Warning: Gore, violence, bloodshed, scenes of a graphic and sensitive nature. Read with caution.

-o-o-

3 days later...

-o-o-

The quietness of the evening became disrupted by the large double doors flying open. They banged on their hinges, almost piercing my eardrums painfully. My eyes flew open, taken aback, and I lifted my head weakly from my master's lap. The sleek hand upon my hair stilled and I could feel him shift in his chair beside me. His displeasure like a tangible force within the room.

A pale, skinny male scuttled his way towards us with haste, his beady red eyes wide in terror. He was a new fledgling of Lucius'; a new pawn for him to play with. I didn't even know his name, nor did I care. He'd come to Lucius directly, seeking out immortality and eternal life...

Fool. It would be the biggest mistake he'd ever make.

"They're coming," the fledgling stammered, unsettled upon his feet as if he dearly wished to flee for his very undead life. "He's found us! They're here!"

My master, Lucius, sighed in disinterest. "What are you blabbering on about?" And then mumbled under his breath, "I sincerely regret turning this idiot, he really is such a nuisance."

My knees shifted beneath me against the cold floor, my legs aching from sitting in the same position for too long. The chains brushed against my legs, dangling heavily from the collar at my throat. Dizziness rolled over me. I was still weak and sore from my master's recent feed.

"Hellsing!" the fledgling squawked, "They have come. We must leave at once, my lord!"

"Leave?" Lucius chuckled as he addressed the pitiful creature that had not long ago still been a living breathing man. "My goodness, no. This is excellent news. At last, we will finally come face to face with our adversaries. And as the saying goes: if the mountain will not go to Mohammed, then Mohammed must go to the mountain."

His hand fell back to me, guiding my head down again to his knee. I followed the silent command, shuddering as his fingers delved into my hair again. His touch both disturbing and somewhat comforting. I could sense his eagerness. The delirious rush shaking along the length of his thighs. His body trembling. Excited for what was to come.

I clutched at his navy trouser leg, my anxiety obvious. I knew what this meant, of what would soon follow. A chaotic concoction of bloodshed and death. One that I could not escape or run from. I wanted so desperately to beg him to spare me of it. I wanted no part in it. I had seen too many horrors to count by his hand.

I shivered, and he must have felt it as he began to hush me gently, like one would a child. "Shh, have no fear, ma belle. This is good, non? Now we get to see what Hellsing is really worth and remove them from our path. It brings much joy to this ancient heart of mine."

Heart? Did he even have one? I often considered the idea, but then only came to the conclusion that he had no mercy or compassion in him. Not even when he was a human, it would seem. He had been a monster in his human life, and that had magnified in his undead one...

Gunshots sounded in the distance. First one, then two, and then many. My spine grew rigid, dread settling in my stomach like a heavy rock.

"He's here." It was uttered in awe by the vampire beside me, teetering on the brink of hysteria.

The ground beneath me trembled, the entire mansion shaking with its force. The fledgling before us scampered away, clearly seeing reason and deciding to run for it. I couldn't blame him for trying either. If I had the chance or ability I would have followed after him without a single backward glance. The candelabras on the wall flickered eerily as if dancing upon a wind. An unsettling chill ran down my back, causing goosebumps to spring up across the flesh of my legs and arms.

Something was coming. Like a dangerous storm brewing, I could sense it all the way across my being. A sense of foreboding. A silent warning that whispered upon the air.

Snarls and screams rose into a crescendo against the endless rounds of gunfire. A large hand settled upon my shoulder, making me startle. I looked up towards my master. My eyes wide, uncertain.

"Go," he commanded, gesturing an elegant arm out towards the far side of the room. "Watch as I decimate our enemies into nothing but ash and dust."

Without a word, I sprang up and rushed towards one of the white columns, hunkering down behind it. I had barely gotten myself into position when the doors suddenly sprung open again. The hinges creaked, the panels forced wide like a gaping mouth as if by an invisible force. I held my breath and clutched at my knees, staring towards the entrance. Mist drifted in from the hallway beyond, trailing and weaving its way into the spacious chamber like an unwelcome guest. At first I saw nothing, but then I began to hear it. Footsteps. Heavy and resonating, stepping into the room with an almost leisurely speed. A dark figure prowled forth from the fog, broad and incredibly tall. From a distance, I could make out the long red coat and hat. Strange orange lenses gleamed upon a pale face.

