This fanfic is rated M(ature); precaution.
Old Friends
by Nocturne Sadist
A Hellsing fanfic
Chapter 1: I Luff Recipes
Ingredients:
The ashes of a vampire (the more powerful, the more potent)
8 pints of fresh human blood (NOTE: all of the blood should be devoid of insanity, suicide, serial murder or massacre, or of fatal or life threatening illnesses as the drinker can contract certain qualities from the blood. The blood should also be devoid of cannibalism ask the drinker may prey on his/her own kind and vampire blood can be lethal to other vampires.)
A deep pot or cauldron (cast iron is preferable)
A utensil long enough to touch the bottom of the pot while stirring
WARNING! FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS TO THE MINUTUS DETAIL. EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT INTENDING TO BECOME A VAMPIRE.
Directions: find a spot where you won't be interrupted, and a position you can stand, sit, or lie in comfortably. First, add the 8 pints of blood to the cauldron. The blood should be warm; if not, set to boil. When blood begins to boil, remove from burner and set it where you chose to stir comfortably. Add the ashes, then begin stirring counter clockwise. Six times for longer life (not better health), sixty-six times for limited (but special) abilities, and six hundred sixty-six times to become Nasferatu. NOTE: over stirring or under stirring any amount of times results in death.
Drink.
Tiny veins snaked over the surface of the light bulb. Then, with a startling pop the glass shattered and the room was plunged into darkness. A slight wind whistled through the loose pages that lay on the many tables of the dark room. My breath came labored, I felt dizzy. The air was cool and hot at the same time. It was soft and harsh at the same time. It whipped my locks with incredible strength, but my skin was fine, as if I was standing in the middle of a summer breeze.
Everything was pitch black. I couldn't tell if my eyes were open or shut, I couldn't tell of I was upside down or right side up. Everything felt suspended, like in Bingo. Stuck between Heaven, Hell, and The World. Stuck between the Devine, the Damned, and the Living. I didn't feel cold or hot. I felt numb, petrified. I couldn't move my arms or my legs. I couldn't move anything because I couldn't think. My head was a blank. I couldn't insert a thought. I was at the brink of shutting down, collapsing. But, somehow, I couldn't. The blood rushing through my veins wouldn't let me. The oxygen going across my lungs wouldn't let me. I was like a zombie, and for a moment, utter fear gripped me in a choke hold. Then I knew, it was a lie. Ten years of searching, three more in hunting down that pitiful vampire, one year coming up with the nerve, the means, and the calculations to attain the eight ounces of fresh blood and disappear that very same day, three days of preparation without fault, and four hours of stirring. I knew it was a lie, from the very moment I read those words something in the back of my mind clicked, and I ignored it. This is how I would pay. This is where my affinity for recipes had landed me. In an abandoned building, in a basement hidden behind a wine bottle rack. I had wasted my life to become a zombie without a master to direct me.
Right?
All of this whirled around the edges of my mind. My intelligent, cunning, passionate mind. The thoughts teased me, telling me I would never have what I spent my youth for. I would never be young forever, I would never throw parties or become filthy rich. I will be stuck here, waiting to the end of time to die. Or someone find me and take me to their laboratory. There, they would dissect my body, take skin samples, remove my limbs and my organs and brain without anesthetic. And I would be powerless to even protest.
But, mercifully, I died quick. A bright light shown behind me, throwing my harsh shadow against the wall. I was grateful to the Angel of Death. I would no longer be stuck in Bingo; but, I had another fear: would I be going to Heaven or Hell? Or was he just hear to taunt me at my predicament, to laugh at my foolishness for waving my fist against God?
"It looks as if I have a trespasser. But, since you are here, maybe you can tell my why?"
I couldn't answer. I couldn't do anything. I was a zombie, and sooner than later the world would know. This man didn't sound like he could be the Angel of Death, just some cruel man. Then, the light attacked me, from all around me. It hit me everywhere, knocking me unconscious and robbing me of my senses.
"...over all, the squad has shown a thirteen percent improvement, which is a thirty-one percent improvement compared to last month."
"That's good to hear, Saras. Continue with their training as is unless you hear different from Alucard or myself. I want to see a continue rise in these percentages..." Integra was thoughtful for a moment, "Pip's men have done extremely well under your command, and the last mission was a success."
"T-thank you."
"You may leave." Saras turned on her heel, dumbstruck at Integra's complement. The squad's spirits had been running low, but Saras was sure that this would make them soar.
Integra sat in her office, calm and collected. She wore her blond hair down her back and a spectacle over one eye. She was the picture of total control and composure. After all, she was a Hellsing, and she did own two powerful vampires. Control was the only thing keeping them from running rampant.
"Alucard."
A tall, lanky man materialized at her shoulder, silent as a phantom. His hair was deep black, and like her's it rested, unbound. His skin was pale, and when he glanced around she could see that his eyes were red. He wore a red trench coat over his holster and black attire. Integra was silent a moment, a rare smile gracing with her lips.
"Integra?" his voice wasn't unfriendly, but it sent shivers down her back all the same. She didn't show it of course. His voice sounded cold and dead, yet held some warmth. Alucard had been in her family for generations and taken care of her since she was a young girl, and, as long as he wasn't breaking the law, on a mission, or instructing Saras, he could come and go as he pleased.
"Alucard," she said, "be ready for tonight. We will be receiving a few dinner guests."
Alucard didn't comment. His body began to fade and dissolve, but Integra paid no mind.
"And don't forget to behave," she called after him.
"I won't," said the air, holding an amused lilt to the voice, "I'll be on my very best behavior."
"Madam, everything goes as planned, the first five courses are ready and we are preparing the dessert. The first course will be a red salad with tomatoes and strawberries. The second course is a bowl of chicken broth with a few well cooked vegetables. The third course is the entree and the fourth course will be salmon steaks with long rice and poached vegetables. The dessert will be..."
The rest of what the maid said went unheard. Integra's attention turned to the car pulling up into the driveway.
"Marguerite," said Integra, "Get Alucard."
"I'm already here."
Integra fought the urge to glance over her shoulder at the vampire. They both stood atop the steps of Hellsing manor, watching them get out of the stretch limousine and wait for the guests to reach the top of the steps and greet them.
"It was a pleasant surprise," said the vampire, "when your invitation came. But, of course, it wasn't only the prospect of dinner with more—lively companions."
"I know," said Integra, "about your other houseguest. The girl..."
A small smile flirted with the newcomer's lips.
"Micheal, this girl can be dangerous."
"But, it's not just the girl," Micheal said, turning aside, "please meet Aaron. The newest addition to my household."
A young man stepped forward. He was tall, even for a vampire. His hair was blazing red like a summer sunset and his eyes were an eerie green. He smiled warmly at Integra.
"Micheal, you didn't...?"
"Of course not," said the vampire, "Sarah stumbled upon him when she was off exploring my estate. Shall we?"
Integra moved to the side to let him pass. She glanced at Alucard, warning him to be careful. To Micheal she said, "where is this Sarah?"
"She'll be along in but a moment."
A moment was half way through dinner. She wasn't anything stunning and could have been passed off for a human, had Alucard not felt her presence or Integra glance into her eyes.
Those eyes, she thought, held cruelty and so uncompassionate, even for a vampire. Again, she caught Alucard's eye.
The female vampire was short and looked quite young. Her hair hung in micro locks down to her knees and she wore a beautiful tan gown that matched her light skin. She had the look of every culture from around the world, but her commanding and cruel glare was what made alarms go off in Integra's mind. No matter how weak or strong this vampiress was, she would always use her mind before she acted.
And, no doubt, Integra thought, that mind was very adept.