I do not own Hellsing nor do I have any interests in it save for pleasure.
Authors Note: Italics are thoughts.
The New Year REV
"Sleep now Seras." Walter laid her in her coffin bed. "Rest my little Draculina." Alucard raised an eyebrow. Walter kissed her on the forehead and turned off the light as he left going upstairs. Alucard followed him.
His Draculina?
"Angel." Sophia breathed as she walked briskly towards Walter. "Are you ok? Is Seras ok?" There was concern in her voice. Both men could read it.
"Yes, she and I are fine. A few of the men…"
"I heard." Sophia swallowed. "All of the protocols are in place already. We will just need to wait and see now."
Well now, who do we have here? Alucard smirked; her eyes looked Walter over. Walter is enjoying her attention.
"You were hurt." One hand went under his forearm to lift it. The other hand gently opened the tear in his shirt sleeve. When Sophia touched his skin to further inspect the wound Walter did a quick intake of breath. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Alucard smirked. It had nothing to do with pain. It was her flesh on his.
"It really is nothing more than a scratch. A tad tender nothing to worry on." "Her touch is so gentle yet so electric". Walter's pulse quickened. Alucard snickered, Walter was broadcasting.
"Boss!" Both turned their heads to face the runner coming their way as she dropped his arm. "Site B! Confirmed T with possible F. Only tower B." Both nodded. "Ten confirmed possibly twenty, call it fifteen."
Boss? Alucard stretched out his senses. Integra is still in jail. Walter must be in charge. Alucard laughed. Well, well Angel. Using your old moniker; even wearing your black gloves again. Who is she, your lovely secretary? I want to get a better look at her.
"I'll handle Site B. You've already had a rough one. Call team One; they are all that I should need have team Two on standby. Have you been cleared from the Biocrud?"
She'll handle it, a Lethal Little Secretary, how very Walter.
"No, Thank you for reminding me before Doc comes knocking down my door." Alucard raised an eyebrow. "Do take care." Walter admonished her as she went down the hall. "I expect you back in one piece!"
"Yes sir!" She flashed him a pixy smile, a slightly deranged pixy. Her voice was slightly teasing. Alucard did not know it.
'Yes sir!' cute smile but isn't she a bit young for you?
"Hmmm I am sorely tempted to follow you my dear. She is delicious to see in a fight." Walter smiled. Alucard was surprised, he had not seen that smile on his old friends face for quite some time, save briefly with the Valentine brothers. Then Walter got a distasteful look on his face. "Damn paperwork."
Well Walter is likely to be boringly busy for the next while. I'll follow his Lethal Little Secretary and see the show. I'm sure I can scare up some fun as well.
Alucard was interested by how she traveled to the impending fight as he followed in his mist form. He was impressed when he saw her drop to the top of the Bridge from the helicopter. She should have broken something. Now his curiosity was in charge. He watched as 'the lethal little secretary' went to the ladder and seemed to listen. The girl smiled and stepped back.
What in the devil is she up to? There is someone coming up, she is ambushing someone? There was a rather large man who was coming up the ladder, when he was her height she struck. Sophia broke his nose and blood went everywhere. She hit him again and commenced to pull him up and off the ladder. This one was big, clumsy, and dumb he went off the side with ease. The hapless bloke screamed all the way down.
"Madness!" Sophia grinned and giggled. She did not know she was being observed, so she gave up a little of the carefully crafted mask that she wore in battle with others around.
I like her already. She had done it all with a natural and practiced grace that Alucard appreciated. Now it sounded as though all Hell was breaking loose downstairs. Sophia slid down the ladder. Again Alucard followed her. He had seen Hellsing troops fight she was something new.
As Sophia moved down the tower she drew no guns instead she used anything and everything she could get her hands on to bring carnage and death. She seemed to truly enjoy spilling blood. That was when it hit Alucard.
These are humans she is slaughtering. He was in shock. Both of them then heard an inhuman growl. She turned to face it. There was a FREAK female.
"I bet you will taste good!" She mocked.
"I bet you won't get the chance to find out." Sophia smiled unpleasantly and threw a dagger that seemed to appear from nowhere. The Freak moved and it hit her in the shoulder. As she charged Sophia the Freak laughed. Sophia simply side stepped and retrieved her dagger while opening up the Freaks shoulder and arm. The Freak was enraged. Sophia smiled and shrugged.
