Leah, we are so out of order in all this. We should make a timeline one day. Okay.
@labyrinthofleah
——————
It was a normal spring day in Steam London. And over in Saint Germain’s mansion some miles away, one could say that spring had sprung there as well… at least with Leah and Saint Germain. For Josie and Impey, well, things had certainly improved, though it was a little difficult to seem as sappy in love.
It was no surprise to anyone when Josie finally won the attention of Impey. She wasn’t exactly subtle with her words or actions, practically throwing herself at him… and honestly she probably did that for real at one point too. But once caught, the two vampires were well, quite innocent. It didn’t matter to them exactly if they were both happy, but it’s hard not to compare yourself with such a happy sappy couple walking around.
But such displays would be a little difficult especially from a Royal Knight. Even though Delly has told her many times that he didn’t need her to be so formal. He could take care of herself, plus she wasn’t that much older anyway. She was still technically in training when the massacre happened, but Josie has taken it upon herself to continue her training and protect her ruler. Even while Delly rolls his eyes behind her.
Impey, however, is still very … well… Impey. He shows every emotion he’s ever experienced and has no shame about it. He’d want nothing more than to love and pamper her and dote on her always. And while Josie would love some attention from the man she’d been chasing after … just… NOT WHILE SHE’S TRYING TO WORK AND BE A GOOD KNIGHT! It sort of takes her normal tsundere nature and really heightens it.
So, Impey has to really cherish those moments when she’s designated (by herself) that she is “off-duty” and can spend some time with him. It’s been really amazing, Impey thinks to himself. Something that he wasn’t sure he’d get used to, but would certainly like to do it forever, he thinks. Especially with someone as interesting as Josie. Forever.
What amazing thoughts! He certainly wants to share them with Josie! So he peels himself away from his makeshift workshop where he was absentmindedly tinkering as he was sorting out some thoughts. So he rushed inside, still greasy and messy shouting loudly for his girlfriend.
“Josie! Joooooossiiiiiieeeee!” He wailed as he dashed through the rooms.
“Woah! Woah, Impey.” Lupin said as Impey nearly barreled through him in the hallway. “Why are you yelling for the lady-knight?”
“Have you seen her, Lupin? I’ve got some really good news to tell her!” The red-head panted out of breath.
“Ah, I believe Delacroix and his minion went into the city. I’m sure they’ll be back soon.” Lupin said confidently as he passed by his friend.
Impey nodded in agreement and decided to clean up before they arrived. Even after he was presentable, he waited in the living room before going to the kitchen to play with some recipes to calm his racing thoughts. But time kept ticking on with no sign of Josie or Delly even as the rest of the inhabitants came back to the mansion.
Eventually the front door flew open and Delly ran through panting wildly.
“Delly? Are you okay?” Leah jumped up and ran over to him.
“Damn it.” He cursed and shot a look towards the group. “We got ambushed in the city. I think it was Twilight.”
“Twilight?” Leah gasped. “But how did…”
“They must have recognized you as our commrades and wanted to send a message.”
“This is.. my fault?” Leah asked suddenly stricken with guilt and grief.
“Not at all!” Lupin announced enthusiastically. “We all know the possibilities with-”
“Where’s Josie?” Impey asked and looked towards Delly.
“She jumped in front of me and took them on. She ordered me to come back and tell you. Hmph.” He crossed his arms for a moment, Leah could tell he was shaking. Though he acted mature, he was still a child.
“Then we have to go get her!” Impey shouted and began to race towards the door. Lupin was hot on his heels and the others followed.
Delly led them to where they were attacked and it was clear whatever battle took place, it was one for the books. In the alleyway there were slashes in the stone walls as well as holes in the steel ones. Several crates were broken and scattered about. There was even traces of blood, whose it belonged to was the mystery.
Soon, however the sound of running alerted the group and they all turned around. Van Helsing had his guns ready, Saint Germain readied his blade with an every watchful eye over Leah. As the shadow approached it began to slow down until it eventually slouched over. From the light in the alleyway, a small glint bounced off the shadow and Impey ran over to it.
“Josie!” He wailed before he caught her slumping form. “Are you okay?!”
“Yeah. I think … I got most of them.” She replied weakly and looked up to Impey’s wild roaming eyes. “Delly?”
“I’m fine. Josie. You did a good job.” He replied, even having a rip in his sleeve from one of the Twilight agents, he was otherwise unscathed.
“Good.” She sighed in relief and finally collapsed in Impey’s arms.
“Josie!” He cried again and weakly she placed her hand on his and smiled.
“I’m fine.” She tried to sit up but had no energy to do so. “Well, I will be. Just need a breather.”
“I’ll find some bandages and things for you.” Victor said calmly and began to rummage through his case.
“You had me worried, Josie.” Impey said quietly.
“You had us all worried.” Van Helsing added and glanced down to her.
“Hah, you should see the other guys.” She joked and eventually Victor began to unbuckle some of her bulkier pieces of armor. Impey turned as if to push him away but Josie grabbed his hand again and he looked back to her. Victor bandaged her up enough to make the trip back to the mansion. Leah stayed next to Delly the whole time, his young age showing every once in a while and she comforted him the best she could.
Impey was even more glued to Josie’s side than normal and when they got her situated in her room Victor excused himself and the others as they left.
“Impey, don’t worry. I’ll heal really soon, you know that.” Josie tried to calm Impey who was kneeling beside her bed.
“But … you got hurt. I let you go out and get hurt.” He whispered.
“It’s sorta my job.” She replied and he looked up to her, his eyes red from crying.
“I don’t like it.” Impey mumbled.
“I get it Impey, but-”
“No. I know it’s your job. And you’re amazing at it. Really great! So strong, and loyal…. but what happens if you got really hurt? I thought about that as we were searching for you. What if you got hurt and we couldn’t find you? I … got so worried.” A few tears began to fall down his cheeks again until Josie lifted her hand.
“I’m so sorry I worried you. I… was jut doing what I had to do. For Delly. And… I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to apologize. Do you think you can forgive me?” She asked and he looked up to her.
He firmly and grasped her hand in his. “I think, I never want you to be alone fighting. I want to be by your side… forever. I think… I think I wanna marry you.”
A Code: Realize fanfic. CR!AU with @labyrinthofleah.
Read more here for info on the AU. This is set after the original game.
Josie X Van Helsing
Life had been going great for the last few months. When they had received word from Leah that Victor had successfully created a detoxifying agent for her poison Delly just so happened to have a meeting in Steel London, so she, Delly, and Van were able to travel to see their old friends. Seeing everyone together again back at Saint Germain’s mansion brought back so much nostalgia, Josie could almost assume what happened since they departed the mansion had been a dream.
After thwarting Twilight and dealing with the agents of Idea, Delly had decided that he would unite the remaining Vampires and delegate with the humans to live peacefully alongside each other. Discussions were slow-going at first, but with the surprising backing of Queen Victoria and support of the new Marquis Renfield, they were slowly but surely gaining speed. Which meant that Delly, and his two guards were ever busy. Between the discussions with Humans, uniting the remaining Vampires who were in hiding, and rebuilding the Vampire castle, there was little time for anything else.
Josie had few moments alone to think about her personal life, or what poor excuse she could say for it. She and Van Helsing had already confessed their affection to each other and since they were both Delly’s guard meant they were usually never too far from each other. They trained together, ate together, travelled together, yet somehow never found much time alone. Josie quickly began to feel that perhaps whatever passion they had faded after the ordeal in London. Maybe he didn’t really love her as had once passed his lips. Though she knew it was likely her own fault.
If she had any flaw, and she was sure she had at least a few, she knew she was stubborn and often one-minded. She threw herself into her guard duties, which steadily began to include training of new recruits. Being the only remaining Royal Guard meant that she needed to train more. It got easier when they were able to bring more Vampires back to the castle. But that meant that what little personal time that she used to spend with Van even if it was few and far between became non-existent. She began to spend all her time in the barracks.
Eventually there were so many new recruits that Delly opted to leave her at the castle and took Van with him during some travels to Wales. She protested, of course, stating that her job as Royal Guard was to follow him but he and Van were able to convince her that leaving the castle in the hands of half-trained recruits poised more of a threat than a few dignitaries.
The morning of the departure Josie and her recruits saw the two off at the castle steps. She tried to stay as professional as possible, but for a brief moment, she made eye contact with Van Helsing as they passed. It was for less than a second but somehow held more of a punch than any attack she had taken during training. His blue eyes wavered for the briefest of moments before he tore them away and continued forward, helping Delly into the carriage. She wasn’t sure if he looked back after that as she willed herself to continue looking forward trying not to tremble.
They were gone for about ten days in total and during that time the castle was ever busy. New Vampires arrived almost daily through Delly’s continued outreach which left them scrambling to find housing, jobs, and resources for everyone. Thankfully while Delly was still around he had begun to delegate advisors who would be in charge of the day to day life around the castle. Secretaries, Tacticians, a Mayor - all who shared his vision of the growth and development of the Vampires to live peacefully with the humans. It had proved difficult at first, but the little King was definitely convincing - as expected as the son of the great King Delecroix.
