, 2007 Eluna wrote:
Actuallt first time I read a sim story but this one was good
On Sep 29, 2007 Wigwog wrote:
Ohh! Very good, it was really organised!
On Sep 29, 2007 eshuff wrote:
Loved this! The windows with what looks like stained glass -- gorgeous!
Sabrina continues to be a spoiled brat, not unexpectedly. Victor, well, sigh...Carolina is wonderful!
I don't think Edward was bad. He didn't kill the woman, and a vampire's gotta do what a vampire's gotta do!
No matter what kind of charm Raynor is using, no way I'd prefer him over Edward, but I guess Mina easily overcome.
Again, extremely good, and incredible, wonderful shots!
On Sep 29, 2007 wrote:
Brilliant!!!! Another well told tale
I absolutely loved every minute
On Sep 29, 2007 Stesie wrote:
ooo, very nice
On Sep 29, 2007 binky13 wrote:
It was a beautiful story. Edward just seems so changed in this one though.
On Sep 29, 2007 wrote:
I love the fact that Edward has accepted his fate, he is not evil, he is a vampire! I liked that becoming a creature of the night has changed his personality a little, makes it more interesting!!! Also that Victor and he are going to pursue a scientific approach, cool! Dracula 'sensing' everyone's secrets and feelings is a nice addition, all round excellent effort!!
On Sep 29, 2007 joliemyst wrote:
Wonderful story. I love historic romances and I escpecially love Van Helsing.
On Sep 29, 2007 fizz bomb wrote:
Fantastic, riveting, you bring the characters to life so wonderfully
On Sep 29, 2007 SongChild99 wrote:
It's nice to see Edward finally accepting who, and what, he is now. Though I, too, wonder if Sabrina is pregnant and off to wreck havoc somewhere down the timeline. And the Count seems to get more gentle, more human with each chapter.
Still love the story.
On Sep 29, 2007 xtamadea wrote:
wow, so many comments already.. congratz, your story is one of the most anticipated story here I think. Someone already mentioned it, and I'm also begining to wonder if Sabrina is pregnant. You are a brilliant storywriter and every little detail is authentic. Not just the furniture, even the characters. Such as Verity's pre-wedding night anxiety. I think it's normal for a young woman to feel that way when she gets married but many writers tend to not mention it. I hope Carolina will give birth okay. Bravo!!!!
can't wait for the next part..
On Sep 29, 2007 Raven98590 wrote:
On Sep 29, 2007 GFitz wrote:
As always, breathtaking snaps and superb writing. I can't believe Mina was so fickle but then Raynor is rather captivating. I keep waiting for some sort of redemption from Dracula but I just don't know if I trust him...
Wonderful job.
On Sep 29, 2007 iron mum wrote:
WOW, I can't wait for the next part. My mind is buzzing.
Love it.
On Sep 29, 2007 Melody Curious wrote:
I just love reading these stories, cannot wait for the nest installment!
On Sep 30, 2007 Deanna73070 wrote:
What can I say, Karen, that hasn't been said by everyone else!!!? It's magnificent and I'm just as engrossed in this storyline as I was with each and every one of your other stories. I NEVER get tired of your writings. They are great!!!! I am curious about Sabrina, too, as I think she is pregnant, as well, and that is why she left home for one her grandfather's castles....to "hide" the child until just the right time. I am curious to find out how Count Dracula takes the news of Mina and Lord Raynor. Wonderful job, Karen!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the magnificent writing!!!!!!!
Deanna
On Sep 30, 2007 sljohns2003 wrote:
I absoulutley
it!!!!!!!!!!!
On Sep 30, 2007 plyangel456 wrote:
Thats fantastic you could feel like you were actually there!!!
Thanks!!
On Sep 30, 2007 wrote:
Don't apologize for the length, I'm happy it's so long!
I hope Carolina makes it through the pregnancy all right. My goodness, this Edward-Sabrina thing is growing very ominous, as is Victor's sudden bloodthirst. Poor thing, he's such a tortured soul. Great job once again. 
On Sep 30, 2007 WelshWitch wrote:
Wow! ive just sat and read my first TSR story, can't think why i havent before, but as a fan of Van Helsing, I thought id take a look and so glad I did, its beautifully written, and with such care. I'll definitely be reading more!
