"Yes. That is obvious by this point." Alucard's expressionless face and tone gave him an intimidating appearance with a nature much different from his usual self. A hint of annoyance began as he saw that Abraham would not accept that he was not going to kill them.

The growl from the vampire did nothing to improve the others' pallor. "Hellsing, you are a fool."

"Because I won't take you for your word?" Abraham's eyes were narrowed in a look of distrust while he gave a mirthless laugh. "I would be a fool to do so."

"You are a fool for trying to kill yourself and for doubting your remaining influence." Alucard's uncaring eyes sent a chill creeping over Abraham's skin. "I know that there are other's of your blood that would be able to replace you, and if I killed anyone I would either have to face your wrath or the wrath of whoever succeeded you."

"This is fear?" Abraham smirked and Alucard's frustration broke through in his features and he almost yelled as he spoke.

"Do you want me to kill you?" His eyes flashed dangerously and his visible fangs extended slightly. "I could easily arrange this. If I weigh my reasons for keeping you alive against those for getting my revenge for everything you have done to me, I could easily be inclined to either. I could put you through the same torture you've subjected me to, until your weak life gives out."

"Why don't you?" Alucard waited as Abraham calmly watched his expressions. "You'll never have another chance, Slave. When my strength returns I'll return you to that damned cell and torture you all the same, even if you don't kill anyone, despite this behavior."

Alucard's fangs became fully extended as he hissed, loathing coming as a snarl. "Ask these men." He ripped one of the hunter's shirts as he grabbed the man's sleeve to thrust him towards Abraham. The man stumbled and clutched at the bed post with a forestalled gasp. "Ask him if he minds if I kill him, taking his life as I drain his body or watch his blood trickle down a stake that he will rest on. You may not care if you die, that has been clearly etched into your skin, but what of them?"

Abraham returned a scowl, hiding his disapproval of involving others, remembering that this was not merely a Slave and Master conflict, apart from involving others, as it usually would have been.

"Ask him if he wants to die! Then continue your foolishness and bare your throat for all I care. I'll then rip it out for you!"

Silence fell immediately, and the hunter stared at Alucard, not able to move his head else he would be overcome with his building terror. Abraham's lips were white, a tight line on his starch face. The doctor burst into the moment, astonishing all of them by throwing Alucard aside with a grunt of effort. The vampire's dark features cleared to some extent with surprise and he looked at the furious man who trembled with fear at his temerity.

"LEAVE MY PATIENT!" he panted, his heart racing so that his hands shook as he fought his instinct to flee and held his ground between Abraham and the vampire. Alucard's lips curled upward, taking life out of the man's eyes.

"NO! DON'T KILL HIM!" As soon as the adrenalin dropped from Abraham, he fell back, weakened, on his pillow and his eyes fell half mast. "Vampire." His voice was barely stronger than his appearance and his eyes managed to find Alucard who was looking at him as well. "You won't kill them."

"I said I wouldn't." His coldness made the doctor and hunter that could see his face, flinch.

Abraham closed his eyes with a sigh empty of relief.

"On account that you don't die from this, like the fool you are."

His eyes opened to find the room lacking the vampire. The others started as they noticed his sudden disappearance through the floor and they stared at the spot with apprehension.

"Doctor." Abraham waited as the man slowly turned to him, the doctor's eyes brimming with tears. "My life secures yours and the lives of my men…make sure the vampire's request is satisfied."

Nothing came out when the man opened his mouth so he nodded awkwardly instead, causing his tears to cascade over his cheeks in sad streams. Abraham spared a glance at his men as they looked at him helplessly.

"I won't die…I'll gain control of the situation in a matter of days…" Abraham didn't attempt to smile, knowing that he wouldn't usually give such an expression when being confident in such a dire situation. Instead, he closed his eyes and slowly slipped into unconsciousness.