Demmie: You know I just had to do a fluffy moment! Just couldn't help myself:) There's nothing like a good emotional confession. Glad you liked the chapter anyway. Btw, I think I might carry this for another three chaps. But if not, I may just end with this and if something else pops up...I'll do like everyone else and make a sequel:)
DaysOfTheNight: Here's your update you requested. I'm going to do my best to let the readers see into the future lives of Alucard/Seras...but I won't say how far:) Aren't I mean? jk...I hope this chap satisfies...
smartguy393: Thanx for your encouragement on this story! I'm not completely sure how long I'll carry this story...all depends on the readers/reviewers and plot development and if I think I can crank out a little more out of it. :)
Krafty Kitty: First, I want to say thank you!! You inspire me onwards with your kind words! I'm appreciative that you love my work and how I write!! You're awesome!!!! So you were happy with the fight and fluffiness, huh? I'll try to supply you with some more if possible:)
Ludifer: You're making me smile/blush! I'm thrilled to see that you, also, love my story and you think it's great! All hail Seras, the no life queen! woot! Glad you liked that too:)
LordMakura: I'll be nice...I couldn't just leave it hanging so here's another chapter for you to feast on! Enjoy:)
SacredYoukai: You know, it's funny, but I'm a twisted person in my own right! ;) Also, I appreciate your words as well! Besides great minds think alike, don't they:)
The Story Necromancer: Thanx for your review! I'll try to end it on a great note and keep it that way! Once again, thanx, my friend:)
alucardgal: Sounds like someone really wants to know what's going to happen, don't they? ;) I'll end your torment and give you what you want... THE CHAPTER YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!! hahaha... I hope it turns out the way you want. If not, roast me over a pit later! ;)
Disclaimer: See chapter one. I'm being obstinate and not writing this again. I'm female...what more reason do I need:)
My Blood,Tears and Humanity
Chapter 10: Changes For The Better
A dark, lone figure stood on the balcony overlooking the garden. A state of shock and disbelief enveloped him. The one thing he'd longed for with all his chaotic soul had finally happened. Thinking back to a few hours ago when he'd been the recipient of an extremely powerful gift. One that could damn him or free him. Either way it was up to Alucard to choose the right path. With so much at stake, how could he turn away in ignorance?
Pondering on this last meeting with his master, the No Life King brought back the vivid, clear details to the front of his mind. He couldn't believe the things she'd said and done. All of them so very un-Integra like. Her stern image floated before his eyes recalling the slight warmth that had shone in those steely blue eyes. The one emotion he never thought he'd see from her. Ever.
Flashback:
Seras and Alucard had just returned from a mission. Bloody, triumphant and worn out, the couple had cleaned up and partaken of their nightly meals. Seras noticed that Alucard had a small bit of blood on the corner of his mouth. Biting down on her lower lip and sucking it in gently, she impulsively launched herself into his arms.
Kissing him passionately, the young vampire's tongue languidly and softly slid across his lips to the corner where the precious liquid lingered. Taking in every last bit of the drop, the blond moaned slightly at the taste of it rolling down the insides of her throat. Her head lolled back at the pleasure of such simplicity and the closeness of her lover.
Dropping her head back down, she opened her eyes to see Alucard's crimson eyes widened in blood lust. She didn't need a mirror to know that her eyes reflected the same expression and eyes taken over by the need for his blood. Feeling the need to join with him, she whispered, "I need you, Alucard."
Her words, husky, heavy with need urged him to continue what she started. His long, pale hands roamed freely. His mouth took possession of hers, tasting the passion she so eagerly showed. He could feel himself becoming more and more wound up in the blond in his arms. She'd completely taken over.
The heat passing between them increased. Comparable to the stars burning in the sky, their excitement and love would never die. It would never cease. They would burn together. The two of them would shame even the bright rays of the sun, which they could never see again due to their vampirism.
Attempting to carry the seduction further, Alucard felt a familiar tingling at the back of his neck. "Damn!"
She would have to call, now of all times! The word inconvenience is underrated and not fully appreciated. The pull of their link summoned him. Ordered him to show his presence and be quick about it, she added.
