Alrighty! Told you I would get this thingy here soon! It took me about...forever and a half to figure out what I was going to do with this chapter. I mean, I wanted to keep it close to the show, but I finally decided to suck it up and make this a bit of my own but keep with the characters and such. Again, Apologies for the delay!
Disclaimer! I do not own the characters from this (or the last bit) chapter. All except for Ericka...OH and this new mystery guy that the others are talkin' about. I own their souls.
Outside the Hellsing manner, the sun was barely starting to rise, leaving the world around it slowly growing brighter, but also still engulfed in shadow at the tree lines. Outside the gate, far enough away to keep out of sight and earshot from the guards, two lone figures stood within the trees, both male and seeming at relative ease. One of which sat on the ground, legs crossed under him in an Indian-style seated position, a tanned form covered by what appeared to be a navy blue jogging suit. A matching cap on his head, black hair poking out as his head was bowed and eyes were closed, lids opening though to reveal a pair of golden eyes that peered out from a face holding silver loops within the ears, nose and around the eyes. Flicking their gaze over to the male standing across from them the golden eyes stared with a lidded look. "Man, when the fuck is this guy gonna call eh?"
"Be patient, Jan…" The calm tone from the other male exited through a pair of pale lips as the slim body covered in a white suit leaned comfortably against a tree. Blonde hair fell long, well passed the man's back and kept neat and back by a tie near the end of the tresses. Deep green eyes that were protected by a pair of round glasses then looked towards the male known as Jan Valentine. "He will call eventually…"
"No man, I wanna hurry up and fuck up some Hellsing's!" Jan retorted with an impatient snap to his voice, eyes narrowing up at his brother. "Why the fuck does it matter if there's some other bitch involved other than the queen bee Hellsing? They just picked her ass up from what I got. Hell they might've just fed her to big red."
Luke Valentine gave a soft sigh of impatience towards his brother. The man was bloodthirsty…then again, that was any vampire such as themselves…but he had no tact, no thought process on the situation…no nothing. In truth they had no idea about this young woman that the Hellsing organization, which they'd been watching for a good week now, had taken in. The main question though, was why? What had made this girl so special that a secret, powerful organization such as Hellsing, would decide to pick her up which would no doubt, find out about the said organization and its doings. He himself didn't know…in fact, for all he or Jan knew, they might have just fed her to Alucard.
But Integra is better than that….the organization itself is better than that… A frown marred the man's features before a soft ringing and vibration in his pants caused the man to give a jolt, a pale hand reaching in and pulling out a cell phone before flicking it open. "Yeah?"
Jan's eyes lit up as soon as the phone rang, his tongue licking over his lips as a grin split his face. That was their orders…any minute now…Luke would give the nod and they would slowly overtake Hellsing by draining each soldier, turning them into ghouls and then taking said ghouls and moving in. The place would fall from within, and Luke would take care of the 'fierce' Alucard and he would kill the fuck out of Integra! He wanted to eat the girl too... he didn't get a good glimpse of her, only bits and pieces…but she seemed familiar.
The phone snapping shut brought him back to reality and he stood then, dusting off his pants. "So we're going to kick some ass then, right?" There was a smirk still on his face as he cracked his knuckles then, but the smirk faded at the look on his brother's face.
"…No," Luke slipped the phone back into his pocket after staring at it for a good few moments. A soft breath passing the blonde then before his eyes closed, head resting back against the tree. "Apparently they have another that wishes to do the job…so now we'll lay in wait for him to show. Once he does, that will be our ticket out of here…"
"What the fuck!" Jan's voice became a snarl, "No fuckin' way bro! I'm fuckin' up that Hellsing bitch! Fuck this new guy!"
"You will do as you're told..." Luke's voice had raised a little as his eyes narrowed in on his brother's golden ones. "I don't intend on disobeying orders and I will not take the heat for your stupid ass…"
A few moments of silence seeped in between the brothers before Jan finally rolled his eyes and flopped back into the grass with a snort. "Tch, whatever…"
"I told you to pick up both swords, Servant girl.." Alucard was grinning at her now, his tinted glasses hiding the red irises as they reflected the moonlight. "Here I thought you had so much skill when you hardly even know what you're doing..."
Ericka glared at the man, one sword gripped in her hand as her eyes narrowed at him. She hated how the man could tick her off so easily...and all he had to do was say something about her faults. "So what? What's the big deal if I can't handle two of them at once huh?"
The man's chuckle echoed and floated along the breeze that blew as he turned to walk back to the manner. "You are not a worthy opponent then...you are just a weak girl as I'd thought then.." His coat blew softly in the breeze, his hair blowing about also as it wasn't inhibited by his hat.