The person drew to a stop, a few metres away from my master's chair. Silence settled amongst us, stifling and suffocating as a woollen blanket. Neither of the males advanced, patiently waiting for the other to make the first move.

"At last we meet, Count," Lucius finally speaks, his voice tinged with a polite tone. Almost respectful. "It is truly an honour to make your acquaintance." He held up his hands in a suave gesture of welcome. "Please, step into our humble abode. What can I do for you?"

The newcomer had an edge about him. Power and authority clung to him like a second skin. Compelling and frightening all at once. There was an energy to him, an aura of confidence and grace that could, without doubt, make many cower before him. I peered closer, my curiosity rising. His features, from what I could see beneath his crimson fedora were pointed and sharp as a finely carved statue. The long, slender shape of his frame beneath his charcoal suit gave him the impression of nobility, but certainly not one of weakness.

Was this him? The one they called...Alucard?

"Save your pleasantries," the stranger spoke, his voice inhumanly deep. Silken and smooth like velvet. "I'm not here for idle chit-chat." His long arm stretched out, a white-gloved hand pointing a gun directly at my master. "I've come to collect your head."

"That's a shame. I have so enjoyed our little game of cat and mouse. Haven't you?" Lucius mused aloud. "I have to say that I'm impressed by your boldness, there aren't many who can get through my defences and live to tell the tale."

"Oh? Do you mean the poor wretched souls outside? They weren't much. I was getting rather bored having to deal with them."

I looked beyond his towering frame and saw the evidence of his strength. Blood splattered the stone floor in the hallway beyond the door. I could see a dismembered arm and leg. A disembodied head. A booted foot was barely visible beside the door frame, still spasming even in death.

Oh god…

My master scoffed, snapping my focus to him. "Mere puppets, I assure you. As I am sure you understand. Oui?"

The second males red hat tilted, as if bemused. "I understand you are deluded, preying upon the weak to satisfy your lust for power. All those lives you have taken and yet you weren't even thirsty. What a waste."

Lucius chuckled, the sound ominous. "You know as well as I do that mortal life means little to beings such as us. We are immortal and do not need to empathise with these pathetic creatures. They are all cattle and mean nothing to me."

"All except one, it would seem," the stranger purred knowingly.

My heart froze in its beat when a pair of crimson eyes slid sideways towards me over the rim of a pair of orange-tinted glasses. I stilled, my breath seizing within my lungs. He hadn't moved his head at all, yet his burning gaze had found me lurking within the shadows so easily. As if he had known I had been there the entire time. That creepy grin spread further against his curved mouth and I slid back further into the darkness, trying to hide from him.

"Oh, you mean that one?" Lucius said, slowly straightening in his seat, as though growing aware and alert to something. "She smells divine, doesn't she? Her blood calls to me like no other." There was a brief silence before he spoke again. "She belongs to me, and only me. So do not even think about taking her fro-"

A loud gunshot split through the air and I gave a squeak as a large bullet sliced its way across the room and smashed straight through my master's chest. I heard him grunt in pain, his body slumping over.

"As much as I enjoy watching you make a fool of yourself," the stranger said, "I'm afraid the game is over. My master has ordered for your demise, and I am only too happy to oblige her."

I watched in horror as Lucius' moved, rising up from his chair. His head lifted, golden hair parting to reveal his furious expression. The hole in his torso began to heal, the flesh knitting back together neatly within seconds. With a smooth motion, he cast aside his black cloak and drew forth his silver rapier from its scabbard.

"Very well," my master sneered, "I cannot deny that I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time."

"And what moment is that?" came the snide reply.

"The moment in which I take your undead life, Monsieur. I shall become the only being ever to be able to destroy the great No-Life King himself. Count Dracula. Vlad Tepes, the Impaler of Wallachia."

I gaped at them in surprise and then turned to the stranger once again. This was he? The one all dreaded and feared. Dracula, the legend. The vampire told about in stories by the famous writer, Bram Stoker. Vlad Tepes, the notorious Romanian prince, who was renown for his cruelty and tenacity. For a moment I actually felt fear for my master, realising now that facing such a being would be futile and foolish. What would happen if he were to fail? My survival was linked to his. If he were to perish, then so would I. No one else in the world even knew I existed.

Lucius gave a low bow, beckoning his enemy to him in encouragement. "Shall we begin?"

The stranger grinned, flashing white yet deadly sharp teeth. "It would be my pleasure."