Pulling back from Seras, he informed her of the problem. "Integra is calling me. I've got to see if there's anything happening. That and I've still got to give our mission report." Flashing her an evil look he teased, "You know, I just might let you give her the details since you're so good at them. So precise and all. I'm willing to bet you learned that from being a police officer, didn't you?"
Without waiting for her answer, the tall, ancient vampire vanished from the room leaving Seras in heated misery.
Alucard entered his master's study. Slinking in using the shadows, Alucard quietly snuck up to her desk and patiently waited. Smiling at his master's obvious attempt to be busy, he spoke her name. "Integra. You called for me?"
Glancing up suddenly, she gave him a thin, tight smile. "I did." Lighting up one of her small cigars, the pale blond heiress inhaled deeply blowing the smoke away from their faces. "I have something to discuss with you, Alucard. And before you ask, it's not regarding any missions, so go ahead and have a sit if you wish."
The vampire sat down crossing his legs as he did so. Narrowing his eyes for a moment he wondered what she had up her suit sleeves. Suspicion was aroused. No doubt about it there. She was being too nice and didn't even yell at him for showing up the way he did. Leaning back in the thickly padded chair, he allowed himself to relax just a little. However, he was preparing himself for the worst, whatever that may be.
Integra verbally recounted previous Hellsing heirs' accounts of the years they were served by the dark vampire, Alucard. "When it seemed that all vampires had been exterminated or brought to the brink of extinction, they'd put you back in the prison where I first met you. Ironically, these creatures, these vampires, always seemed to crawl back out of the wood work; at some time or another and you were reactivated to extinguish them to oblivion."
The young woman whose will had been forged through difficulties and trials watched her servant attempting to gage his thoughts. She couldn't read his mind and the unpredictable creature in front of her kept his body language unreadable. Integra smirked due to the blow he was about to receive. "All this time that you've served my family, the queen and England, you have never requested anything for yourself. Nothing, that is until Seras."
Alucard sat still. Not even moving a muscle, the vampire maintained a carefully neutral expression. Where was Integra going with this? At the mention of Seras, however, his attention wound up tight. He hoped that his master wasn't about to order him to kill her. He never could. The petite blond that he'd held in his arms earlier meant more to him than his own unlife. He loved Seras. It was that simple. Keeping still, Alucard continued listening to Integra's diatribe.
"You've been faithful and loyal to me in everything. We've had our differences, I know. But you and Walter, alone, have been my confidantes and friends. I don't speak like this often so enjoy it! But what I need to say is that for all this you've given with nothing received in return, I offer you your freedom! You can take it and leave or you can stay if you choose and still serve here at Hellsing. It's your choice."
His carefully hidden expression fell in to shock. Freedom? The very sound of it on his lips! Freedom! Sweet freedom! He could take Seras away from here if he wanted and no one would stop him. He'd no longer be bound! Such amazing news, but what caused this to be brought to light? "Integra, may I ask why? You've never laid anything like this on the table, so why now? I'm grateful, so don't think I'm not."
"I promise you, Alucard, this isn't a game. You've suffered through so much and we locked horns more than once." She flashed her servant a genuinely happy smile. "Just consider this your payback, or bonus, if you will. You get your freedom and your girl. So what will you choose?" Sharp blue eyes curiously studied the ancient vampire sitting in her chair. It appeared that she'd stunned him into silence. God knows that was a first! Perish the thought. Grinning, she took another pull off her cigar patiently ready to hear his answer.
Standing to his feet, Alucard towering over Integra stated with a sense of finality and conviction. "I've decided, Integra."
End flashback
Alucard, still staring out over the garden; feeling as if he held the world in his hands meditatively watched the moon and listened to all of the night's creatures in their perfect, nocturnal symphony. Another presence drifted towards him and he turned to welcome the visitor.
A feminine voice rang out softly greeting him. "How does it feel, Alucard?"
"I don't really know. I'm just beginning to adjust to the very idea, much less actually living the concept." Confusion and happiness took their turns showing on his handsome face. So many years enslaved. What did someone do when it ended suddenly? Alucard looked down at his white gloves. They were no longer etched with the restraining designs and spells which, at one time, had held him hostage using the same dark magic that he, himself, wielded.
He held his arms out to the figure close to him. Whispering her name, "Seras", he lovingly took her in his arms. Her name echoing on the wind joining the music he so loved to hear.