But through the hustle and bustle of the castle life it seemed that the guard recruits were having a very tough time, that is with Josie. Ever since the young King’s departure she became ruthless, pushing the recruits harder and harder. So much so that it had escaped her thoughts when the castle had some new visitors.
Josie was in the training field putting the recruits through their drills when they all arrived. But the Vampire Knight was far too immersed to hear them call out to her.
“Oh no. I hope we didn’t come at a bad time.” Leah said with a sigh. A strong but gentle arm wrapped itself around her waist from Saint Germain who only tilted his head with a smile.
“Do not worry my dear, we sent word to young King Delacroix who said it was fine to visit. He and Van Helsing should be back within the day.” His calm voice soothed her.
A low whistle rang out nearby. “Wow, they’ve really done a lot to this place since the last time we were here.” Lupin said scanning the castle grounds.
“Well, last time we were here it was nearly in shambles, that was almost a year now if I’m not mistaken.” Victor replied. Suddenly a loud roar from the training field threw off their conversation as Josie cornered one of the recruits and then after a tense moment that even they could feel from their position, she sent the recruits away for their meal.
“I wonder what happened.” Leah said quietly.
“Seems our Knight friend is a bit tense.” Lupin replied.
And they were right, of course, as they approached. Josie remained in the field and began to clean up all of the training equipment grumbling to herself as she did so. She almost missed the group of footsteps entirely until one of them broke into a run. Instinctively she grabbed a nearby training sword and turned on the would-be attacker before she stopped stunned. It was anyone’s guess as to who was more stunned, Josie or Impey who now had a dull blade inches away from his throat. Josie quickly lowered the weapon.
“Impey?” She asked quizzically.
“Y-Y-Yes my Knight in Shining Armor, I, the Great Impey Barbicane have come to sweep you off your feet!” He replied with a slightly frightened smile.
“Impey, I think she would be the one doing the sweeping. Plus I think our shot-gun wielding four-eyes would probably disagree, don’t you?” Lupin said as he tugged the frozen red-head away.
“Lupin… and everyone? What are-OOF!” She let out a noise of surprise as Leah nearly barrelled her over in a hug. Though she was still in her training armor, Leah had grown accustomed to it as she hugged her best friend.
“Josie! It’s so good to see you!” Leah said as she stepped back. Josie noted that she was not wearing her normal gloves which made her break into a small if not tired smile.
“And you all as well. I’m sorry, I was unaware of your visit. I would have come to greet you.”
“Ah, but that would have ruined the surprise.” Lupin added.
“Of nearly killing Impey?” She asked a small nod to the red-head who was now warily eyeing the remaining weapons. “Oh, but King Dele- umm. Delly and Van Helsing aren’t here now. I expect they should be-”
“We didn’t come just for them!” Leah cut her friend off. “We came to see you too.”
“Ah.” Josie replied a little softer, she could have easily waved off the small pink on her cheeks as exertion from training.
“So, how is life at the castle?” Victor asked.
“Busy. New refugees daily. And new recruits. Never thought I’d find myself as Captain of the Guard. It’s rewarding… but very tiring.” She admitted and returned the practice sword in her hand to a bin with the others.
“And how about with Van?” Lupin asked a small quirk to his smile.
“He’s been very diligent in attending to Delly.” Josie said with a shrug. “He-”
“What about to you?”
“Me? I need no protection.”
“No, I mean-”
“Are you eating well? Or resting?” Leah finally said after taking a peek at the large dark circles under her friends eyes.
“When I have time. Uh, which is to say…”
“Never.” Victor answered having seen her face as well.
“Well -” A smile nearly broke onto Josie’s face until she heard her name being called by a recruit behind her.
“Sir?” He asked nervously after seeing her surrounded by humans. “You’re needed in the mess hall, seems a fight has broken out.”
Whatever levity Josie had upon seeing her friends retreated as a low growl rumbled out of her chest. The recruit stiffened immediately behind her. “Sorry, duty calls.” Josie replied with a small bow.
“It’s quite alright, we will be here for a few days.” Saint Germain said trying to mediate between everyone.
“Yeah, you go give them what’s what. We’ll catch up after.” Lupin added.
“Sure.” Josie said and went off with the recruit.
“She seems… sad?” Leah finally said.
“Quite not her normal self, I would say.” Saint Germain added.
“I’m worried. But there’s nothing that we can do. Is there?” Victor questioned.
“We should talk to Van.” Impey said as he pondered to himself. Suddenly the others all perked up at the unexpected idea. Impey felt their gazes and turned to them. “What?”
“We could talk to Van.” Lupin repeated shocked.
“Y-Yes. Should we not? I didn’t leave my knight in shining armor to that four-eyes just so she could drift away like this.” Impey said with a bit of anger growing in his voice.
“Haha. Impey, there is a lot of things wrong with what you said, but we should definitely talk with the man of the hour.” Lupin replied and pat his friend on the back.
Several hours later, after receiving a tour from one of the King’s new secretaries the gang found themselves around the barracks when the secretary was called off momentarily to answer a question.
There they talked among themselves until they overheard a few of the recruits talking.
“What was up with the Captain today?”
“Yeah. She was even more intense than usual.”
“Hmph. She thinks she’s so tough. She still just a woman.” Replied a very large and formidable looking man. “Probably only reason she’s even a guard was because she hid during the attack. Just cause she’s a coward and suddenly she becomes Captain.”
After hearing such slander Leah nearly marched over until Saint Germain firmly gripped her arm. She turned in surprise but he held one finger in front of his lips to silence her. She took a moment to look at her other friends who bore the same silent rage as she did. They all knew the truth and knew that far from being weak, she was one of the strongest in the garrison before the attack, but she had been sent away at the time of the attack so by time she returned there was nothing she could do.
“Well, look she won’t be on her high-horse for much longer. I heard when the King returns there’s going to be a tournament to show off the new recruits. I say when the time comes we’ll challenge her to a fight and show her who’s tough.” The three men laughed loudly to themselves as they passed by Leah and her friends. Once they were out of earshot, Saint Germain let go of Leah’s arm.
“Why those idiotic-”
“Now now, my dear. There’s no use in running off to start a fight. I’m sure as tense as the political situation is now, it may seem an act of terrorism.” Saint Germain placated her as she continued steaming with anger.
“The situation doesn’t seem great, does it?” Victor added.
“Well, now makes more sense as to why Josie is so exhausted if she has to deal with opposition like this all the time.”
“Well, then why doesn’t she say something.”
“This is Josie we’re talking about. I’m sure she’s too stubborn to mention it to Delly or Van. Plus the castle doesn’t really have the luxury of being picky about recruits.”
“Well, we should at least tell her about their plan, shouldn’t we?” Leah asked worriedly.
“Absolutely. We shall do so when next we meet.”
However, that would prove more difficult than expected. The rest of the afternoon and evening anytime they were able to see Josie she was quickly called off to deal with one situation after another. Even during the meal time she found herself attending to some issue with the newly appointed mayor. Eventually it was night time and the castle began to wind down. The gang had been given their own rooms in the guest wing to sleep in so Leah had to remember the way back to the barracks from memory.
It took some doing, and a few times of hiding from a few patrolers that she made her way to the barracks. The captain’s room was easy enough to find, however, after knocking and entering she found that it was empty. Leah slipped from the room and began to walk quietly around the castle until she heard unmistakable sound of metal clashing. She sprinted towards the training field where she saw Josie, still dressed head to toe in her training armor sparring with one of the dummies.
A long sigh left Leah’s lips. Josie was always very diligent in her training, but this seemed like she was trying run away from something.
“It is quite hard to witness a friend be so upset.” A calm voice said quietly to her and Leah jumped slightly before recognizing Saint Germain.
“Isn’t there anything we can do for her?” Leah asked and tightly gripped his hand.
“We all have our demons to bare.” He replied and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “But we all know our little Vampire Knight is strong enough to face an army.”
“I’m not worried… er… not as worried about the tournament.” Leah said her eyes still trained on her friend.
“Ah, but there is only one person with that particular key. I would say he is the only one who can assist her there.”
“Yes. I suppose you’re right.” Leah said mournfully as she leaned her head on Saint Germain’s shoulder. After a moment more the two walked back to their room hand in hand sending up a silent prayer for the coming days.
The following day, the castle was even more busy if it were to be possible. King Delacroix was on his way back to the castle and the tournament would be held the next day. Josie was little more than a ghost as she passed through rooms answering questions and directing others on their tasks. She appeared very briefly to her friends at breakfast where Victor all but shoved a loaf of bread down her throat to eat. Note to self, Victor is frightening when the health of his friends is at stake.
And then it was time for the King’s arrival. All of the castle inhabitants arrived at the gate to greet the young King. The mansion gang found themselves near the end of the little procession across from Josie who was as stalwart as a suit of armor as the carriage pulled up. They first saw Van who exited and gave a quick scan of the crowd. Impey noted there had been quite a few girls screaming for his attention as he went to open the door.