Chaos ensued after that. Gunshots and the slicing of steel clashed together, creating a vortex of noise that was almost deafening. Trembling, I folded myself further against the stone at my back, trying to make myself as small as possible as bullets went flying past my hiding spot. My chains prevented me from retreating any further and I covered my head with my arms in protection. Dust and shards of granite went flying across the room. I could hear the tearing of flesh and the cracking of bones. Their two hulking shadows danced upon the wall beside me, giving me a glimpse of the massacre. It went on forever, feeling like an age before their fighting drew to an abrupt stop.

My master's sword skated across the floor, sliding past my curled up form to stop a short distance away. The blade gleamed bright and silvery in the dim light, coated with rivulets of blood. Lucius gave a howl of agony, the sound causing my stomach to tighten. My heart hammered beneath my rib cage.

I peered carefully around the column to see my master's fallen body upon the ground. There was blood everywhere, glowing like blackened fire. Lucius' eyes were manic as he tried to crawl his way towards his weapon. It was then I noticed them… his legs. They were gone. Cleanly removed from the knee downwards, slowly regenerating, but not nearly as fast as usual.

"Not bad..." the stranger, Alucard, rumbled deeply. He straightened to his natural massive height. "… for a witless worm."

"You insolent pig! You will pay for this!" Lucius screamed at him in fury. He began to pull himself towards me, aiming straight for the sword. His intent purposeful, filled with menace.

Our eyes met and my throat threatened to close in upon itself in terror.

"Ma belle," he whispered to me. His voice wrapped around me, trying to compel my mind to do his bidding. "Come to me. Bring me my sword, let us defeat him together."

I hesitated. Afraid. So deathly afraid. Of what would happen if I were to deny him. Of what would happen if I was to aid him. I was torn, unable to bring myself to move.

"Do it now!" His booming voice made me jump in my skin.

Trembling, I began to crawl out from my safe place. The chains clinked noisily as I made my way towards the rapier, my fingers barely clasping the intricate hilt when I heard the sound of a gun being cocked. The sound echoed straight into my very soul.

I froze. Knuckles white, I gripped the sword to my chest and slowly began to lift my head. Up and up, sliding up an incredibly long pair of legs and a torso, to the face of the being that would soon become my doom. The end of a gun was pointed directly at me, aimed with precision at my head.

I'm going to die… it sinks in like a leaden weight in my belly.

I blink, taken back now that I had a closer view of him. Him, Alucard. His shades were gone now, as was his hat. Midnight black hair hung wildly above his wide shoulders, moving about his head as though dancing in an unfelt wind. I could still hear my master shouting at me, calling me to his side. Yet I seemed unable to look away from the frightening vampire hovering behind him, stalking steadily closer. His eyes were like the very pits of hell. One moment burning a deadly crimson and the next tinged with an eerie pink shade.

Vampires were designed to be alluring in nature. Everything about them drew their prey to them, appealing to them with their silken voices and beauty. My master was no exception. But this one… Alucard, seemed to put them all to shame. His features were sensuously cruel. Masculine and kingly, but undoubtedly handsome.

I had nowhere to run or hide from him. His molten gaze roamed lazily over me, taking me in. Evaluating my worth. Clad only in shorts and a T-shirt, I felt naked under his appraisal. My body was littered with scars and bite marks. They decorated my thighs, arms, and neck like brands; marks of ownership. I had never taken much interest in them or cared enough to conceal them in the past. Yet now, before this handsome vampire, I had the overwhelming urge to cover them all.

You're a human. A voice, deep and powerful, rolled through my mind. Forceful and demanding. It held a note of intrigue, as though amused by a sudden revelation.

I eyed the pistol he held, shifting my attention between it and Lucius, who was now nearly upon me.

I didn't want this, I thought dismally. I'd never wanted any of this. For years I had lived in a hell designed and created by the heinous fiend who was reaching towards me. Yet it wasn't fear that gripped me in its hold, it was something else. Something much more appealing and potent.

Hope.

This was my chance. A chance to separate myself from Lucius for good and to end this nightmare that had taken so many innocent lives. I wanted it to be over, even if it meant dying at the hands of this dark haired vampire.

Do it. I whispered through my mind to him. Pleading. I lifted my chin up to him, daring him to pull the trigger. If you have any compassion or mercy in you at all, you will kill me and free me of him… please, do it.