Ericka winced at the words before lifting her lip in a light snarl. Not worthy? Oh hell no! She wanted to get him back for slapping her before...she had to get him back for it! Picking up the other sword she spaced her feet apart lightly. "BULLSHIT! I'll kick your ass any day! You think you're scary because you're some blood sucking bastard? Hell you listen to Integra like a dog! I bet-"
She didn't even realize what happened next, his body against her own in the next instant and she gave a grunt as her back was slammed back into the tree behind her, her feet off of the ground a few inches. Green eyes looked up to see red ones that narrowed in on her above the rim of his glasses. One blade was at his throat though and she felt somewhat proud of that, even though she hadn't intended on it.
"You...dare try to say you can defeat me...girl?" His words came out in a growl then, a hand coming up and yanking at her wrist, the blade slicing a thin line at his throat, blood lightly trickling before he shook her wrist until the blade fell to the ground with a soft thud. "You have no idea what I could do to you right now"
Oh shit...the look in his eyes stated that she'd struck a chord when it came to his servitude...the feeling of something cool and sticky on her other hand caused her to look down, eyes wide at the sight of her other blade, still gripped in her hand, now plunged all the way to the hilt into the man's stomach, a steady blood flow leaving him. He's not even phased by it though! Wide eyes moved back up to the red ones, her pulse quickened as she blinked up at the undead male's glare before yelping as she felt a knee press and keep her legs apart, though also support her, one hand slamming to her shoulder as he moved to yank the blade from his body and toss it to the side.
"You've disobeyed me...servant girl." The vampire gripped her lower jaw roughly to tilt her head up to face him. "I told you...to not lose control...and yet you've just done so in front of me..." His hand moved down from her jaw, the soft glove material stroking down her throat now. "..You attempt an insult towards me, therefore disrespecting your superior.." His face moved closer to hers then, his gaze lowering to the paleness of her neck as his mouth opened. "..You will be punished for it now..."
He's...gonna bite me! The realization of it caused her to suck in a breath and wriggle her body more in an attempt to struggle before a gasp passed her as his knee pressed harder."N-No..."
"Don't fight me...Ericka.."
"No!" Ericka bolted upright in bed, her eyes wide as she glanced around the space of her bedroom. Her chest rising and falling with her breath coming in gasps. A hand slowly coming up then to the spot of her neck where his mouth had been prepared to clamp down, the cool chill of the vampire's breath still seeming to linger there despite the warmth of her palm. She wasn't outside...she wasn't with Alucard...and he wasn't planning on biting her...she was...was in her room...and it was morning, not dark.
Fucking Dream...A low growl passed her lips as she climbed out of bed, one of her white button ups on her body instead of the cotton nightgown or just her plain bra and underwear. A light sigh passing her then before she blinked at the sound of a knock at her door. Brows furrowing she turned her gaze towards it, head tilting lightly before letting out a breath. "...Come in?"
She didn't find it too much of a surprise to find Walter in the doorway, a bit of clothes folded neatly in one hand. "Ah, good morning, Miss Hart." A light smile was on his face before he moved forward and handed her the clothing. "I've taken the liberty in getting together a...uniform of sorts for you."
A uniform? Ericka looked down at the clothes with a light frown, pursing her lips in thought before glancing back up at the man with a frown. "...I thought the clothes I already had were okay.."
"For any time you are not working or if you are training with Alucard, then they are just fine." The smile seemed to leave the elder man's face as a serious look replaced it, his lips a straight line and his eyes lidded. "Also, as Alucard left for a mission after training, Sir Integra and I have decided I will be a good replacement for you."
Ericka blinked before she looked over at him with a rose brow. Walter, train her? "..." A hand came up and rubbed the back of her neck with a light smile. "Well...no offense to you Walt, but...you're kinda older and I-"
The sound of fabric ripping cut the teen off as she turned with wide eyes to see her one of her curtains flutter to the ground. "...Ah...duh-buh...eh!" Her head whipping back around she stared with wide eyes at the unamused face of the butler. "D-did you do that!"
"..I may by old as you like to call it, Miss Hart, but I have more skill and experience in killing such creatures that we're dealing with than you do years of life. As for how you shall address me when working you shall call me Walter, or sir." He saw her frown once more, brows moving downward as she opened her mouth, possibly to say something before he let a hand raise to silence her. "I've been lenient with you so far, Miss, only so you may get used to living here, as this is your new home, but you've had plenty of time to grow accustomed to this place and therefore, enough time so you're ready for your true training." He smirked lightly then the thin threads he'd used before, his main weapon of choice, moved and hooked at the case that held her swords, placing a bit of strings between his teeth and giving a pull, the box yanking itself forward and hitting against her feet making the 17 year old jump. "You haven't even seen half of the things you will have to do once you take over..." Moving to the door once more he turned to glance at her one last time, seeing her open jaw. "...I'll give you fifteen minutes to bathe, dress, and be in the hall. Don't be late."
Within less than fifteen minutes later, Ericka was struggling to make it down the stairs while yanking on the black shoes that were already tied. Her heart pounding though not exactly from rushing. The fact was Walter was actually being strict with her, and the way he'd looked at her like the kindness almost seemed to be gone from his eyes...it wasn't...scary...but...there was something about it that made the teenager shiver and honestly not want to be late. Hell the man had tore her curtain with what she assumed was fishing line...or...something. She didn't know, but that was something she was bound to ask the elder gentleman when she reached him. Green eyes spying the man watching her with the same unamused and lidded gaze before skidding to a halt, breath coming out in light pants as she peered up at him.
Walter gave the girl a once over and nearly snorted. She was in the white button up, black vest, and black pants and shoes he'd brought like he'd asked her. The fact that she didn't tuck in the shirt, and her hair didn't look quite brushed...that was a problem; she wasn't late though...his hand moved to grab the watch from his pocket and eyed it with a quirked brow. In fact, she was about a minute early. His eyes moved back over to her before they closed again, a soft breath exiting him. "...Your appearance is unacceptable." His eyes opened before he refrained from another snort as she seemed to stare confused at him. Oh good heavens! The man moved forward then, ignoring the yelp as he worked at tucking her shirt in as if she were a child, straightening up her vest before producing a comb from his pocket and attempting to tame the short wild mass of black hair on her head. "You are to represent the Hellsing organization." His words were spoken with an even tone as he glanced down at her. "That means you will dress appropriately, and you shall also make sure to look presentable when within these clothes." Finishing his work he looked down at her as his lips pulled into a frown at her posture. "...Just because one is given nice clothes doesn't mean they can't still look like something pulled off of the street when in them.." His eyes caught the red stud in her nose and he narrowed his eyes. "And like it or not, that means that...that will have to come out."
He's callin' you a bum, sweetheart. Ericka blinked and then gave a frown of her own though her body tensed as Walter merely rose a brow.You can't do anything to him...you already know that despite him bein' a geezer he can easily whip your ass too. A soft breath passed her before nodding. "...I see."
"Straighten your shoulders." It was a quiet order, not really a harsh snap either but enough to make her follow the order. "Square them, back straight up and down, hands at your sides, head up- no, not too far, it looks as if you have your nose in the air...That's better. Now, eyes forward." Walter moved to face her then, his own hands behind his back as he glanced down at her. "As butler and servant to the Hellsing manner and Sir Integra, you should remain at a posture like this. When you walk, you shouldn't walk as if you are lurking among the halls...we already have one who does that, and he does not slouch either." He saw that Ericka's lips quirked upwards at one corner before continuing. "When you walk you should walk with confidence, head held up, but not too high in order to remember your place. You are an important part of Hellsing; just as important as the others, but don't assume that without you, the organization will fall to pieces. They will simply find another."
All of it wasn't meant to make her upset at all, or make her feel like she wasn't that special. The fact was the role she was taking was an important one, she was taking place of the man who had taken care of Integra, who was practically at her side at all times, and who protected her for many years. This young woman would eventually become like a bodyguard as well as a house keeper to the leader of the organization. The speech wasn't to make her feel as if it wouldn't matter if she died...it was to make her realize that she was important enough that she would try not to die. That way they didn't have to go through all of this training again with another who was new to it all.
A slow nod passed the girl then as the idea of it sunk in and Walter gave a light breath of relief before giving a nod of his own. "Good." His form turning then as he moved silently down the hall, the younger following him. "Well, unfortunately, you've missed breakfast duties...so those you shall learn tomorrow. But that gives us all of today to learn luncheon and teas and such.." His eyes moved over to glance at her over his shoulder, a smirk finally coming over his features. "So...today will basically be that I will show you, or walk you through each thing...but you will be doing everything. And then after dinner you and I shall work on your training."
Integra sighed at the amount of paperwork she had today, eyes lidded as she lit another cigar, the smoke from the first drag then passing her lips and curling about her face, eyes lidded at the words on one page. It would be dinner soon...her break from lunch already had passed and she couldn't help but smirk at the fact Walter was taking his charge over the girl now. She almost wondered how bewildered the younger must've been to see Walter in his strict demeanor for once instead of his kindly elder feeling that he had been showing with her. She knew that after dinner the man would work on her training also, as Alucard was dealing with a target that was farther away from the manner. Alucard had told them both that Ericka didn't know how to wield two blades at once, and that was a problem. The girl was replacing Walter and therefore needed skill to match his...if not surpass it.