Seras held tight to the one vampire that she'd love through all eternity. Forever, for some reason, didn't seem long enough for them. "What did you tell her? Alucard, what else have you chosen?" Seras felt slightly intimidated because he hadn't informed her of everything which had conspired between him and Integra. Inwardly, she felt stupid at being so insecure when he'd declared his feelings for her time and time again, with no hesitation.
"Seras, my queen," he began in that deep, seductive voice that belonged solely to him, "What I've done is for the good of us both." Pausing for a teasing effect, he held out to see her reaction.
Clinging tightly to his arms, digging her slender fingers into his strong arms; practically attacking him to hear his answer! "Don't keep me in suspense! Alucard, this wait is killing me. Hurry up and spill it! Please?" Jutting her bottom lip out, Seras unashamedly pouted. He could never deny her when she pouted and gave him the big puppy dog eyes.
"You're that anxious, huh?" Chuckling, he thought he'd be nice and alleviate her anxiety. Besides, if he didn't, she'd probably remove something of vital importance if he dragged it out too much longer. "Very well. After Integra performed the ceremony to release me from servitude, I told her that, for now, I'd stay here at Hellsing. You and I will stay on for a while and continue hunting and eventually will take our leave."
In her excitement, Seras came close to knocking the extremely tall vampire to his knees. Which that in itself would be a huge feat when you compared large differences in their heights. "I'm so happy and excited! Where will we go? What will we do? Will we still hunt freaks and vampires?" A frown crossed her beautifully pale face. "What will become of us? We won't be needed anymore." Sadly pondering on that, the No Life Queen couldn't imagine their lives without hunting enemies. Freaks and vampires alike might run rampant if there was no one to police them.
"Integra is bringing in a few special recruits in the next two weeks to deal with the hunter problem. She put me in charge of them personally. Just imagine me being over a group of ruffians. Not that I wasn't there before! After the men are fully trained and have been tested, by me, of course. After I feel that they are battle ready, then you and I will go on a trip. Wherever you want to go, we'll go. The world will be yours... and mine."
Alucard lightly kissed his lover's lips, needing to release some of the pent up emotions residing in his chest.
She responded in kind. Their kisses grew heavy and frantic. Both vampires had long since ceased watching the moon and listening to the music of the night. Reading her lover's mind, Seras vanished into thin air, knowing he'd find her because of their mind link.
Crimson eyes lit with lust, his lips spread in a devilish smirk. "So the kitten wants to play, huh? Well, play we shall!" Slowly disappearing and wiping away all traces of his presence, the turned on vampire darkly whispered, "Ready or not, here I come!" His voice carried on the wind to his waiting queen. Her husky giggle answered. She was waiting and he wouldn't disappoint.
Three months later...
Integra and Seras sat on the back terrace sharing conversation and many a laugh. Integra shook her head in amazement. "Are you sure?"
Her blond companion replied,"Positive!" she nodded her head once to punctuate her answer.
Bringing her tea cup to her lips, Integra thoughtfully sipped the hot, calming liquid. "Does he know yet?"
"Nope. Doesn't have a clue." Seras giggled at the thought of her husband. He wouldn't know what hit him and that's for sure!
The Hellsing heiress grinned at her friend, who at times was more like a sister than anything. They'd had their rough moments sure, but like any friendship, they all have their tough patches. "You know, I think this will be rather amusing to watch, but you'll have to tell me about it later. I've got so much work to do and it's not going to do itself, unfortunately." Reluctantly, Integra rose from her seat and left the terrace for her office.
Peacefully, Seras sat in the dark reveling in her happiness and how perfect her life was right now. So perfect. A voice shook her from her contemplative reverie.
"So there you are. I wondered where you'd disappeared to. Are you enjoying the view?" Her husband crept up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her cheek.
Turning her head slightly, she hugged him as best she could in her position. "The view is splendid. Couldn't have asked for better." Patting the seat beside her, "Join me?", Seras hoped he was ready to have his world rocked. It was coming whether he liked it or not!
"Alucard?"
"Yes?"
Returning to the habit of biting her lower lip when nervous, Seras said, "I have something I have to tell you."
