Needless to say, not a soul so much as glanced sideways at Police Girl the rest of the night. And although Zero wished for nothing more than one of those argent pricks to try something, he ended up watching, yet again bored out of his mind as they started going through drills.

"Hey, kid! Come on, target practice time." He saw the smile cross one of the Geese's face and knew his own smile had to be at least a bit darker as he rushed after to see just how badly these rookies were.

Zero ended up trying not to laugh at some of the men's targeting capability, or rather the lack there of, when it came to night shooting or long range targets.

"Zero!" He blinked to see Police Girl waving him over after they all had their shot. "Give me a hand please?"

Huffing a sigh, he went over to stand next to her. "What is it Police Girl?" She gave him an odd blink, probably at his annoyed tone of voice.

"Uh, you're bored right? Why don't you practice for awhile? You do have a smaller weapon than my cannon and I know you don't like others using it, so... Could you demonstrate some targeting?"

"..."

He rolled his eyes before taking up point at his mark. "Which one do you want me to shoot at?" Most of the men chuckled; the most obvious target was the battered bull's eye some fifty yards away. Zero's eyes were trained on the untouched one over one hundred yards away, shrouded in shadow, too dark for most humans to see but an outline.

"Your choice." she acknowledged with a happy note in her voice. Zero smirked before pulling his weapon. Before the men could snicker at the smaller caliber weapon, he was already firing. Muzzle flashes lit up his features as he continued to fire. Taking out the supports of the battered target, it fell out of the way. Gun empty, he already had a new clip in it firing at his chosen target. All were dead center hits, with each shot tearing through the red center until there was nothing left but the outer rings.

The gun emptied again, but this time he didn't bother with a new clip as he just brought the gun up-a rather old habit that long since had been drilled into him-and waited until the metal had cooled enough to holster it without doing damage.

"..."

Zero's glare were like daggers to the men that had started snickering the moment Police Girl had called him over. "Is that what you meant?"

"Uh... yeah... It was… thanks." He just nodded before going over to the congratulating Geese.

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"Hmm, very interesting."

Integra watched the display from her office. Walter had even joined in the observation when the flashes had started.

"It seems he's still cutting them to pieces." Walter commented, only seeing half the display.

"No... He was just removing an obstruction. His real target was further away. Though it seems he did go a little overboard in front the men... Seems he doesn't like the attitude of the new recruits, not that I blame him. Their egos do need to be knocked down a few pegs." As she couldn't help but smile, Seras was replacing the targets Zero had destroyed.

"See Walter? He was just making sure his target could be identified."

Walter glanced at the smaller target Seras was switching out, light could be seen through a big hole in the center. "I do see... There's no mistaking his actions there." Walter ended up smiling. Though he did, in some way, miss the almost desperate desire the kid showed to utterly destroy his advisory, he was glad for the boy that he was learning restraint.

Reminiscing of old times Angel of Death?

Do leave me be, I've already taken you your dinner. And I will not go against Sir Integra's wishes!

Hmm, though a glass of wine would taste wonderful right now, I was just asking. No need to be upset... The boy is doing well, for a human. Walter shook his head as he heard Alucard's laughter echoing in his mind. "Is that all Sir Integra?"

"What? Oh, yes Walter thank you."

He bowed before taking his leave. Integra couldn't help but smile, she knew Alucard had to be bugging him. There was an odd look that came over his face that only skilled eyesight could catch when Alucard made contact. She knew the look because she would have the same one, whenever she was out, away from the mansion at a meeting or private matter. One can hide the fact that you are communicating to someone from others but you couldn't hide it from another that has done the same thing.

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Zero grumbled as the night finally wound down. At least the recruits had stopped looking at him as if he was useless; it even made him smirk at how quick they were to stay out of his path. Having a moment to think, he found his thoughts kept returning to a previous conversation. Would he give in and drink from one of the bags of blood, or would he be as thick headed as he always had been and refuse? Pinching the bridge of his nose, he felt the hunger rise again bringing with it memories of Yuki's trusting eyes and images of her slender throat. His tongue played over his teeth as they lengthened. How he hated this hunger-this driving need-but he could never deny it wholly. Eventually he would feed it, and he wanted to be in control when he finally did.

Stumbling as he climbed the stairs, Zero gripped the rail hard. The wood threatened to splinter under his grip as pain stabbed through his gut. He stood panting, barley able to do anything else until the pain reseeded. Swallowing hard enough to hurt his throat, he continued his climb, completely unaware of the claw-like markings he'd left in the rail.

Alucard just might get his wish, regardless of my opinion. He thought as he leaned against a wall. The pain hit again. He had to get to his room; he knew he couldn't be found like this. He could even end up attacking the one that found him.

As Zero finally reached his room, the door thumped against the wall as he leaned against it. He felt like he couldn't breathe; he'd let himself go too long, he had to...

He would hurt someone if he didn't...

He pushed the door shut with what little strength he had left, never taking his eyes off the small ice bucket sitting upon the table beside it. Fangs pressed against his lips. They seemed to ache as he got closer, finally taking the bag in hand. Swallowing, he brought the bag to his lips, sharp fangs scrapped the plastic layer holding back the ruby liquid...

Author's Corner

WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA All this time I don't update and now... THIS!! (Echoes off walls) Gods I love me! You'll just have to wait for the outcome! (Grins evilly) I've been in a bit of a funk with the "Happy go lucky, what the fuck's she been smoking (Alucard: Rolls eyes) weird fanfic mood" BUT NO MORE!! And I'm in the mood, it would seem, to torment my readers... (Alucard: Whispers Run while you can! She's insane!!) Shush Alley, or It'll be x next time... (Alucard: Eyes widen, hides in coffin) (Smiles) I LOVE tormenting my characters!!

I am NOT coming out until she is out of this... MOOD!!

Well, I suppose that's all for now. Oh... btw It MAY be a bit of a wait for the next chapter. I'm heading for Acen and won't be writing until I get back... I got too much to pack and do before it starts so I was lucky to even finish this, somewhat short, no doubt pissing off my readers, chapter.

TILL THEN tootles poodles!!

Beta comments

Alright, crazy time over; it's time to get serious. (Applies make-up to look like the Joker.) Well, serious for me anyways. Oh, and K'G, you can have your room back. You may want to lookout for the thumbtacks everywhere though; it's like a minefield in there. Anyways; I have to take a leave to get ready for college. I'm going to paint the campus red! (Pulls out a paint cannon.) I'll be back when I can with a souvenir!

Author:

-Jester hat jingles- Save some paint for me! –runs after- LOL