Her thoughts were interrupted though as she felt almost a light disturbance within her mind, a cool feeling almost passing over her and she blinked lightly before her eyes grew lidded. What is it, Alucard? After years of working with the undead, she knew well by now what it felt like to have him in her mind, how it felt to have him picking about in her brain, though he'd been doing it less and less over the years as he knew she despised it. The connection was really only for minor communications such as this anymore.
The target has been found, Master.
Good. Integra let out a sigh then as she set the papers aside, uninterested in their writings anymore as she looked upwards, another drag from the cigar filling her lungs. Have you attacked?
No...The reply almost made her scowl in annoyance, even though he couldn't see it. Though he could feel her emotion as it was, so that didn't matter anyhow. I am waiting...for the opportune moment. I have something to ask though, Master...before I do.
Oh, here we go...removing the cigar from her mouth she let out a long breath, the smoke being exhaled also. What is it?
Why have you chosen me to train the servant girl? Wouldn't that be something Walter must do?
The question was a good one, but Integra gave a frown all the same, blue eyes narrowing; why the hell did the man need to know anyways? ...She will be fighting Vampires...Alucard. If she is to prove herself to the Hellsing Organization and is to take Walters place, why shouldn't she go up against one of the best undead? Besides...you wanted to keep her...she can be your problem this way. Her eyes were lidded then as she yanked up the papers again, her eyes scanning over them before her mind snapped at him. Hurry up and take care of your target, Alucard. I have work to finish.
There was a light chuckle from inside her mind, though the chilled feeling slowly fading once again. As you wish...my Master...
The sound of clanging metal went through the air in the smaller room, a grunt following as Ericka grimaced at the force she had to use with it. She had been excused to go change into a tank top, the red material covering her body well before she glanced up at Walter again who tilted his head. He hadn't said anything the entire time they had been in this room; one that she'd never seen and appeared to be a training room for hand to hand combat, or perhaps fencing. She wasn't sure exactly but then again, it didn't matter. The blade gripped in her hand as she prepared to lift it and bring it back down at the dummy he had set up. For the moment, he'd told her to practice her swings and attack blows, even act as if she were fighting with a sword and therefore using blocks here and there as if stopping the tip of a blade from running through her.
"Why don't you use both blades..?" Walter finally questioned it, though he already knew the answer. Alucard had told the man of the girls problems with her knowledge..or lack of when it came to the type of blades she held. He didn't expect a teenager to know that much though, and he knew that he could ease her into learning relatively well. He may have been old, but he wasn't in bad shape at all. His eyes lidded as he watched her slowly turn to face him before he gave a rose brow. He was one of the oldest fighters here...as far as human standards went...he could handle his position for a good while.
"...I..." Ericka blinked before her eyes warily moved to the case that held the other sword before letting out a low sigh. "...I can't.." Her head bowed a little then before she straightened. "Honestly I don't know how..."
She was at least admitting it...that was good. Walter gave a nod then before he moved towards the case and gripped her second blade, walking and handing it to her. His eyes lidded and then gentling as she glanced up at him before slowly grasping the blade. "Well, we can't have that...can we?" There was a light smile appearing on his face then before he moved and found two small pieces of wood set aside that were used to hold up targets. "..After all, if Alucard is to be training you more than I am...we might as well give him a bit of a challenge then, eh?"
Ericka blinked up at the butler before tilting her head with a blank expression, though inside she felt puzzled. Was he going to help her kick Alucard's ass sometime here? She saw his elder dark eyes almost seem to give a glint of deviant behavior to them...but she wasn't exactly sure as it seemed almost covered by that kindness and that strict order he had that seemed to smother everything else of his emotion. But...even if he wasn't...A light smirk came onto her lips then and she nodded slowly. "You're absolutely right...sir." She gripped the swords tighter then and she smiled a little bigger. "I wouldn't want to disappoint the man now would I?"
"No you certainly do not..." Walter gave a soft nod then as he gripped his own weapons before he let out a breath. "Now...let's change your stance."
WOOT! Chapter's done, and I've already got the other one up here in my noggin ready to go! I'm sorry for the delay but I'm getting things pieced out in this story now, like...damn, if I would've known that all I needed to do was just write a little bit would cause the damn of locked up creativity for this to break and spill over giving me all of this idea I would've done it ages ago!
As you can see, this chapter is a little less on the relationship between Ericka and the big man, but on the man she's replacing...since I deemed it necessary. But don't worry, he'll be about a little more next chapter and all. This was also something recommended by the dear RileyKiller, which, Thank you for giving the advice, love. Tis greatly appreciated!