That phrase caught his attention. Usually when someone uttered that statement, the words following it were never good. "What is it? Are you alright?" He was concerned because she wasn't acting like herself at all. Alucard had thought she'd gotten over her nervousness with him. With everything they'd been through, he wished she'd just spit it out because she was making him wary.
"It's nothing bad, I promise! First, I wanted to say that I love you very much and I'm so happy with you. Nothing or no one in this world will every change that, just so you know. And I realize we haven't talked about the future regarding where we're going to go or what will happen when we start a family. I think it's time to discuss those things."
Seras had blocked her mind so he couldn't read her thoughts. She wanted him as surprised as he could get! It was rather difficult holding in her laughter at the confused look on his face that clearly stated,'What the hell is going on?'
"Why do we need to talk about it right now? Are you in a hurry?" Teasing her, he didn't have any idea how close he was to the subject.
"Well, yes, I am." Gently smiling at Alucard, she broke into her answer. "The reason we need to do this now is that...well... I'm pregnant, Alucard!" Joy brimmed over the surface, bubbling within Seras like a fountain. She felt joy, but she also felt a little fear and perhaps trepidation. Only because the future was so uncertain.
Shock settled on Alucard's features. A huge grin suddenly spread wide across his face. "Is it for certain?"
"Yes. I'm about three months. Can't you see the little lump in my belly? It's been steadily growing and I received confirmation of it this morning. Why did you think I kept going to the infirmary? Hmm? I wasn't learning how to knit, you know?" Dainty giggles poured from her mouth and made him smile.
Sweeping her up in his arms, the ancient, newly freed vampire kissed his bride; congratulating her and himself on their news. "Want to go celebrate, my dear?" Winking at her, his insinuation clear.
"I think it's a little too late for that, don't you? That's how I got into this in the first place." Seras winked back. "But we better make good use of it before I can't twist like a pretzel!"
The couple faded into the night to celebrate life, to celebrate love, and enjoy the gifts they'd been given.
Six months later...
Seras lay in pain while Alucard paced outside the room. It was driving him crazy to feel her pain and hear her cries, unable to do anything about either. Integra was in there with her. Small comfort that was though. Integra had never been through this, but maybe it was because Seras needed a female to be with her; to help ease what pain she could however she could.
Wiping away the beading drops of blood on the laboring mother's forehead, Integra softly talked to her. "You're doing great, Seras. Not much longer now and you'll have a beautiful baby in your arms. Just try to bear it a little longer."
Her pain seeming to double, Seras yelled. The subject of her ranting was standing outside the door pacing the hallway like a caged tiger. "He did this to me! It's his fault! I swear... I'm not doing this shit again!" Directing her shouting tirade at the door, "Do you hear me, Alucard?!" She fell back on her pillow exhausted from her fit. Another contraction swelled causing her to moan. "They just keep coming. Why can't they just leave me alone?"
Shaking her head, Integra replied, "Of course they won't stop. They've got a job to do. And before you say anything else, if you didn't want this experience, you should've taken precautions or kept your legs shut." Rolling her eyes, the heiress sponged her face, "I know the second option was never going to happen. You and Alucard are like a couple of hormonal teenagers!"
"Piss off! Would you rather be in my position right now?" Seras gave Integra a look meant to intimidate, but it didn't work. We're talking about a woman who might as well have invented the word intimidation.
"I'm happy right where I'm at, thank you very much. Better you then me." Integra smirked when she gave Seras her reply.
Another contraction swept over the vampire causing her to cry out. Small blood tears ran down her face. It was becoming unbearable and all she wanted was Alucard. Seras grasped her friend's hand. "Integra, I request a favor...please!"
Her eyes met Seras's in a glance of understanding. "I'll go get him. Who knows, he's probably tearing the place up by now. I'll be right back, Seras."
Integra abandoned her vigilant seat by the bed to step out into the hall. Opening the door and closing it behind her, she was surprised by what greeted her. Everything was still in it's place! Maybe that was due to Walter sitting close to the temperamental and stubborn vampire. She would have bet that every piece of furniture would be torn to pieces. Boy was she wrong!
"Alucard?"
The vampire's black haired head shot up to see what Integra had to say. "What's happening? Is she alright? Why is it taking so long?" Worry had been eating at him the entire time. He'd been booted earlier for scaring some of the staff with his antics. Seras's pain had leaked through the thread that bound them, although she was trying to hide it from him. She was frightened and he could do little to ease her pain or her fear.
Flashing her former servant an exasperated glance, she crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "She's in labor. What do you expect. She's fine, but not fine due to the damned pain and babies aren't born overnight! When it comes to this sort of thing, you men are such fucking babies!" Calming herself, Integra spoke to him again, "Seras wants you with her. Now get going. She needs you, so go. I'll be there too, so don't worry. I can't leave you on your own with her or she'll end up kicking you out again. Then you'd be on her shit list for missing the birth of your first child! Not exactly something I'd necessarily want to be on with her."
Alucard silently walked into the room followed by Integra. Each took their specific places at Seras's side. Alucard held her hand and bore the brunt of her raging pain, all the while feeling like his hand was broken or smashed to pieces. Throughout the ordeal, he gently spoke endearments to her while she swore at him and threatened to remove everything that put her in her current situation.
The doctor assured Alucard that the verbal abuse was completely normal and that she'd get over it just as quickly. Checking her one last time, the doctor found that Seras was completely dilated and ready to push. Everything that wasn't a necessity was moved out of the way and two nurses were on standby to take care of the baby after the parents had bonded with him or her and needed their rest.
Many pushes and an hour later, Seras produced her final push expelling the baby from it's warm and comfortable environment. A loud, lusty cry split the silence and tension. The doctor allowed Alucard to cut the cord, and then he placed the baby in a blanket to lay on Seras's stomach. He announced, "It's a girl!"
Exhausted and wracked with sweat, Seras kissed the infant's head. "I promise I'll always protect you, my little one. Always." Bloody tears of joy crept down her face as she lavished attention on the little girl in her arms. "I love you Rylee. Rylee Wingates. That's what we'll name her. Is that okay with you, Alucard?"
The pride in his eyes reverberated in his voice. "It's perfect. Thank you for everything. For you, for her, you know I'd give my life to keep all of you safe! I'm sure life will be so much more interesting with another female around."
Integra and Seras both swatted at him for what they believed was a sexist pig remark. Alucard was Alucard and he wouldn't ever change.
Integra watched the newborn in Seras's arms. She was honored that Seras would give her baby a part of her name. That same name, they'd always share. Something to have in common as the years passed. The longer she stared, the more her arms ached to hold one of her own. She felt it only briefly. Integra didn't have enough time to dedicate to such a large responsibility. The thought of raising a child was a lot scarier than running the Hellsing Organization; that was for sure!
The nurses took the baby after the initial bonding was over and the parents were ready for rest and a little alone time. Everyone had left the room and it was almost too quiet. Eerily the silence swallowed the room and not a word was spoken. They were too physically and mentally worn down.
Alucard crawled in the bed with his wife, holding her securely in his arms, allowing sleep to overtake them, they closed their eyes in beckoning sleep.
Five years later...
Seras, Rylee and Alucard stood in the castle which he'd called home many centuries ago. They'd recently left Hellsing to come to his boyhood home. There was so much that had changed, but the wild lands surrounding his territory would never deviate, never change at all.
Alucard and Seras watched as their little girl ran around playing. She was their delight, their joy. Little Rylee was her father made over, especially when it came to playing pranks. She excelled at that, even getting her father good on several occasions. Rylee bent down to run her hands through her dog's black fur. He'd been with her ever since she was born and they never separated for long. He was her one constant playmate and her joy. As soon as she could talk she named him Bailey. Unconventional name that it was, she wanted something to rhyme a little with hers. She continue romping around the room with Bailey while her parent's looked on in adoration.
Biting her lip, Seras pulled her husband's attention away from their daughter; centering it on herself. Her voice teasing him, she said, "Oh, Alucard. I have something to tell you." Her eyes sparkled in mischief. She just couldn't wait to shake his world again! Laughing she ran off to play with their daughter while he pursued her to discover what secret she held in her small, but beautiful hands.
'Life was perfect,' he thought. It was great to be alive and life is beautiful! The three of them played until sunrise and they retired for the day, sleeping away, rejuvenating their bodies and the thread which bound them together.
A/N: Whew! Another one done... I think I'll do one last chapter for this story and then if my reader's request...I may do a sequel...depends on you guys! Just leave me a note..r/r... ;) l8r