Then Delly appeared, no this was King Delecroix II. Although it had not been very long since they had seen him, the young King had definitely changed as he greeted his people. As Van Helsing shut the carriage door he began to walk behind Delly as they approached the castle. Delly smiled at his growing number of people but his smile nearly tore through his face as he looked forward and saw his friends waiting for him. He raced down the remaining path finally expressing his age rather than his position.
“Lupin! Leah! Saint Germain! Victor!” He yelled as he approached at a fast pace.
“Eh?? Delly!? I think you forgot someone!” Impey wailed and Delly gave him the briefest of smiles as he greeted his friends.
“How have you been?! It’s great to see you.” Delly said excitedly.
“We’re good! It’s great to see you and -”
“Van! How’s it going my good man.” Lupin said as Van Helsing walked up.
“You’re loud as ever, Lupin.” He replied even as he shook the other man’s hand.
“Welcome back, Your Highness.” Josie said to Delly and he turned to her still smiling. “Everything is going well. Preparations are underway for the tournament tomorrow.”
“Great!” He said and then turned back to his friends. “Will you guys still be here for the tournament?” He asked.
Leah worriedly glanced to the others before Saint Germain interceded. “Certainly. We’ve heard lots of excitement about this little test of strength. We’re looking forward to it.”
“Excellent! Let’s-”
“Your Highness, a moment please.” One of the secretaries approached warily.
“Van Helsing, you are free to chat with our friends, I’ll catch up later.”
“Very well, Your Highness.” Van Helsing said with a small bow and Delly walked off with the secretary. Van Helsing stood directly in front of Josie but didn’t turn to face her and Josie made no attempt to look in his way before the mayor walked up to Van Helsing to ask a question. Josie walked off in the direction of Delly to accompany him.
“Little cold?” Lupin said quietly.
“More like frigid.” Victor replied.
“Do you think they’re okay?” Leah said and gripped the edges of her shirt.
“Perhaps this is just for public appearances, my dear. We shouldn’t assume their private time.” Saint Germain soothed her.
“My poor kni-- Van! Welcome back!” Impey said quickly changing his voice as Van Helsing walked back.
“Hiding something, Impey?”
“M-Me? No! N-Nothing!”
“Impey?” Van Helsing approached.
“You’re really not good at lying, Impey.” Victor sighed and put his hand over his face.
“Well, ol chap, let’s have a bit of lunch, and we’ll uh… fill you in.” Lupin said, placing a hand on Van Helsing’s shoulder.
“Ah, so that’s what’s going on.” Van Helsing sighed lightly in his cup as they all sat down at a table in the mess hall.
“We have been unable to inform Josie, however.” said Victor as he pushed around what was left of his meal on the plate.
“We were hoping you would be able to, Van Helsing.” Leah implored, her eyes locked towards Van Helsing who quickly averted his eyes.
“I’m not sure that’s the right decision.”
“What? But-”
“Ah, I see.” Saint Germain said thoughtfully. “Leadership is quite a burden at times.”
“I don’t follow.” Impey said scrunching his brows.
“Our precious little knight-” Lupin began before receiving a deathly glare from his side. “Er… well, we know how freakishly strong Josie is, because we’ve seen her in action, but to these recruits… “
“Oh.” Victor finally said placing the pieces together.
“But should we not alert her?” Leah finally asked, worry thick in her voice.
“I would be surprised if she did not already suspect it.” Saint Germain answered.
“She was always quite the perceptive one.” Victor added.
“Though with a somewhat curious taste in men.” Lupin said and chuckled as Van Helsing huffed his disapproval.
“To prove oneself on your own feet is quite the battle.” Saint Germain finally said, the seriousness of the situation bringing down the levity of Lupin’s joke.
“But she’s not alone - she has us… and Van?” Leah said and looked towards the man in question who sighed.
“She has moved out of our room. Into the barracks.”
“Ah. That’s rough.” Lupin consoled.
“Very Josie, though, if you ask me.” Victor added a sad smile on his features.
“Yes. She did not want to appear to have any softness in front of her men.” Van said as he unconsciously twisted his cup from side to side.
“Very Josie.” Leah added. “But are you two still, okay?”
Van Helsing paused for a moment before sighing. “I am hesitant to share in our personal lives, but it is very complex.”
“Van, even if you are my friend, if you hurt my knight in shining armor, I will swoop in and take her from you.” Impey said seriously.
“Impey, I doubt you’d be able to do that on many different ways, but we share in the sentiment.” Lupin replied.
“We are not fighting, if that is what you goons are trying to imply.”
“And when was the last time you spent any time together?” Victor asked. Van Helsing paused for a long moment thinking of the last few weeks. His silence spoke of the situation and Victor continued. “I’m not as familiar with Vampire anatomy, but she’s not eating near enough for as much as she is training. And it’s plainly obvious she’s not sleeping.”
“Yes. We happened to catch her training quite late in the evening alone last night.” Saint Germain added and everyone looked to him in amazement.
At that Van Helsing quickly stood up having heard more than enough to convince him. He had ignored the signs long enough under the assumption that she needed space to deal with her new position. “Let’s go.” He said and the rest of the group quickly stood as well.
They followed Van Helsing through the castle as he expertly navigated the maze-like halls. Inside of the throne room, they spied the familiar armor and just as Van Helsing went to call out to her he spied several of the recruits talking to her as Delly looked on from his throne.
“Your Highness, with the Tournament tomorrow, we think it would only be fair to showcase ALL of your guards, don’t you think?” The large recruit stated, the others crowded behind him, in an effort to hide from the young King’s questioning gaze.
“Speak plainly.” Delly announced.
“We think that instead of just the recruits, that Captain herself should be made to participate as well.” The recruit said and crossed his large arms over his chest.
Delly quirked an eyebrow and glanced from the haughty recruit to Josie who seemed unfazed as she stood at attention. “Well, Captain, what do you say?”
“I will do as you request, Your Highness.”
“In the past, these games were just for the recruits. What would the reasoning be to break the tradition?” Delly asked towards the man who after a moment of nervous whispering behind him replied.
“Your Highness, ever since the revival of the Vampire Royal Guard there has been no clear chain of leadership as we continue to grow our ranks. The Captain has been appointed to her position not due to her strength but due to her close position at your side. We only meant for this to be a true show of strength.” His voice grew stronger the more he talked confidence building slowly.
“Hmm.” Delly said in thought, tapping his chin. Van Helsing noted it was a gesture he had picked up from his late Father any time he was lost in thought. “Fine. Josie, you will participate in the Tournament as well.”
“As you wish.” Josie stated and quickly bowed her head. The recruits quietly snickered to themselves in apparent victory in convincing the King. They quickly left and Josie followed them towards the barracks.
“Delly!” Leah called out as soon as they were all alone.
“Oh, you made it. The throne room’s nice, right?” He said with pride looking around.
“Decorations aside, are you sure that it’s okay… about Josie I mean?” Victor asked worriedly.
“Hm? Well, she is a royal Knight. I would hope that she could hold her own against recruits.” He said and glanced towards where the guards had left.
“But those guys looked trained.” Leah whispered.
“Former mercenaries, I would wager.” Saint Germain added.
“Not that I don’t trust our Knight, but…” Impey trailed off.
“This is quite an undertaking.” Victor finished.
Van Helsing dashed off towards the barracks. When he arrived he saw the earlier group of recruits sitting around drinking alcohol. He thought to stomp over right then, but as he approached he heard his name and he hid behind a nearby wall.
“Did you see Van Helsing in the throne room?”
“Yeah. He didn’t look as scary as I heard of the famous Vampire Hunter.”
“Shhhh. Don’t say that he’s certainly a lot stronger than you.”
“Yeah. And I heard that he and the Captain are together.”
“Hmph. So she’s not just a scavenger but sleeps her way to the top as well.”
The men all let out loud barks of laughter. Van Helsing felt his hands curl into fists as he thought to rush in and murder the men just for good measure. But stopped as he saw Josie walk into the room.
“Time for training. To the field.” She said flatly, and the men didn’t move. The largest actually dared to lean backwards his intention clear.
“If you come over here and use your knees I might think about it, sweetheart.” He finally said. And Josie remained calm, which did not apply to Van Helsing who was nearly fuming.
“Until after the Tournament I am still your superior officer. Get your asses to the field before I terminate you all and blacklist you from the kingdom.” She said, her blue eyes cold as she looked to the men.
The largest man sighed and rolled his eyes before standing up. The others followed. “And after the tournament, I’ll make sure to see you on your knees in front of me. If you ask nicely, maybe I’ll let you stay.”
The men laughed as they exited the room. Josie watched them leave until it was silent.
“Have a habit of eavesdropping?” She asked. Van Helsing knew better than to continue to hide as he stepped out of his spot.
“Not exactly. Your perception is strong as ever.”