Alucard laughed in his shadow. This was indeed a good show. The next part almost made him fall from his shadow perch. The Freak again charged Sophia but this time instead of side stepping Sophia quickly stepped directly into the Freak's path, she grabbed and held a length of pipe. The Freak impaled herself. Now Sophia smiled larger, blood ran down the pipe to her gloves; her eyes and Alucard's following it. Sophia thrust her dagger through the heart of the Freak and twisted it. After seeing the blood cover her glove Sophia blinked, looked around herself grinning, she finished checking the level.
I definitely like this young woman, and her style of fighting, she is brutally efficient. Soon They caught up with the men. Alucard noticed that none of the 'Hellsing' troops were using guns. This he did not understand at all. Another thing was that this 'Team One' seemed to have five men on it. But they had accomplished their mission quickly. At the end he decided he liked the training or whatever was going on now.
"Hey! Blaze!" A young man came running up to her.
Ah, Blaze is your name is it little one, interesting.
"They are both just fine Tyg. She is sleeping it off." The young man nodded and smiled. Sophia's voice became harsh, louder. "The other men are alive." Alucard noticed all the men quieted down and listened. "You and all of the men are given all the training and information for a reason. Make sure you remember that!" All nodded. You rarely if ever heard that tone of voice.
"I will." Tyg shook his head. "There is your ride. The Angel of Death must need you back at HQ." Sophia just shrugged.
You are intriguing. Alucard mused as he watched her fly into the night.
Alucard traveled around London to see what was going on. He saw many construction sites. Well we really did make quite the mess didn't we? Alucard laughed. He had the chance to kill a couple Freaks and Midian as well. Sensing that Seras would wake soon he returned to Helsing House.
It is time to observe this new female Alucard phased to the office looking through the shadows. Walter you Old Dog, I wonder how often you chased her around that desk, or had her on it. He chuckled to himself. Well, well, high heeled shoes and stockings, He looked and saw the thin black velvet faux seam running up the back of her leg right up to the hem of her skirt. They are real stockings at that! He mused. My, my, my! The well fitted deep green suit skirt was most likely below the knee most of the time with some odd pleats at the bottom; currently it showed a bit of her thigh as she was bending over the desk. Very nice, I bet those pleats move quite nicely as she walks. Alucard moved to a new shadow. She was wearing a plain white blouse that buttoned up the front with a striking broach at the throat. Likes dragons does she? He sniggered. Looking about he saw the suit coat that went to that skirt. The odd thing is where it sat, on the back of Integra's chair. Alucard grinned Integra would not like that coat where it was. Walter you do indulge your Lethal Little Secretary don't you? I probably would as well with those green eyes.
Walter had looked up when Sophia leaned over the desk to get him a pencil. He was sitting near the fire; slowly he closed and opened his eyes. He felt another of those weirdly wonderful rushes. She walked over to him with said pencil, and handed it to him absently.
Sophia could feel eyes all over her. She did not like it and began to pace as she read the file in her hands.
With his senses sharpened Walter watched her. He loved to watch her move. The sound of her skirt rustling across her stockings made him smile. She smelled very good. The scent of battle with hers, he found it enticing. He wanted to taste her. He wanted her. He wanted her now.
"Sophia, you are pacing." Sophia looked at him and blinked. "May I ask why?" Ah those green eyes.
"I'm just a bit, uncomfortable." Sophia smiled, shrugged, and began smoothing the back of her skirt down. "I could feel someone's eyes all over me. I just started to feel like a bug under a microscope. Or like a side of beef?" She looked around the empty room with her eyes narrowing.
"Sophia, I think you're a bit jumpy this evening. Come closer to the fire, relax." His voice was softer, warm, and more seductive. Come closer to me. Walter stood.
Walter how are you doing that voice? It is nearly if not vampiric. Are you aware you are using it? Alucard was curious, intrigued, and watching the scene amused.
She must have been feeling my looking her over. Her bending over that desk didn't help. Walter smiled. Sophia went to him he turned to face her. The fire was nice. "The house is in quiet mode. We are quite alone in here." Sophia looked up at him; she had to tilt her head up to do so. Walter moved closer and smiled down at her. "I think you have been overworking yourself."
Alucard just smiled. He had seen Walter in action before. The Lethal Little Secretary was like a lamb to the slaughter.
"Walter I am accustomed to working hard. It has always been my job to do … so…" Is he planning on kissing me? Do I mind? I could kiss him. She leaned up and in to him. Walter took the hint and leaned to her. The very walls of Helsing began to laugh. Sophia pulled back.
"Of course." Walter nearly hissed. "Alucard!" Walter demanded. Walter was good and lit and Alucard knew it. Walter had not been this angry since, well, since the last time Alucard had interrupted Walter. At least this time Walter and his companion were dressed.
"Master?" Seras opened her eyes she was disoriented as she sat up in her coffin bed. Were the walls laughing? "I feel weird, I gotta get to Boss's office. I gotta see if things went right, if Walter is ok." She did so with difficulty she knew where she was going and how to get there but she still had to remind herself.
"Walter." Alucard nearly purred "It's been a while."
Sophia looked at the intruder with one eyebrow raised.
"Forgive me old friend I did not know you were entertaining!" Alucard said looking 'surprised' with a self satisfied grin.
Walter's senses had sharpened even further as he turned; he saw Alucard as he never had before. Without losing his composure he stared into the eyes of his old friend with promises of pain and torment for a long time to come.
"Pardon me!" Alucard said dipping his hat with a slight bow mimicking Walter as he stepped back through the wall. He looked at the woman.
So you are Alucard, the one in red from the tower. Greetings I will not fear you, ever; even if you are The Dragon.
Alucard could feel her gaze. -Now that was fun! Alucard phased to an unused room to laugh and gloat. "Oh yes Walter meant that look." He snickered to himself. "Ahhh, that was just like the good old days!" He grinned from ear to ear. He remembered the look he felt from the woman. "I wonder about her though."
"Well that was classic Alucard." Walter said ruefully. "He will be back shortly, after he has a chance to laugh and gloat. He will want to know who you are." I will have to inform him that you are mine. No, that would be a challenge. This want for you is so strong. It may be a side effect. No not feeling like this, it is more than just physical, I know.
"No worries Walter." Sophia smiled at Walter. It is getting harder to not act on my desires. I almost did. I cannot do so, I must think beyond myself. "Seras?"
"What about Seras, she is asleep in her bed." Walter shook his head.
"No actually she isn't."
"What? Where is she then?" Walter's eyes became worried.
"She is walking down the hall in this direction." Sophia blinked then went to the door and opened it. "How are you feeling Seras?"
"Surreal. Fragmented." She looked at Sophia confused. "Full, but still hungry". Sophia helped Seras to a chair by the fire. "I remember things I never knew. Am I losing my mind?" Seras shook her head as though to clear it. "I thought I heard Alucard laughing just a minute ago."
"No you are not losing your mind. I expect you could say you have gained another one." Alucard walked back into the room. "Since when have you been able to do such things Police Girl?" Seras stiffened in her chair. "You should not be strong enough to do what I witnessed at that fight. Or at least what I saw of it. The end, when you devoured that vampire. You took all of him into you that is why you are disoriented. It will make you stronger but how did you get strong enough to do what you did?" He closed on her quickly.
"Back off, she does not need you in her face." Sophia did not feel as brave or as calm as she looked but nobody knew that. She stood defiantly toe to toe with Alucard.
"Well aren't you the brave little one?" He he sneered as he took off his glasses and tried to stare her down. "Walter you should tell your Lethal Little Secretary to back down." Sophia cocked an eyebrow. Walter took a deep breath afraid this could get ugly. Seras gasped and covered her mouth looking horrified at Alucard. "Walter?" Alucard looked at him over his shoulder.
Sophia bit her upper lip. She swallowed. She began to smile. The smile spread across her whole face. Sophia began to giggle and then to laugh, she backed up in her mad laugh. Seras began to giggle. She could not help it when Sophia laughed like that. When Alucard looked their way again the look on his face made her burst into full laughter. Even Walter was laughing.
"What the hell is so funny?" Alucard thundered. That made Walter and Seras quiet. Sophia was reduced to giggles. Several large men entered the office with guns. Alucard glared at them. "Get out!" They looked at Sophia. She giggled and nodded. They left. "I repeat what the hell is so funny?"
"She is no secretary old friend." Walter smiled.
"Nope." Seras smiled. "She is your boss!" Seras loved this. The look on Alucard's face was priceless.