Best wishes
Welshy
x
On Oct 1, 2007 Junior_bad wrote:
good story. The Van Helsing Chronicles part II is better of the first.
On Oct 1, 2007 wideopeneyes wrote:
Good chapter! The story seems to be developing nicely.
On Oct 1, 2007 Magical Metamorphosis wrote:
5 out of 5! Well done, wonderful continuation!
Angela
On Oct 1, 2007 SpaciKathy wrote:
wow, what a fantastic story, I can hardly expect it when the next part is coming
very good job
On Oct 1, 2007 wrote:
On Oct 1, 2007 Lord_Cyrus wrote:
another cool part to the series, i liked the Edward in the streets of london scene. But i also wonder what Sabrina is plotting now? Look forward to the next part
On Oct 2, 2007 Little Seer wrote:
Thanks so much for letting me know you had posted this story. As usual another exciting episode. Beautiful picture and the story it's self continues to become more intriguing. I enjoyed every bit of it and can't wait for more. Cheers,
On Oct 2, 2007 sandybvv wrote:
This story just keeps getting better and better
i love the way its turning out, the twist and drama 
(Vic, Verity and John) and of course the twist with Edward's life, i would have never expected he would bite that girl... 
but you are right, he has to find a way to live, Good thing he didn't kill her. (the Scenes of Edward biting the girl were great ) 
lol but she is the "spice" in the story, so please don't get rid of her yet.
Can't wait to see her face when she finds out her fiancee is a vampire 
lol .. when that happens i will be laughing so hard at her, thats what she gets for leaving poor Edward alone when he needed her the most!! 
your story flows perfectly and the pictures just make it better 
Great Job, as always!!! 
I wonder what that evil Sabrina is planning, something big and devilish
Hopefully we will see more about Mina and Lord (forgot his name) next chapter
Hmmm what else? I love the way you write, always choosing the perfect way to end the chapter, always letting your readers wanting for more
On Oct 2, 2007 Hordriss wrote:
Poor Edward...
I remain sympathetic, in spite of his falling (Sabrina certainly can't complain of her fate, although I see she's doing her utmost). Whoever would have thought an ongoing family soap opera could incorporate vampires so elegantly? 
Happy to see that you've found a use for my Brontė Parsonage, btw. 
On Oct 2, 2007 wrote:
On Oct 2, 2007 wrote:
good job!
On Oct 2, 2007 Eve70 wrote:
On Oct 3, 2007 Miss_Crazy13 wrote:
I have read all your stories, there amazing!!
This is another excellent chapter.I hope that Carolina will be okay during prengnacy.Can't wait till the next part.
On Oct 10, 2007 wrote:
Oooooh, love it!
Poor Edward. And I wonder what's up with Sabrina. She could be pregnant of course - but then again... it could be something entirely different.
And Carolina, pregant again - oh, I hope she's going to be alright.
On Oct 10, 2007 newbie.t. wrote:
I get a little bit behind too! I love Edward, he's definitely my favourite character and his gradual acceptance of who he is makes for very interesting reading. That, and he looks bloody good in his PJs. I think Mina's getting her just desserts for leaving him.
Very impressive, brilliantly done 
On Oct 30, 2007 SimsBarbie wrote:
Love it...love it...love it!!!
What is that darn Sabrina up to? lol
On Jan 13, 2008 OpheliaNival wrote:
This is one of the most addicting stories I've ever read here on TSR! I just love how you write and the wonderful illustations! I can not decide whether I feel for or resent Edward, but anyway he is my favorite character (if I can pick one that is...) He's very complex but not as complicated as Dracula who is spinning my head!
On Jan 21, 2008 Ileeya wrote:
You have a great knack for having a multiple character story and juggling all of their lives effectively. I really enjoyed reading this chapter. Especially Edward, who I'm growing attached to. Brilliant character growth with him, and the scenes where he feeds are a pleasure to look at. The wedding scenes were gorgeous, such pretty words spoken, and so delicately handled. Awesome job!
On Jun 1, 2008 ritakwolf wrote:
On May 25, 2009 fabrizioammollo wrote:
It's absolutely delightful!
On Oct 14, 2009 maxi king wrote: