Celestial Death: Hello again beloved readers! I went through and reread all of the previous chapters and I have to say it's odd. It seems pretty obvious, at least to me anyway, how my writing has improved. At least, I hope it's improved. Ha ha. I was going to make this into a much longer chapter, but figured why not post part of it now and write the rest later?
Thank you for all of the lovely reviews! They make me so utterly happy. Hopefully everyone will enjoy this new chapter.
Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own Hellsing or Hakusho…but I will happily accept Alucard as a birthday present.
My birthday is today! So here's a chapter in honor of that, despite my finals.
Chapter Nine: Falling So Fast
Carefully balancing a tray of tea and cookies Walter opens the door to the library with the intention of bringing the four researchers a pleasant snack. Upon entering the room he is met by eerie silence marking an absence of life. Blinking, he casts his gaze upon the room and pauses. None of the books have been disturbed. In fact, the library looks as though no one has entered it all day. Closing the door, Walter pauses, then heads for the kitchen.
"Such a bother," he huffs irritated.
Depositing the tray on a counter he raises an eyebrow at the dishes sitting in the sink waiting to be washed. Stepping closer he realizes someone decided to make a late breakfast. Heaving a sigh, Walter sets his jaw and makes his way to the basement. Passing Seras Victoria's room he hears activity signaling she has risen for the evening and continues on through the dank corridor. Reaching the end of the hall he stops before a heavy steel door bearing symbols in dried blood. With another sigh Walter raises his hand and delivers a sharp rap to the metal. Several seconds of silence pass before he grumbles in irritation and knocks louder.
"Alucard?" he inquires firmly.
In the span of a few heartbeats the door opens silently of its own accord. Rolling his eyes Walter straitens his shoulders and steps into the dark room. After a moment a few candles sputter to life casting a dim glow revealing a coffin. Slowly, the lid slides open and a gloved hand rises from its depths beckoning him. Biting back another sigh at the melodramatic vampire, Walter moves to the side of the coffin. Fully prepared to scold Alucard, the words die on his lips as Walter peers into the shadowy confines.
Unable to draw his startled gaze from the sleeping human, he doesn't notice the serious crimson orbs set upon him or their grim faced owner. Ebony shivers from the sudden air currents entering the coffin and cuddles closer to Alucard. Blinking, Walter shifts his eyes to the No Life King. A conversation passes unspoken between them before Alucard pulls his companion a little closer and disappears. The lid slides back into place as Walter shakes his head and leaves the room. Trepidation fills him as he makes his way to the second floor and Sir Integra's office.
Reappearing on Ebony's bed, Alucard slips out from under the sleeping female. A small frown forms as a slight protest emanates from the back of her throat. Clutching the comforter in a tight fist Ebony rolls over, effectively tangling herself in the blanket. With a ghost of a smile Alucard looks down at her sleeping form before disappearing into the floor.
Materializing from the ceiling, Alucard steps down onto the floor in front of Integra's desk. Stiffly, he bows at the waist awaiting his Master's response. Walter's gaze flickers between the bowing vampire and the dangerously silent Sir. Hellsing. Tension fills the air reminding the Angel of Death of the calm before a storm.
"Thank you, Walter" Integra says eyes set firmly on her undead servant.
With a short bow he withdraws from the room. Once the door is closed behind him, Walter allows another sigh to escape as his shoulders sag. Muttering about things being so very bothersome he wanders to the kitchen, a glass of scotch calling his name.
"Would you care to explain, Alucard, what is going on in that blasted head of yours?" Integra inquires in deceptively calm tones, breaking the tense silence.
"There are many things going on in my, as you put it, blasted head. To which are you referring, my Master?" He replies straightening to his full height.
"I am not playing games, servant. You will explain to me, in precise terms, what it is you intend for that girl," she orders.
Enraged crimson eyes meet furious icy blue and clash in a battle of wills. Silence fills the room as neither back down. Tension begins to mount as the seconds slowly tick by until finally someone speaks.
"Answer me, Alucard. Just what do you think will happen? Integra demands in steely tones.
"I am looking after her, my Master, as you have ordered," he replies mockingly.
"Yes, well, I also ordered you to send her home. Imagine what would happen if you put some effort into that," she sneers, losing patience with him.
"My relationship with Ebony is hardly any of your business. In fact, it was you who gave up the right to know about that aspect of my life," Alucard snarls in reminder.
"Your relationship, is it? So that is your intention. You cannot keep the girl here and turn her into another one of your playthings. That is not the way it works," Integra reprimands, pinching the bridge of her nose in irritation.
"Then tell me, since you are so knowledgeable, how does it work?" he scorns.
"Alucard, as much as it pleases you to have someone so utterly devoted to you, it's wrong. That foolish girl has no idea what she has gotten herself into. No matter how much you feel otherwise she has a life that she must return to in her own world," Integra replies with finality.
"That is not your decision to make, it is hers," he informs her darkly.
"Damn it, Alucard! That is enough. I am your master, and I will be obeyed. You are to stop whatever twisted relationship you have with this girl and send her home," Integra yells, slamming her hands onto her desk as she rises from her chair.
"Why? Why are you allowed to have someone, but I am not? It is her decision to stay in this world or return to the other. Not yours," Alucard snarls bitterly.
"Is that it? You are angry because I chose someone else, so you toy with the affections of a girl who doesn't know any better," she shouts in disdain.
With a roar Alucard slams his hands down on the desk and leans in until his face is inches from Integra's. Rage burns in his eyes as malice rolls from him in waves. The very room begins to darken from the incredible force of his fury. For a moment instinctual unease spikes inside of Integra, but she forces it back with a steely act of will. Refusing to be intimidated by her servant, she narrows her icy gaze at him.
"If that is not it, Alucard, then what is? Not only have you been strangely affectionate with the girl, you brought her into your coffin. That is not an action to be taken lightly," Integra demands.
"Despite your self-centered assumptions, Integra, this has nothing to do with you. Yes, I despise the decision you made, but that is the fate you chose. The fate she chooses is a decision that can only be made by her. That girl, as you call her, is mine," he informs her in deathly tones. Her protests are silenced with a sharp look. "At first, I was toying with her for my own amusement. But things changed. From the beginning I have had a fondness for the girl, which is unusual in itself. I believe I may have discovered the reason why."
"And what, prey tell, is that?" she inquires icily.
"Ebony is destined to be my countess," he answers gravely.
"Surely you can come up something better than that?" Integra scoffs.
"Despite popular belief, there is a specific mate for everyone. Most do not find each other and settle for an almost perfect substitute. Humans are so pathetically unaware they usually don't feel when their mate is near. Since I am not human the feeling is very acute. With the awakening of her spirit energy and its constant growth the attraction between us becomes stronger. At first I didn't realize, but I know with almost full certainty that Ebony is, in fact, destined to spend eternity by my side," Alucard explains forcing his anger to recede.
"I don't suppose you have some way to prove this?" Integra inquires, still skeptical.
"I brought her into my coffin," he answers with a look just daring her to argue.
A terse silence fills the room as Integra explores Alucard's appearance for any sign of deception. Searching his tight mouth, somber eyes, and tense form she is unable to find the slightest glimmer of dishonesty.
"Bloody hell," she mumbles sitting back into her seat, feeling a headache starting to form. "What does this mean, exactly?"
"I don't know. This is a new experience for me. As far as I know it has never occurred with people from two different dimensions before," he replies sitting in a chair across from her.
"What about her friend?" Integra asks fishing out a cigar.
"Considering what has occurred, I would guess that she and Kurama are in a similar situation."
"Does anyone else know about this?"
"Not that I am aware of."
"Is it possible that this is just a backlash of the spell they cast?" Integra inquires catching his gaze.
"Perhaps. Such workings are unknown to me, but not uncommon," he answers, contemplating her question.
"Very well. Inform Kurama of the situation, do not tell the girls. Considering the delicacy of these circumstances I want it handled by you personally, which means you will be forced to actually do research. For now, I will trust Kurama and you to make responsible decisions where your relationships with the girls are concerned. However, you are forbidden to take any steps into making Ebony your countess. I mean it Alucard, the last thing we need is to have that complicating things. You are dismissed," Integra orders.
Silently rising, Alucard gives her a rigid bow and turns to leave. Eyes fixed firmly on the paperwork in front of her, Integra struggles with indecision towards her beloved servant.
"Alucard wait," she calls just as he begins to disappear into a wall. He doesn't bother to turn, but lingers, waiting to hear what she has to say. "It was never my intention to hurt you, Alucard. For that I am sorry."
With a curt nod he disappears into the wall. A sigh escapes Integra as her regretful gaze slowly travels from the wall to the engagement ring glimmering on the third finger of her left hand. Once again feeling the press of a headache, she decides tea is in order and a large amount of nicotine.
Smiling and laughing, Raina and Kurama enter the kitchen listening to Pip tell a story about an interesting mission he went on before joining Hellsing.
"In zee end I was naked, chained to a tree, trying to explain to zee policed that it was not me they wanted but the beautiful brunette who put me zere. Ah, zee joys of gorgeous women," finishes Pip with a chuckle.
Hearing them enter, Walter quickly turns around and downs the last of his drink with a wince. Trying to seem inconspicuous he starts filling the sink with soapy water to wash the dishes.
"Hello Walter. How are you?" Raina asks with a smile.
"I am just fine," he lies with a perfectly pleasant voice. "And how are you this evening?"
"I'm good. Uh, I don't suppose you know if Ebony and Alucard are still in the library, do you?" she inquires.
"The last time I saw Alucard he was having a meeting with Sir. Integra. As for Miss. Ebony, I haven't the slightest idea. If I might inquire, why do you ask?" Walter replies smoothly.
"We were supposed to join them in researching but lost track of time," Kurama says sheepishly.
"But it was such a good way to lose time, non?" Pip laughs slapping Kurama on the back.
"Kurama, I need to speak with you," Alucard declares, suddenly appearing in the room beside them.
"Very well," the redhead responds taking in the very stiff and stoic appearance of the normally jovial vampire.
Turing on his heel Alucard begins to walk out of the tensely silent room before stopping abruptly in the doorway. Looking over his shoulder he pins Raina with a hard crimson gaze.
"Perhaps you should check for your friend in her room," he suggests before stalking out of the kitchen.
Apprehension growing, Kurama gives Raina a reassuring smile before following the No Life King. Awkward silence fills the kitchen as the people present ponder the tense situation they just witnessed.
"I, uh, I guess I'll go see Ebony," Raina says casting a glance at the silent males before slipping out of the room.
"Hmm, I wonder what that was about," Pip comments, oblivious to the deep sigh that escapes Walter.
Kurama follows Alucard across the hallway, down the basement stairs, and through the dark, dank corridors of the dungeon. No sound passes between them, even after they enter that ominous steel door covered in symbols of dried blood. Candles spark with life atop a table creating a small island of light in the darkness. The room is almost frigid and Kurama can feel a chill seeping under his skin. Elegantly, Alucard sits in a tall backed chair and motions for Kurama to do the same. It is only after a blood pack has been opened filling a crystal wine glass with deep crimson liquid that the silence is breached.
"Tell me, have you found yourself attached to Raina despite the few days you have known her?" Alucard queries, deep voice rumbling as he swirls the goblet of blood.
"We seem to have an affinity of sorts," Kurama replies, analyzing Alucard's every action.
"Do you have affectionate feelings for her?" he asks, meeting Kurama's shrewd gaze.
"As you said, we've only known each other for a few days," a pause. "Do you have romantic feelings for Ebony?"
"I have a fondness for the girl, unrealistic as that is, just as you have grown sentimental for Raina," Alucard answers with a humorless smirk.
"What exactly are you proposing?" Kurama inquires voice pleasant but eyes sharp.
"That we are the victims of a fate much crueler than we would have ever imagined," he states, eyes narrowing into vindictive slits.
"How did you reach that conclusion?" Kurama requests, quirking an eyebrow.
"There is too much coincidence. Two girls hopelessly infatuated with us appear from a different dimension the night we meet for the first time. Both have incredible potential, and we just happen to start feeling deep affection for them in a matter of days. I doubt it is a backlash of their spell, it was only meant to bring them that which they desired. While that clarifies how they got here, it doesn't cover our sudden feelings of attachment. Given the events that have occurred there is only one possible, though highly unlikely, justification," Alucard explains with disdain.
"We are naturally drawn to each other physically and emotionally even though it is mentally perplexing. It is some sort of fatal attraction that we are seemingly unable to control. With every moment spent together we are drawn that much closer, but to what end?" Kurama rationalizes, mind alight with possibility.
"To the extent that we will be so utterly entangled with them anything short of complete and utter annihilation could not draw us apart," Alucard responds grimly.
"We are trying to bind them as our mates," exclaims Kurama, eyes widening with realization.
"Yes. The process is happening much stronger and faster than it normally would because—" Alucard begins.
"The bonds are trying to form, solidify, and stabilize before they have any chance of returning to the other dimension," Kurama finishes.
"Precisely. If they are bonded to us the likelihood of them ever being able to return to their own dimension is…slim," Alucard trails off with a wave of his hand.
Contemplative silence fills the room at the implications behind those significant words. Both men lose themselves in the sheer number of possibilities and scenarios that lie before them as time slowly ticks away.
Alucard cannot help but imagine how sinfully thrilling it would be to corrupt Ebony. While he enjoys her purity, the thought of defiling all of her innocence and baptizing her in blood produces such a delightful euphoria. Shaping and molding her until she is as vile and twisted as he is. The world could become a thrilling chorus of screams that they would dance to as they trample over the corpses of the weak.
Less grisly scenarios flit across Kurama's mind. If Raina stays, perhaps she would be interested in working for Spirit World. He could teach her how to properly control her spirit energy; maybe even go so far as to show her things he's never shown anyone. They could go to some of his favorite places in the human and demon worlds. Hours could be spent examining the different properties and uses of plants, hours together without interruption. It is only when Kurama receives a contemptuous snarl of disdain from Youko at the domestic picture of Raina sitting among a garden of flowers having a friendly lunch with his mother that he is pulled from his reverie.
"I take it," he says after a moment, "that the meeting you had with Sir. Hellsing is in regards to your recent revelation."
Blinking, Alucard slowly allows the image of a sweet smiling, blood splattered Ebony standing beneath a full luminescent moon to fade from his mind before once again focusing his ruby stare on Kurama.
"For all intents and purposes, yes. She believes it would be in the best interest of all if we withhold this information from the girls, research these new developments, and use responsible judgment when deciding how far things should escalade," Alucard answers, feeling bitter at the exchange in her office.
"I see. You do not agree with her decision," Kurama states, taking note of the frown tugging at the vampire's mouth.
"The woman destined to stand by your side has, literally, landed in your lap but you must restrain yourself despite the fact that she could slip away at any moment," Alucard answers, giving Kurama a pointed look.
"While I understand your frustration, Sir Hellsing is reasonable in her request," Kurama replies with a patronizing smile.
"If you knew how rare it is to find someone worth spending eternity with, you would not find it reasonable at all," Alucard responds with sullen contempt.
"Admittedly, finding a companion has never been a large concern for me. However, I'm not as young as you might think," Kurama answers with a flicker of amusement.
"Ah, so there is a demon lurking within you," the No Life King purrs, lips quirking into a devilish smirk.
"In more ways than one," the redhead replies with a hint of a smile.
"Something old and powerful, no doubt. Perhaps we could have a bit of fun, a…friendly…game," Alucard suggests, an insane gleam twinkling within crimson orbs.
"As tempting an offer as that is, I have a feeling it would only end badly," Kurama answers ruefully, feeling Youko respond to Alucard's suggestion with predatory delight.
Just as Alucard is about to further attempt persuading Kurama into a "friendly" spar, a shrill ringing pierces the air. Dark shadows recede revealing a phone sitting atop the table. Grim faced, Alucard reaches across the table and picks up the receiver.
"Your orders, my master?" he inquires, deep voice emotionless.
"An infestation has been located in London. Seras Victoria and a unit of soldiers should be able to handle it; however I wouldn't put it past Section XIII to have someone lingering nearby. I want you to handle this. Your orders are to search and destroy," Integra informs him briskly, all traces of earlier emotion lost to the duty of Hellsing.
"Understood," he responds hanging up. "It appears I have work to do. Perhaps we can continue this another time. If you would excuse me."
Kurama watches as Alucard disappears before standing and turning towards the door. Before he can take a step the candles gutter out leaving him in an inky gloom. Even with his enhanced senses, Kurama is unable to see anything within the unnatural darkness of the room. Slowly, the door creaks open with a shudder casting a small ray of light. With quick calm steps he exits the vampire's lair and walks down the hall, sensing more than hearing the door close softly behind him.