A shot rang out, loud and clear. Unconsciously, I flinched, stiffening for the impact of the bullet. I gasped a breath, expecting searing pain to come. But nothing happened. The scent of something burning made me open my eyes a crack and look down. I was unharmed, not a single wound to be seen in sight. However, the metal chain lay smoking at my feet, the links snapped cleanly. Broken.

I stared at it for a second, dumbfounded.

I was…. free.

"No!"

Cold fingers brushed against my knee and I shot up, rushing backward away from the blonde vampire who was now staring at me with open fury in his golden eyes.

"Don't you dare..." Lucius growled, his tone imperious. His strong hands pulled himself across the floor, his gaze steely with determination. "Do not defy me, ma belle. I swear, that if you do, not even the Holy Christ or the devil himself will protect you. Do you hear me?"

I look down at the long blade gripped within my hands. Lucius was nearly back upon his feet, his wounded legs almost fully regenerated. Without s seconds thought, I wrenched my arm back and swung the sword with all my might. It left my hand, sailing through the air. Lucius reached for it, but it passed over his head with ease, flying straight towards the red-clad vampire behind him.

Alucard caught it within his gloved hand. A beaming, sinister smile stretching across his mouth in victorious delight.

My decision was made… I chose life. I chose freedom.

My eyes met with gleaming crimson ones. A brief but potent connection settled between us. A mutual agreement, filled with all the silent gratitude I could muster.

"No!" Lucius bellowed.

I spun, my hair whipping at my face as I fled from the room as though the devil himself chased after me. I did not look back or spare my master a single glance. My bare feet slammed across the floor, my breathing heavy as I sprinted my way out into the open corridor beyond.

A dark and obnoxious chuckle rumbled through the atmosphere. A voice, mocking and low, echoed straight to my ears.

"It would seem your little lamb has abandoned you… clever girl."

There was an enraged howl, followed by a scream of pain. I picked up my speed, terror lending me wings as I raced through the labyrinth of corridors.

What remained of my broken chains hung down against my chest, bouncing with each step that I took. I raced down a long, narrow hallway and then took a shift right, veering into another corridor. Only to pull up short when I came face to face with a small group of darkened figures loitering within the narrow space. All five of them spun to me, clearly just as surprised at my sudden appearance as I was of theirs. They stood only a few metres away, donned in dark military uniforms. Their faces covered, masked and goggled. Each of them carried a weapon, a gun of some sort.

"Freeze!" One shouted. The voice decidedly male. "Don't move!"

The lead figure fumbled, reaching to level their weapon straight at me. I retreated, flying back around the corner just in time as bullets rained against a nearby wall. Heart pounding madly, I took a swift left towards the staircase that would lead me to the ground floor. My feet skimmed across the lush carpet. Adrenaline coursed through my veins like liquid fire, lending me courage.

I could hear footsteps gaining speed behind me. They were getting closer.

"This is SS-723, we have a female. Human. Dark hair. Small build. Heading for the east wing. Do you copy?"

Another shot flew past my head, nearly skimming my shoulder. I give a scream, ducking low, before bounding my way down the steps, skipping three or four at a time in a rush to reach the bottom.

"For fuck's sake, stop shooting at her! Orders are to capture her unharmed!" An unknown voice shouted.

They were fast, much faster than I was. But I had an advantage over them. I knew the layout of the manor well, like the back of my hand. It had been my home, my playground. My prison and my cage. I sprung right, aiming straight for the main entrance to the house. The large double doors lay open and wide, like a pair of arms reaching out to me in welcome. The moonlight beyond beckoned me, guiding me straight to the threshold.

And it was there that I stopped.

My feet skidded to halt at the edge of the door frame, unable to cross the line between safety and the outside world. Panic surged up into me, choking me of my sanity. It was all too much and too soon. It was as though invisible hands had settled upon my legs, refusing to allow them to move another step further. The trembling of my limbs almost made me lose my balance. Fear clawed at me without mercy. I could see the garden beyond the doorway. The billowing trees and darkening sky. The open space that threatened to swallow me whole. I had no idea of where I was going or who I was running to. I knew no one. I knew nothing about the world beyond these doors.

I took a step backward away from the light and retreated towards the safety of the darkness.

I couldn't do it. I couldn't bring myself to take the final step and…

Heavy footsteps pounded behind me and I barely had time to register them before something heavy smashed into the back of my neck. All my strength left me and I crumpled to the floor with a thud. Everything began to spin.

"Game over, princess." a voice uttered somewhere beside me. "We've got ya now."

A sound a breathless despair left me, and then the blackness descended.