“Well, you still smell like a human. Can’t really sneak up very easily.”
“Those guys didn’t seem to notice.” He said and gestured towards where the men were sitting.
“Hm. Maybe I’m just tuned to your smell, then.” She said and finally let out a sigh of relief as she walked over and began to pick up the trash they left and tossed it into the bin.
“I am surprised those three are still standing, though.” He began to help her straightened up.
“You heard that much, then? It’s nothing new.” She let out a self-deprecating laugh as she set up the cushions.
“Nothing new? You’ve heard what they’ve been talking of about you?” Van Helsing stopped, he was less than a meter away from her.
“Of course. They’re idiots, not very subtle. Plus, it comes with the territory, I’ve heard.” She looked up to where he was stopped and gave a tired smile. “Welcome back.”
He couldn’t take it any longer and reached out to her and pulled her into his arms. Thankfully she had changed into her training gear. Leather armor meant for the dulled weapons and he hugged her close.
“Josie, I’m home.” He said quietly. She hugged him back taking in the scent of her beloved before lightly pushing him away.
“Training. Gotta get out there. Especially…”
“The tournament.” Van Helsing finished and Josie let out a huff.
“You heard that as well. Yes. The tournament.”
“You’re not worried?”
“About those goons? No. They couldn’t fight their way out of a burlap sack.”
“It is foolish to tell you, but be careful. You don’t know what they could be planning.”
“Of course. Do tell our friends not to cause too much ruckus.”
“But they can cause some?”
“Well, they are our friends.”
Van Helsing let out a small chuckle of laughter before he leaned down and pecked at Josie’s lips. She returned a small smile before she walked out towards the training field. He watched her go before returning back to their friends.
He found them in the courtyard outside of the throne room and walked up to the group.
“Van!” Impey said and ran up to him. “How did it go?! Did you find her? We didn’t hear any gunshots.” He asked.
“Judging by the look on his face he did indeed find Miss Josie.” Saint Germain said his own smile wickedly crossing his smooth face.
“You’re right. He’s practically glowing.” Lupin said adding fuel to the flame.
“YOU TRAITOR!” Impey said curling his hands into fists around Van Helsing’s jacket lapels.
“What traitor? I don’t recall her belonging to you.” He grunted pushing the red-head off of him. “And you two, I’m not sure of your ideals of my skills, but even I would be hard pressed for anything in the span of two minutes.”
“N-Now-Now! We still have a child present!” Victor wailed and Leah had long since covered the young King’s ears.
“At any rate, Josie will be fine.”
“As expected.” Delly huffed shaking free of Leah’s hands. Though their relationship was normally of master and servant, which Josie was mainly the one perpetuating, Delly was very thankful for his own personal Royal Knight. He knew more than anyone perhaps even Van Helsing of how strong she was. He knew of her even before the destruction of his clan. She had fought through every recruit in the castle and was the youngest ever promoted to Royal Knights despite her gender. So when the challenge to face her he knew she would be more than prepared to answer it. He knew just as she did that her position would be questioned in time and that she would need to prove herself to the new recruits.
And so now the time has arrived. It was later in the evening after Josie put the recruits through one final training exercise before they are dismissed to go through the schedule of the following day’s tournament. Josie stayed behind and leisurely went through her own drills. The sound of approaching footsteps and she gently set down her practice sword.
“Fancy a time for a break?” Saint Germain broke the silence and Josie turned to see the whole of her friends standing, Leah holding a basket.
Josie looked back to the stack of weapons next to her and heaved a sigh. “Alright. I can take time for a break.” As she turned back each of her friends were smiling gently towards her, knowing she weak to go against them all. Impey ran over and laid out a large blanket for them all to sit at, trying his best to sit close to her until Lupin had to pull him away so Van could sit.
Leah placed out all of the dishes in front of Josie, with a quick glance up Josie silently understood they had all had dinner already. This was just for her. Though there was enough tea to go around as they all shared in the drinks and a few deserts that they managed to scrounge up from the castle.
There was no talk about the tournament or of the troubles they all knew she was facing. It was just a nice meal shared with her friends reminiscing and sharing stories. The evening waned on and eventually it was past time to turn in for the evening. Saint Germain lead the others back to the Guest Wing of the castle as Josie and Van walked back towards the barracks. Van’s room and where they both had stayed until Josie moved out was in the Main Wing of the castle. Not quite as stately as the royal wing, but large enough for small families to live comfortably. But Josie needed to stay in the barracks for now until they had more ranks to delegate duties.
As Van dropped her off at the Captain’s room she quietly grabbed his hand and pulled him inside before latching the door closed. The evening was spent quietly as they slept in each other’s arms. The following morning as Van Helsing left the barracks, he made eye contact with one of the opposing recruits who started at him with wide eyes. Van Helsing was sure to send him the most threatening glare he could muster as he passed by. Pleased when he heard a small shriek behind him as the recruit went running off towards his buddies.
The castle and it’s small surrounding town were all abuzz with the tournament, setting up stalls and chairs surrounding the Training Field for the event. Delly looked on from his platform with mirth in his eyes at his growing number of people. Happy that his dream of bringing his people together was steadily becoming a reality. The tournament a small reminder of days past and the promise of the future.
With a small introduction, the Tournament was underway with a few demonstrations of strength and agility. Though there were not as many recruits as in past tournaments, the quality was strong. Through Josie’s training the current recruits were not to be taken lightly. However, as the games began it was clear that Josie still had much to teach her recruits showing them up in each of the games.
But she remained humble in her winnings, which spurred her the opposing recruits even further. It was Van Helsing and Delly who took pride in her victories. However Lupin took note that after one particular loss the large opposing recruit was seen conspiring with his friends. He slipped away from the others and came back some time later with a suspicious looking smile.
Eventually it was time for the final event. A ranked one on one fight to the end. ‘End’ and not death since this was merely a tournament of show. But something kept prickling at the back of Van Helsing’s mind. Mainly the opposing recruits looking more and more hackled as the events of the day went on.
“You’re doing great, Josie!” Leah exclaimed as Josie walked towards where her group of friends was seated.
“As expected of my Chivalrous Knight!” Impey yelled attempting a hug before he was yanked back by his collar by Lupin.
“Are we supposed to give you a type of favor to place upon your lance?” Lupin joked and Josie rolled her eyes.
“Human traditions, I’m afraid.” Josie replied a small smile on her face.
“Ah, and I’m sure the one who would bestow said favor would be Van Helsing, not us.” Saint Germain teased in his own way.
“How are you holding up?” Victor asked and the rest of the friends all glanced at her looking for the answer.
“Just fine, doc.” Josie replied tightening the straps on one of her pauldrons. “It has been a little while since I was put into my paces. Nice to stretch my wings, I guess.”
“Well, be careful. Though I don’t think you need it.”
“Yes, but one needed not become complacent. Cornered rats are known to strike back.” Saint Germain said, a wary glance towards the opposing recruits.
“Hmm.” Lupin said thoughtfully earning the glance of Josie who ignored it but continued looking forward.
“I plan to put my every effort into the battle as I always have in order to protect my Master.” Josie said simply and suddenly loud wailing was heard as Impey cried out.
“MY JOSIE IS SO STRONG AND CHIVALROUS! A GODDESS! SO LOVELY!” His wailing alerted others around them and soon he heard the click of a shotgun behind him. “V-V-Van! N-No Need to bring that out is there? At such a grand event?”
“You are disturbing others, let alone me.” He said with a non threatening glare. Eventually his eyes met Josie and his blue eyes softened for a moment as he silently conversed his thoughts to her.
The silence was cut off by Victor. “Errm. I don’t mean to intercede, but you’re being called Josie.” Van Helsing quickly threw an annoyed glance to Victor who tried not to shrink and Josie raised her hands.
“Alright. I’ll be off. See you after the tournament.” She waved to her friends who rang out their well-wishes to the gallant knight.
The final tournament was a great show of power and speed, none of the recruits giving an inch. Even against the Captain, most of her men faced her head-on. She easily made it to the final round showing little exertion on her part, but she remained humble and thanked each of her opponents, giving them words of wisdom to improve in their next fight. Van looked to the scene with a great amount of pride pouring through his veins as he attempted to hide a smile that threatened his face. He was still very wary of the opposition, as unsurprisingly the largest recruit made it into the final round as well.
Eventually it was time for the final battle, the assembled crowd was buzzing with energy as the two entered the training area. The large man whooped and hollered trying to gain the attention of the crowd as Josie walked forward and inspected her training sword. The rules were simple, it was a fight to the end, but not to death. They were to use only training weapons but most else was permissible.
And so the fight began. Leah was already wringing her hands in excitement as she had been doing during each of Josie’s trials. Saint Germain gently placed his hands over hers which soothed her slightly. Surprisingly Victor and Impey proved to be the loudest supporters much to the amusement of Lupin. Though he could not show favor, Delly also hoped for Josie’s victory.
And it was there in the training field that the man decided he would fight not with his swords but with verbal threats.
“So, Captain. Or should I call you Coward.” He began and he circled Josie, making sure his voice was loud enough for the crowd to hear. “The great Vampire Knights of the Kingdom, and you’re all that left? Pathetic. Your kinsmen died in battle, and you? You were gone. How convenient.” He spat.
Josie just watched him carefully. Her hands gripping her training sword ready to attack.
“And why wouldn’t you be? Probably tipped off by your lover - Abraham Van Helsing.” He announced and pointed towards where the man in question stood near Delly.
“Probably seduced him to save yourself? To be in league with a human. A human who murdered your clan. How can you live with yourself?” He spat again. Saint Germain had a firm hold on Leah who was nearing to run down herself. Victor noted Van Helsing grip his fists tighter.
“A Coward and a Whore. And you think you can be Captain of the Royal Knights? To be beside King Delecroix? Don’t make me laugh.” He basked in his undeserved confidence still circling around her like a snake.
“And your little show today? Nothing more than that, a show. We all know who you are in leagues with. Victor Frankenstein. Lupin Arsene. All of your victories could be easily explained through trickery and cheating. But what else could be expected of a Coward?” The man’s words finally finished and Josie could hear murmuring around her. Leah soon gripped Saint Germains hands she she began to fret over the crowd’s reaction.
Everyone was waiting for Josie’s reaction when she finally spoke up.
“Your Highness.” She said loudly, though with how invested the crow was she didn’t need to yell loudly. “I have a request of this final fight.”
A small smile crossed Delly’s face and he spoke aloud. “Speak, then.”
“I request, Your Highness to have a bare hands match - no weapons, no armor to show a test our strength.”
A collective gasp left the audience. From pure appearances Josie was at a clear disadvantage. The man was easily double her size even not in the Knight’s armor.
“Request accepted.” Delly announced and the crowd murmured their amazement. From his side Van Helsing shared in the young King’s smile.
The large man let out a loud bark of laughter. “I knew you were stupid but didn’t know you were insane!”
“And why not? You doubt my skill in battle. Suspect me of trickery. I find this to be the best way to prove myself without a shadow of a doubt.” She replied and began to peel off the training armor leaving her looking even smaller in comparison. Van Helsing was sure that if it came down to it, she would threaten to fight naked if it would prove her point any better. But thankfully the man accepted.
Seeing the two together now in the field side by side anyone would be expected to assume the man would be the victor. Even for a brief moment, the thought passed through her friends minds. But as the horn blew to announce the beginning of the fight, the man stumbled backwards momentarily as before the final vibration even left the horn she was already in front of him, her arm extended towards his throat. She stopped mere inches away and smiled as he jumped away.
From the stands Saint Germain chuckled. “Ah, the poor man has dug his own grave I’m afraid.”
“Yup. Poor sod.” Lupin added leaning back in his seat.
“As strong as Josie is, which would easily put him to shame, her speed is-” Victor continued.
“Out of this world.” Impey completed.
“That guys dead.” Leah added simply and the entire group smiled.
Once the man backed away to what he assumed would be a safe distance, in the blink of an eye she was upon him again, this time her hand extended to his face, she quickly tapped his forehead - to be cheeky, Van assumed. The man jumped back. Josie teased the man a few more times eventually she found herself circling the man as he had done before.
“Ladies and Gentlemen.” Josie announced to the crowd. “While it is true, I was not here at the time of raid of my clansmen, I had been sent previously through instructions by the late King. The missives of this mission remain in the Royal journals for any who doubt my words. I have regretted not being there for my kinsmen every day since, but have found refuge in assisting my King in his efforts to rebuild for our people.”
As she spoke the man attempted to run up on her, but she easily dodged his attack.
“Regarding the rumors of my personal relationship, yes. I am betrothed to Abraham Van Helsing.” Her revelation brought a loud buzzing through the crowd, all eyes suddenly towards Van Helsing who looked on with a blank face.
“Did she say ‘Betrothed’?” Victor quietly asked.
“Van didn’t say anything about that.” Lupin added.
“MY JOSIE!” Impey wailed, loud enough that even Josie heard and rolled her eyes.
“However, this has only been a recent relationship, as we would be better called enemies before the time of the raid.” Josie continued and as attention slowly trickled away from him, Van Helsing let out a sigh as he shook his head at the scene which spoke so highly of Josie’s antics.
The man in the field summoned his strength again and lunged at Josie who evaded his reach and as he rushed by and grabbed his arm. In a flash she roughly threw the large man over her shoulder and dropped him to the ground in front of her.
“As for my strength, you’ll see, it was well deserved. Having proved myself to much stronger foes than you could hope to be.”
He lunged for a final time, yelling as a way to pour every ounce he had into a final attack. She quickly ran up to him and thrust her arm up into his chin throwing him off balance. She delivered a blow to him stomach sending him several meters backwards. Josie for what it’s worth showed no sign of exertion before she calmly walked up to the man who’s knees were shaking as he stood.
As she approached he fell down to his knees. Josie set her hand on his shoulder and the horn blew signaling the end of the fight. Then she leaned down and spoke where only they could hear. “How does it feel on your knees before me? Cross me again and I shall make sure even groveling would seem a mercy.” A flash of blue crossed her cold eyes before she smiled and walked off the crowd’s cheers drowning out everything else.
Leah and her friends were the first on the field to congratulate Josie, Delly and Van Helsing were close behind, Delly holding the ceremonial medal to award her. But they all knew the award was never her true intention and Delly only smiled widely as he approached his friend and Royal Knight.
Van Helsing allowed their friends the moment to praise her not wanting to spoil their moment. Until he had too much of Impey hugging her. He quickly approached and unlike their friends who each gave a hug, he pulled her close and in front of the entire crowd covered her lips with his and dipped her to the side. A ruckus of cat calling came from their friends and several of Josie’s recruits as the Captain herself was wide eyes with shock.
After making sure to really sell it, Van Helsing eventually let her go - a chorus of crying from his resident fan girls and even louder still, Impey - He felt satisfied in his bold declaration. The revelries continued throughout the evening as Delly invited his continuants for a meal at the castle for the victor’s behalf the following day.
Back at the castle, as guests eventually left after congratulating Josie and offering their well wishes to the new couple Josie found herself spread out on the ground of the throne room.
“You can’t possibly be tired after this.” Van Helsing said a smile on his face as he approached.
“Hah. So you say. But I would easily rather face a hundred, no thousand men in battle then deal with crowds of happy people.” She replied and took the hand that Van Helsing offered to pull her off of the floor.
“It was quite a show you put on today.” He said as he pulled her up into his embrace.
“Really? I personally found it lacking after yours.” She teased.
“Well, couldn’t have anyone doubting your words, could I, dear wife.” Van Helsing added and hugged her even tighter. He chuckled at the pink that was steadily growing on her cheeks.
“I take it, you heard that then?” She asked knowing the answer.
“Every word.”
“Damn your superhuman hearing.” She fake pouted.
“Which leaves me no choice to to ask for the answer then.”
“To what question?”
Van Helsing gently dropped to one knee and held out a small box towards her. “To be fair, I had been planning to ask for some time now, but you were never the patient one. So. What do you say?”
“Of course, I’ll marry you Abraham Van Helsing. Someone’s gotta watch your back.”
“And I plan to do to same for you for the rest of our lives.”
“Until death do us part?”
“As if death could keep me from you.” The two blondes smiled one final time before connecting in passionate kiss.
Though it was cut short as a loud sniffle behind them alerted them to their audience. Impey quickly wiped at his tears.
“Finally you saw us.” Lupin announced. “Can we come over and congratulate you already?!” He said but Leah was already racing towards them.
“Congrats Josie!!” She wailed and hugged her friend’s neck pulling her down. The men all surrounded Van Helsing shaking his hand and patting his back at a job well done. Delly for what it’s worth also gave his well wishes stating that they could take a few days off if they wanted.
Josie shrugged at the thought. “I’ve got far too much work to-do with the guard, though I guess I will have a little less opposition after today.
“Actually, you had quite a few more recruits sign up.” Delly said a big smile on his face. “To be expected of my Royal Knight.” He said with pride.
Delly however, ordered that Josie and Van take a few days to themselves to rest and visit with their friends before they left. She ended up moving her things back to Van’s apartment. Leah was more than happy to help her pick out some fabrics. As the trip came to a close, Josie, Van and Delly were a little sad to see them off. Though not without a final hug from Impey which went on for longer than Van liked and he ended up pulling out his shotguns threatening the man molesting his wife.
They all laughed at his possessiveness. But they were happy knowing that they would be just fine together. The Vampire Knight and her husband.
“Note to self.” Josie’s thoughts began to herself as she wandered aimlessly through the Queen’s palace devoid of her usual armor. “Kill Lupin next time I see him. On the spot. As painfully as possible.”
The day before Lupin assembled all those living at Saint Germain’s mansion into the living room to discuss a new development. Or a possible development Lupin corrected as they all took their seats. Josie remained standing somewhat near the doorway in between where Delly sat on the couch and the door opening which would allow her more room if needed to protect her master. Impey sat on the same couch as Delly as Victor who had been volunteered against his will sat between the with Sisi in his lap.
Across from them, Saint Germain sat next to Leah in his brand new two-seater couch - a ‘love-seat’ which had been very recently acquired. Only he and Leah sat there together, the Count’s obvious message being somewhat lost on poor Leah. Lupin stood in front of everyone near the mantle and a suspicious looking blueprint of the palace which he just… happened to come across. And Van Helsing had chosen a chair a little away from the others which so happened to be nearest to Josie. He had offered her the chair once, but she refused stating it would be improper to her duties, he only rolled his eyes.
And so, Lupin delivered his plan. Apparently he had heard whispers of a possible clue to Isaac Beckford’s location. There was supposed to be a meeting held within the palace to discuss it, which meant that they needed to be present. After a very vague explanation as to why he had sealed blueprints of the Queen’s Palace in his arsenal Lupin began his explanation.
They would split into three groups: Infiltration Team - Lupin, Leah, and Saint Germain. Diversion Team: Impey and Victor. And the Lookout/Guard Team: Van Helsing and Josie. Though Saint Germain had originally been on the Lookout team he… requested his present be at Leah’s side and…. Well Lupin couldn’t exactly say too much and so the teams were formed. Though not without loud protesting from Impey who also wanted to be on the Infiltration team with Leah but was very quickly dismissed.
Lupin then began to give out the instructions which Josie listened to with no particular interest until her name came up in conversation and she looked up.
“So? Do you have anything suitable?” Lupin asked with a terrible looking grin spreading on his face.
“Suitable… for what?” Josie asked irritation running high just from the look of his wicked grin.
“I have some items she could borrow but…” Leah started and then looked down a little sheepishly.
“I doubt they would… uh … be inconspicuous.” Victor added a bit of pink dusting his cheeks in apology. And Josie only scrunched her brow at the scene.
“I don’t-”
“Do you have any clothes that aren’t armor?” Van Helsing said bluntly as he pushed his glasses up his nose.
“My under armor?” Josie responded confusedly.
“Perhaps something a bit less risque.” Saint Germain added with a small nod.
“Oh! But you could wear that more around the man- OUCH! Fran! Don’t pinch my leg.” Impey wailed.
“Be grateful it was just a pinch, Impey. I think Vanny was grabbing his gun.” Lupin chuckled
“Huh?” Impey quickly turned around as Van Helsing adjust his arms across the chest. Whether he was previously holding something was left to be seen by the redhead who quietly sunk down into his seat.
“My under armor is… risque?” Josie asked quietly almost to herself when Leah jumped up excitedly.
“Oh! We can quickly head into the city and find some casual clothes. That would be fun. Would that be okay, Saint Germain? Today was supposed to be our day in the city.”
“Oh, well. We can consider it a little test on your progress.” Saint Germain responded his normal smile only dropping for a quick moment before returning.
“Great!” Lupin exclaimed. “Well, with the costume change taken care of let’s continue with the rest of the plan.
Josie was no less confused as when the conversation began as she silently began to glance down at her attire confused as to why her clothes could be considered risque. Van Helsing snuck a few peeks towards the confused woman and had to stifle a smile.
Eventually as Lupin’s explanation continued he turned towards Leah. “Now, I have no doubts that you will do just fine while we sneak inside, however. What’s our rule #2?”
“Always have an escape plan.” Leah announce determinedly.
“Correct! Such a great little student.” Lupin praised and nearly pat her on the shoulder until he saw a glint come off from Saint Germain’s eyes. “Ah… Anyway. So I have an idea for a possible escape route for you. ‘Damsel in Distress’.” Josie rolled her eyes as Leah was sure to write it down in her little notebook.
The rest of the conversation droned on to Josie who thoroughly decided that humans planned too much. She could have saved them all times by just walking in and putting her sword to the throat of anyone with news, but no one asked her for her opinion. Later that day Leah dragged Josie into town to purchase some casual clothes outfits. She was then forced to provide a mini fashion show to the men of the mansion since Leah was so excited to show her off.
Finally the day of the mission and Josie stood with her arms squarely crossed across her chest with a scowl plastered on her face.
“Josie! You look super cute!” Leah announced bouncing on her toes. Impey stood behind her also bouncing on his toes but quickly shriveled at her glare.
“I feel really exposed.” Josie complained an worried the light fabric of her blouse.
“You’d be more exposed in your under-armor.” Van Helsing said from his location leaning against the wall near the front door. Josie shot him a glare.
With a polite cough from Victor trying to squelch the conversation they had a final meeting before departing towards Steel London. Victor, Van Helsing, and Lupin each had to wear some type of disguise as they could be recognized by some personnel so the idea had come to pass for Van Helsing and Josie to pose… as a married couple visiting the palace. The suggestion was made by Lupin who had made sure to stay several meters away from Josie at all times.
And so they made their way to the palace. Josie was as stiff as a board as she walked arm in arm with a disguised yet smiling Van Helsing into the Palace. While walking through the Palace with a group they confirmed with the other members of the group at specific areas that the mission was going according to plan. Eventually they ducked out from the group easily and Josie heaved a sigh of relief. She was more than sure that Van Helsing could hear her thunderous heart beating out of her chest. So some space apart was very welcome.
Though as she looked up from where she was leaning over catching her breath she noticed she was suspiciously alone. She surveyed the area for Van Helsing but to no avail. She couldn’t call out to him since she was in a quarantined area so she decided to just continue forward for her segment of the mission. It was a few minutes of aimless walking when she suddenly stopped in a garden area and inwardly cursed herself for not paying more attention to the suspicious map from Lupin.
As she internally berated herself a voice called out to her.
“Miss. May I help you?” A guard called out to her from the garden entrance.
“Uh. I …” She hesitated suddenly feeling so much more exposed and really wishing she had her armor and sword.
“Are you lost?” He asked one hand still perched on the hilt of his sword.
Am I lost? Josie asked herself. She was but why would she ever admit that. It’s not like she was in distress or- With a sudden memory of Lupin’s suggestion to Leah, Josie quickly turned to the guard and said a bit too loudly.
“YES! Yes… I am lost.”
“You are?”
“Yes. I … was on the group tour with my h-h-hus..band…. when I went in search of a restroom.”
“You got lost… looking for the restroom?” He asked inquisitively.
“Yes.” Josie said affirmatively and attempted to look demure.
“And you ended up in the middle of the Queen’s forbidden garden?”
“...Yes.” Josie replied quickly glancing around for why it would be forbidden but attempted to bat her eyes.
“Can you explain yourself?”
“Uh… I was… hoping a cute guard would show up to save me?” She asked sweetly tilting her head in the way that always annoyed her when she saw human females do so in town.
The guard quirked his head in confusion. “But weren’t you here with your husband, you said?”
“Oh… uh… well, it worked! Thank you so much for the help sir! But.. uh I really should be going… You know I heard this garden’s forbidden?” She awkwardly laughed before she attempted to sidestep the man and make her escape.
“Miss.” The guard demanded and he reached out and grabbed Josie’s arm to stop her. Josie quickly glanced down to the arm that held her and debated over four different ways she would tear this pathetic human apart for daring to touch her when she heard a voice.
“Duck.” Van Helsing said from the shadows and Josie spied a quick glint of light reflected from his glasses before she did as instructed and heard the sound of Van Helsing’s gun unloading what she supposed was a rock salt round at point blank range. Next thing she knew the man slumped to the ground unconscious and she wiped off her clothes from the residual salt that fell on her clothes.
“Damsel in distress?” Van Helsing asked with a cocky smile on his face as he approached and reloaded his gun.
“Hm. Figured it would be less suspicious than a loud gun fire like your little stunt.” She casually said as she leaned down and divested the guard of his sword and armor from his right hand and arm up to his pauldrons.
“Oh, and here I thought the damsel is supposed to give her hero a kiss for their bravery.” He replied with a smirk. Josie paused for a moment before quickly leaning over and kissing his cheek. Van Helsing retreated for a moment to look at her in surprise. He was gifted with the small blush that crossed her cheeks.
“Human customs are very strange.” She replied before nudging the unconscious guard with her foot. “Let’s get back to the others.”
As Josie began to escape from the garden, Van Helsing stood rooted to the spot for a moment more as his hand unconsciously went and felt the area on his cheek where her lips touched. A small smile crept to his own lips before he thought of a few other human customs he would need to teach her in time. But… that was for another time. For now let’s go save the others. There’d be time for that later, he hoped.
Impey crawling into CR!Josie's bed with no context or explanation at 3am, though. RIP, Impey.
-
It was a normal day at the mansion, well, as normal as it could be. Josie was walking the perimeter of the mansion checking for anything amiss, Leah had decided to join her for a walk. Even though Josie insisted that it was not just a lovely stroll through gardens, shaded walkways, and beautiful hilltop vistas - even if that was all included - it was strictly a very important walk around the estate to ensure that no one dared entered where her master was and possibly threaten him. The rest, she supposed was just an added benefit.
