Disclaimer: I own neither Hellsing nor DC. It was not my intention to violate any copyrights, nor did I intend to make money with this story.
AN: Possibly some spoilers for the New Batman Adventures Episode "The demon within" and the Justice League Episode "Knight of shadows"
Chapter 1:
In a small museum in London, a man was standing before a picture, admiring the piece of art, not knowing he was approached by someone.
„Very well, I am here."
Jason Blood, a man with red hair with a white streak turned around to face them man who just said this. Before him stood a tall man with blond hair, glasses, stubble and a scar on his left cheek.
"It is good that you came, Alexander. However, I would have understood had you not come. It has been a long time…" Jason Blood began. "Not quite long enough for me, Jason Blood!" Alexander Anderson began. "I told you how to safely contact me in case of a great emergency. This better be the case, so don't waste my time!"
Jason Blood sighed. He could understand this behaviour all too well. After what he had done, he deserved worse. However… "I can understand that even after such a long time after my monstrous deed you will not forgive me…" He was interrupted by Anderson. "How could I? I cannot and will not forgive you. But this is hardly the time to discuss such things. You are many things, but you are surely not one who would have called me unless absolutely necessary. So, as I already said, stop wasting my time. Don't whine to me about your guilt, nor about my choice of joining Iscariot, like you did last time we met. Just come to the point. Why did you want me to come here?"
Blood nodded understandingly. "It is… her. She… is about to resurface." Anderson knew very well who Jason Blood was referring to. "I guess your are not so happy to meet her this time. Whatever it is she has come back for, surely you will not be so delighted as to give yourself and everything you are supposed to protect, to her… again."
"I made terrible mistakes in my past Alexander. Do not think that I will repeat them. Believe me, I have indeed learned my lessons."
"Like this would change anything. However…we knew this day would come. But why are you so sure that the day of her return is at hand?"
Blood answered: "There are many undead walking the earth. Unusually many. Due to your new… profession, you know that, of course. I saw this as an omen of worse time ahead. She does not necessarily need have anything to do with them, although it would not surprise me. What truly concerns me is the resurface of several magical artefacts. In particular… the branding iron."
Anderson raised an eyebrow. "The branding iron? Her branding iron? This is indeed something to be concerned about… If you know that it has resurfaced, why have you not tried to get it?" Blood answered: "You will never guess where I found it. I learned of its resurface while browsing an auction catalogue. Here, it is, take it."
Anderson almost let his mouth fall open, when Jason Blood handed him the catalogue, opened on the page showing an image of the mentioned iron. "Are you saying…" he began, "… that one of the most powerful artefacts of witchcraft is to be auctioned? Perhaps to be bought for something it that could never reach the iron's worth, by some unknowing fool, not knowing what power he might hold in his hands?"
"Precisely, Alexander. You see, this is indeed a matter of grave importance. You have mentioned the possibility of some unknowing fool getting his hands on the iron. I know however that you are very well aware of the danger, that someone might get his hands on the iron who perfectly well knows how to use it. To be clearer, Klarion will probably be at the auction. Should he be able to win…"
"Klarion…" Anderson sighed. "Alexander," Blood began, "you know, that it is not your fault that Klarion…"
"Do not tell me what or what not my fault is, Jason Blood!" Anderson exclaimed angrily. "we both know very well what we are responsible for. As for your reason to call me here… you need to say no more. I think I understand now. Should Klarion succeed, it would be my duty to retrieve the branding iron and undo the evil he would have done with it. And of course… to keep him, in check, should he be unleashed upon the world by Klarion's use of the branding iron."
"Indeed Alexander. I do not know who else to trust. And… who else would be able to do so. Only you have the power… and the necessary knowledge to do this."
"Apart from Klarion, of course… very well, you have made your statement quite clear. There is no more need for me to endure your presence." Anderson turned around and began to walk away. "One more thing, Jason Blood," he began. "When is this auction to take place?"
"Tomorrow at 7. You will find all information you need in the catalogue I gave you." Blood answered. "Very well. I'll be there. Just in case. I'm visiting London with the children of the orphanage, so I should be able to stay here as long as needed. Plus it provides me with an alibi, should… certain people ask questions." Blood's corner of the mouth twitched, almost as if he were going to smile. "Children have always been your weakness, haven't they Alexander? It seems that has not changed in all these years."
"But so much has changed, because of you. Why would you be concerned about me, caring for the children? I once thought of you as a caring man as well… until the day of your monstrous deed." Anderson paused for a moment.
"Say, Jason Blood…" Anderson turned to face Blood one last time. "You haven't told Hellsing anything about this matter… or that you were going to request my help… or certain… information about my past that both Iscariot and Hellsing would be interested in to know, have you?"
"Of course not Alexander. I would never do so." "Besides," he thought, "I could not trust Hellsing with this. Not after the incident with certain previous members of the Hellsing family. Even if Integra is not like them, this is something that should involve as few people as possible. Which is why I have only turned to Alexander. And because I know he would not even tell Iscariot No... not him. He is not a traitor like me…"
Anderson silently shook his head. "There are a lot of things I thought you would never do, Jason Blood. But you have shown me a long time ago, that you cannot be trusted. It would not have been the first time that you betrayed me… or others. Farewell, Jason Blood. I hope this is the last time you needed to call me."
With this Alexander Anderson finally left. "And I hope…" Jason Blood silently muttered to himself after Anderson left, "…that if I cannot atone for my terrible sins, I will somehow be able to one day regain your trust… old friend."
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AN: Well, I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of this story. Reviews are welcome. I should perhaps point out, that English is not my mother tongue, so I apologize for any mistakes there may be in spelling and grammar. Also, I decided not to give Anderson an accent, since I would probably mess up with that.
I know, lots of open questions here. I hope I made you curious for the next chapters. 8
Those of you who have seen the cartoon episodes mentioned in the AN at the beginning, might guess how Anderson knows Jason Blood. ;-)