As the girls took their stroll, ahem, perimeter check, inside the house Impey was busy in the kitchen preparing for dinner as he hummed a little song to himself. He kept a wary look towards the large window for any sign of his beloved - Josie, not that he didn’t love Miss Leah! He loved her too but he learned that it was as a friend because well, it didn’t feel the same as Josie - a snicker from beside him in the kitchen alerted him to someone else’s presence. He turned to spy Lupin.
“You should have Victor check and see if he can fix that stupid grin on your face.” Lupin snickered louder.
“W-What?! Lupiiiiin! Don’t say that! There’s nothing on my face!” Impey wailed swatting a wooden spoon in his friend’s direction.
“What are you looking at out there?” Lupin asked dodging the flying utensil.
“N-nothing. I’m not looking for anyone!”
“Ah. That’s right, it’s about time for Josie’s walk, huh?”
“W-What? I didn’t-”
“I didn’t think you were into voyerism, Impey.” Lupin said grinning madly.
“V-Voye–WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT LUPIN!?” Impey began to launch anything in arms reach towards Lupin who was cackling loudly. Eventually, Impey ran out of nearby items and decided to turn around and continue cooking.
“Oh, is that our lady knight now?” Lupin asked perking up and looking out the window. Impey flinched at his initial instincts to run over to the window but stopped himself short.
“Nice try Lupin. I’m not falling for that.” He said with a huff as he peeled some potatoes.
“Awww.” Lupin pouted. “Too bad. And there she is letting her hair down to flutter in the wind.” Lupin barely finished speaking when there was a loud clatter from Impey who dropped his knife and potato into the sink and leaped over to the window.
“Where?!” Impey shouted but it was drowned out by Lupins raucous laughter and Impey’s face fell as he sulked back to his cooking… well, to pick up the dropped utensil and food to properly wash off before continuing.
Once Lupin calmed down from his favorite pastime of hazing poor Impey he began picking up the other utensils that were previously launched at him. “So…” Lupin tried to begin and Impey turned his nose. “How have things been going with you and the Lady Knight?” Lupin asked.
“Why do you ask?” Impey replied, wholly curious.
“Huh? Well, cause. She’s very… uh… sharp? Even on a good day.”
“Are you sure that’s not just towards you?” Impey asked.
“Well, you have a point there… and she usually has several pointed towards me. So I guess you’re right. She does seem to have a soft spot for you at least.”
“Yup! We’re all lovey-dovey all the time!” Impey grinned with pride.
“Uh…? Lovey-dovey?”
“Yup!”
“All the time?”
“Mmhmm.”
“With Josie?”
“Who else?”
“I just can’t imagine her being lovey-dovey with anyone.” Lupin pondered and tried to picture the very stern and sword-wielding Josie snuggling up to-
“STOP LUPIN! YOU’RE NOT ALLOWED TO IMAGINE HER AT ALL!” Impey wailed and went to slam down the knife in his hand except the knife pierced the cutting board due to Impey’s strength.
“Ah. No that’s probably the best image of Josie being cuddly as I could imagine anyway.” Lupin commented as both men looked on with pity towards the poor cutting board.
“Well, anyway. You know what’s really romantic, right?” Impey perked up, you could almost see the dog ears and tail sticking straight up in attention. “Women love it when their partners slide into bed with them at night. And you wrap your arms around them and they snuggle up to you. Makes them feel all warm and protected.”
“Really?” Impey asked curiously.
“Absolutely. And you know how drafty this mansion gets at night. I’m sure she’s practically shivering.” Lupin announced dramatically.
“Shivering?”
“Yeah, thats why Saint Germain and Leah snuggle every night.”
“They do?”
“Well, I’m sure other things too that lucky bastard…” Lupin mumbled. “But, Yes. Definitely.”
“Hmm.” Impey thought about the situation before coming to a loud conclusion. “That’s a GREAT idea! I’ll go tell my Knight in Shining Armor now!”
“Woah, woah. Hold it, Impey.” Lupin stopped his friend before he could go rushing out of the kitchen. “Don’t you think it’d be better as a surprise?”
“A surprise for Josie?”
“Yeah. She totally would LOVE a surprise. Any woman would.” Lupin tried hard to hold back a laugh.
“O-Oh. RIGHT. She’d love a surprise! I’ve got to go find my warmest pajamas!” He announced before running out. This time he was not stopped by Lupin as a blur of red went out the door. It was soon replaced by an even more grumpy looking Van Helsing as he adjusted his glasses.
“That idiot does know he’s going to get killed right?” Van Helsing asked jutting his thumb in the direction of the hall where Impey ran off in. “He said something about sneaking in and snuggling with that Knight woman? He’s going to get skewered.”
“Yeah.” Lupin said with a haughty smile. Van Helsing knew from that grin that it was all the other man’s plan and thought momentarily to warn Victor to have plenty of gauze ready but instead planned to ignore the entire situation and see what they was being planned for dinner.
The rest of the evening went without hitch until everyone retired to their rooms for the evening. Van Helsing spared a final parting glance towards Impey silently voicing his farewells. Lupin could barely contain his snickering as Impey practically darted from the room to prepare himself. Saint Germain picked up on the shenanigans, but chose to ignore it as his attention turned instead towards Leah as he escorted her to their bedroom. (~~)
And a few hours later, when the mansion was completely silent. Impey made his move. He would have rushed off as soon as she was in her room, but Lupin told him specifically to wait for a few hours to make the surprise better, and he definitely wanted the surprise to be as amazing as possible. So he carefully crept down the hallway to Josie’s room. She had requested one near Delly so she could be close in the event of an emergency.
Once Impey made it to Josie’s door he quietly inserted the skeleton key that Lupin had somehow acquired from the Count and made his way inside the darkened room. He could just make out through the moonlight pouring through the window Josie’s shape under the covers of the bed. His heart soared at the thought and he had to physically stop his walking so he could calm his heart.
As silently as he could he lifted the covers and slipped inside barely stifling a giggle at the thought of his amazing surprise. And surprised he was when just as he reached over the cuddle his girlfriend that there was a flash of light and somehow he ended up on his back, Josie straddling him with a blade pointed at his neck. He let out a strangled cry for help as he struggled to free his hands from his attackers impressive strength.
“Impey?!” Josie finally spat out, the surprise in her voice belaying the fact that she was the one holding the blade in this situation. Impey’s cry alerted the others in the mansion as the door swung open and everyone filed in. There they saw Josie perched atop Impey with a dagger in her hand.
Leah gasped loudly as she quickly covered Delly’s eyes and ushered him out of the room. Lupin was sprawled out on the floor laughing loudly and clutching at his sides. Saint Germain only chuckled at the scene before excusing himself to find Leah. Victor couldn’t decide whether he needed to help or walk away.
“Don’t involve others in your weird bedroom kinks.” Van Helsing huffed before he walked out of the room in search of alcohol to clear his mind.
“LUPIN!!!!!” Impey shrieked and the offender only laughed all the harder. Josie quickly caught hold of the reason behind this probably intrusion, mainly that it was Lupin’s idea. So she quickly and with deadly accuracy tossed the dagger towards Lupin who only barely dodged it as he rushed out of the room, Victor followed him out closing the door behind him.
This left Impey and Josie alone in her room. Once Impey regained the use of his legs he began to wobble towards the door.
“So… explain again. You were trying to surprise me?”
“Y-Yes. Lupin said-”
“First of all, you really need to stop believing Lupin.”
“Yeah.” Impey said dejectedly.
“But… if you wanted to. I’m not against you snuggling in bed with me.”
“Huh? Really?!”
“I mean. If you wanted to. It’d be better to know about it before hand though. Sorta go on instinct when I get surprised.”
“I can see that.” Impey says as his eyes glance towards the dagger sticking out of the floor. “So, you don’t mind?” He asked taking a tentative step forwards.
“No.” Josie replied folding the cover over to show as invite. Impey smiled and had to stop himself from leaping into the bed. Once he got under the covers he reached over and wrapped his hands around her waist and nuzzling close as he inhaled the scent of her hair.
“Comfy?” He asked.
“Nice and warm.” She replied and they snuggled closer as they fell asleep.
—————————
Epilogue:
The following morning Impey woke up hanging off of the bed, head on the floor with Josie curled up with all of the covers. Seems she tossed and turned quite a bit. But… at least it was a nice for a moment.
Send “I’m pregnant. It’s yours.” To hear my muse’s reaction
Send “you’re what??” For my muse to announce being pregnant.
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@labyrinthofleah
It was a lovely spring day at Saint Germain’s mansion, well, one of his previous mansions at least. After the ordeal with the Agents of Idea and successfully discovering the truth behind Leah’s affliction and neutralizing the poison that the members of the mansion gang all went their own ways. Leah and Saint Germain went about travelling around the world, and Leah was always sure to send out cards to her friends when they found a bit of civilization.
Lupin continued his Gentlemanly thieving ways across Europe. Victor had stayed in London after his exoneration and was able to continue his alchemist studies into the works of Isaac Beckford. Impey stayed closest to the mansion, stating that he liked his workshop there as he continued to work towards his dreams of flying to the moon. And Van Helsing accompanied Josie and Delly back the the Dracula mansion as Delly sought to bring the remaining vampires back together and strengthen relationships between them and the humans.
It was a rare chance on the part of Leah who was able to send out letters to all her friends stating a date for everyone to venture back to the mansion to catch up. And it was extremely lucky that they were all able to attend. Though it had only been a few months apart, there were many things to catch up on. Specifically, that Leah was able to hold Saint Germain’s hand without a gloved barrier between them. It would certainly take some getting used to but each of the members were sincerely happy for her achievement.
“So, how has the honeymoon been? Thinking of settling down there, Count?” Lupin asked as they all sat in the living room sipping tea.
“Hm. Well, even if we do decide to set down roots somewhere, I think we shall always be on our honeymoon, right dearest?” Saint Germain asked as he gripped Leah’s hand which was nestled inside his own.
A light blush crossed Leah’s face. “W-Well. We had been talking about choosing a place to call home.”
“Though-”
“Though anyplace with you is ‘home’, right?” Josie chimed in from another couch rolling her eyes. Germain tilted his head slightly as if the idea that Josie read his thoughts passed his mind. “Yes, yes. Lovey-dovey. We know.” The blonde feigned disgust and shot a quick smile to her friend.
“Ah, well, they’re not the only newlyweds in the room, isn’t that right?” Victor chirped up looking towards Van Helsing and Josie who were seated together - though not as entangled as Leah and Saint Germain.
“Why did you have to remind me Fran?! Both of the princesses found princes and here I am all alone!” Impey wailed and Victor timidly pat his shoulders in condolences.
“Yes. You’re wedding last month was so quick I was barely able to attend.” Lupin added.
“I must apologize for us as well, it was unfortunate that we were across the globe at the time. Leah was quite heartbroken when she found out.” Saint Germain stated and gently ran his thumb over Leah’s hand.
“Ah. Well, you know. I’m a no-frills kind of girl.” Josie said with a fake smile weakly trying to hide something.
“if you could have just waited a few more months we could have all attended.” Leah lamented.
“We figured we would be too busy with the baby by then so we-” Van Helsing trailed off as the air suddenly felt like it had been sucked out of the room. Josie gently slapped her hand across her face.
“Did you...” Lupin began.
“Just say...” Impey added.
“A baby.” Victor finished.
“YOURE WHAT?!” A loud muffled shriek rang out from Leah.
“I thought you had told them.” Van Helsing quietly murmured to his sighing wife.
“No. I was planning on doing it at a better time.” Josie replied before the room erupted in chaos. Lupin all but dragged Van Helsing off of the couch just in time for Leah to dive onto it and began pestering Josie with questions. Victor was right behind her adding his own questions about her health and diet. Lupin, Impey and Saint Germain practically cornered Van Helsing each congratulating him on his upcoming fatherhood. Impey was far too excited and ended up asking a few too personal questions and the conception which earned him a slap to his head.
The rest of the evening went by in a blur, the two blondes faintly catching each other’s eyes over their celebrating friends and shared a warm smile. With that it was set, Saint Germain and Leah planned to settle back into the mansion near Steam London and the others were invited back to stay. Josie had already been relieved of her Knight Duty, which although it saddened her, she was also quite proud of the new recruits that she and Van Helsing had trained for her absence.
Van Helsing agreed to moving back closer to the mansion as it would be a place that he could feel that his unborn child would be safe, plus it would give Josie the peace of mind in having her best friend so close. Though he did state that he wanted to have his own home with Josie. To which Saint Germain readily pointed out the smaller guest home that was right on the edge of the forest. Everyone in the room was shocked to say the least as the closest building was still a few miles away. How much land did he have exactly?
Then the preparations for the new member of the mansion gang began. Firstly with getting Josie to stop picking up large couches by herself when she was decorating her new home. It would still be a few months before the baby’s arrival, but Josie and Van Helsing couldn’t think of a better place to raise a family surrounded by a great group of uncles and aunt. And so with the sun setting down behind the horizon, Van Helsing pulled Josie closer to his side as she placed her head on his shoulder. His other hand rubbing gentle circles on her small baby bump. Truthfully there’s nowhere else they would want to be.
Hrmm... I’m sure our dear little metal clad Josie would probably say (pre-mansion days) it would be the day she was accepted as a Royal Knight recruit. She had been working hard for so long at it and when she finally was accepted she was thrilled. Finally to have a family and a purpose. She was over the moon (haha... until she goes to the moon, right? right leah?... right? anyway).
Next I’m sure she’d be really thrilled about one of the first meals with everyone at the mansion. It’s so normal, but it’s so weird for her. So she couldn’t get used to it at first.
4: Does anyone have a crush on your character? Is your character aware of this?
Josie isn’t aware of almost anything if it pertains to her. (that btw is common for all Josie’s.) Like, ask her anything about Delly or her surroundings, she’s got it down. But if you asked her if anyone liked her she’d probably be lost for words.
And so yes. I guess depending on the AU of who has a crush on her.
Impey’s AU, she gets a crush first. A pretty sweet man who can cook and make her laugh? Please. Easy choice. But Impey likes Leah! So for all his flirting towards Leah (at least until he finally catches hold of the glares from Sainty G) he also doesnt catch hold of Josie’s feelings. And she wasn’t exactly subtle about it (is she subtle about anything?). Impey figures Josie is joking with him and never takes him seriously. It’d be a while before he finally realizes... oh crap ... josie?!
Van’s AU, I’m sure Josie gets a crush on Van Helsing back at the Vampire mansion. A mysterious handsome stranger who teaches and helps her in swordsmanship. Yeah, that was pretty easy. But after the War she vows she’d never let him back in. And then to see him at the mansion. Oooooh boy. The fights, Leah. The fights. SO MANY FIGHTS. And I don’t know which of them finally wins that they decide to just let be - or maybe Delly steps in? Anywho, it will still be a while before she allows him near without a drawn sword between them. And without noticing it becomes like it had once been and she finds herself drawn to him. ... And then.... disaster strikes. And as for Van, I think he admires her, maybe shares a similar attraction even from the beginning. But he knows what his job is so he doesnt let it build. Same for their second meeting. But fate has its own decisions, hm?
11: How did your character meet their best friend?
Best friend is Leah of course. And Leah finds Josie huddled and sickly behind the garden shed. Josie had come in search of Delly who joined the mansion gang after the heist. And was hiding out for days? Weeks? trying to make sure that Delly was safe and that she was at his beckon call. And sure Vampires are made of stockier stuff than humans, even she was at the mercy of mother nature. Thankfully Leah was able to get her into the mansion (with Sainty G’s and Fran’s help) before she expired. And well.... once she woke up it was like unleashing an Tasmanian devil, until they could calm her down.
60: If you could title your character's life, what would you title it?
Leah, I SUCK at titles. Something with armor or swords and love or friendship in it? I dunno.
"You're dating VAN HELSING?!" Leah looked shocked and terribly pleased all at once, while Delly looked frozen in place. Impey was (perhaps fortunately) AWOL in the kitchen making dinner. Victor promptly began trying to calm down a now-desperately curious Leah (and make sure Delly hadn't fainted standing up). Lupin and Saint-Germain were the only ones who didn't seem phased in the slightest. "May I offer you more tea, Lupin?" "Sure. Thanks, Saint." (AU of our AU? hehehe)
Josie nearly choked on her drink causing Van Helsing to quickly lend a patting hand on her back which only made Josie lean away from his touch, as if it would prove their innocence.
“WHAT?!” Delly finally said breaking the tense silence to which the couple could only look away from each other - an obvious admission.
Moments later the door swung open. “WHO’S READY FOR DINNER?!” Impey said cheefully as he entered the room. Josie took the opportunity to bolt out, time for sword training!!!
Fic you won't write: Set the Moon On Fire - vampknight!josie x impey
Leah, I’ve got this. So a major difference between our two tall vampires is their penchants for good or evil. Impey is the former and josie the latter. Also, Josie is shite at helping him with his inventions, literally everything she touches blows up … even more that what he does and that says something. Thankfully shes usually busy with Delly, so it’s not too often.
One night while the vamps are outside watching the stars… well, impeys watching the stars josies curled up laying on his chest just happy to hear his heart beat and him all excited about flying to the moon. And she says she’ll be right beside them, which is a happy thought as impey fades off to sleep and they rest beneath the stars.
That night impey dreams about him and josie finally making it to the moon. There they are the first ever and it’s so exciting! But then Josie tries to ‘help’ him and like his spaceship is blow to pieces! OH NO! He wakes with a start to see Josie still asleep. Oh, thank goodness it was a nightmare. Maybe he should teach her how to use a screwdriver at least.