"Don't worry Alucard. You are not the first man to make that mistake." Sophia giggled. "Actually unless I'm introduced as in charge it is a very common mistake. Don't worry you're not unique." She smiled. Both Walter and Seras knew Alucard's opinion of mortal men and now to be informed he was just like them, they figured this was about to get very ugly. They were surprised.
Alucard walked over to Sophia and towered over her. He tried to stare her down again. He tried to read her. In her eyes I read no fear what so ever. I see respect. She will not look down or away. I doubt she ever will. He smiled enough to showed his fangs. She remained nonplused. He simply nodded.
"So, what's the information on the new 'head' of Hellsing?"
"She is a petite, black haired, Project Manager and likely the most frightening women on the planet."
"Interesting description, is there any useful information?"
"She is the Countess Ashton, inherited the Ashton fortune."
"Ok money won't work. What else?"
"Only impressions, when she walked in they thought if they breathed too hard she might wither away. She looked like a terrified child. One of them got rude and she laid down the law, her style. She scared the crap out of the men Irons included. She can stop the Angel of Death with a touch of her hand."
The voice on the other end laughed. "Get me a copy of the meeting. I want pictures of her. I like her already."
"Can't get you either. There was also the impression that the relationship between her and Angel could be more interesting."
"Bull Shit!" They dismissed "Try harder. I want her life story. She could be useful or fun. When is the vampire going after Seras and Walter?"
"He did."
"No Alucard?"
"Nope, the vampire caught Walter tried for Seras, failed and died."
"How did Walter do it? That biocrud should have done the trick."
"Reports say it did. Seras killed him. It was a true vampiric fight, appropriate magic signature to confirm."
"She is neither old nor powerful enough!"
"I know."
"Damn!"
This 'new' Hellsing and life pleased Alucard a great deal. The only irritating thing is that I do not see much of Police Girl or Walter. She is busy with the troops; he is busy with weapons and his workshop.
Walter was glad he did not need to move Alucard's coffin when he was out of town. Out on assignment was bad enough.
"Here we are Alucard, our new base and home." The staff had not met Alucard there had not been time; and the mood he was in right now would not make a good impression. Walter had called ahead, they made themselves scarce.
"Where are the stairs to the basement? I want to see my coffin now. Where is it?" Alucard was still rational, barely.
"Alucard!" Walter called to him. He was beginning to fly off in the wrong direction. "Follow me." Thankfully he did.
Alucard was confused; surely we are going the wrong direction. They went up two sets of stair going up not down. They went down a long hall and turned left. He was confronted with a large Mahogany door upon which was a brass name plate, deeply embossed in an elegant scroll read 'Alucard'. He was in open shock. Walter opened the door for him. Stunned, Alucard recognized that this room was very well appointed. Hang it where in the Bloody Hell is it. He followed Walter through another door. This was a lavish bedroom. Wonderful, I do not sleep in a bed! Walter picked up a small remote and pushed a button. To their left a bit of paneling slid up and into the wall. Then a metal sarcophagus slid out. He pushed another button and it opened the lid. Inside was Alucard's coffin "It had bloody better be unharmed!" All is well with it. It was nestled with padding surrounding it as if to insure there would be no damage to it.
"Alucard, this is the remote for the coffin controls, and several other things. I suggest you keep it somewhere very safe." Walter warned him. "There is only one other control in existence for your sarcophagus, only Sophia knows where it is. The sarcophagus seals tightly to keep anything unpleasant from being used on you when at the most vulnerable, including biochemical substances. The panel is for the obvious reasons." He paused. "You can choose how 'put away' you want to be when you sleep."
Alucard was examining the metal sarcophagus with great interest. "Amazing, I have never been this well protected in sleep before. Who was this done by?"
"All designs were either done by Sophia herself or by someone who still has no idea what they were designing for. She is one of the right sneakiest people you will ever meet. She thinks of every little thing." Walter smiled. "On your coffee table there is a map of the estate my idea and other information such as what else that remote does." Walter turned and left Alucard's apartment.
"With as good as she is maybe I should change her." Alucard smiled being much more relaxed he put his coffin away. It was time to take in his new residence. Opulent was the word for this room. The bed was real and functional as such. It was also a ruse. Nearby there was a set of buttons, hidden in a panel. The top one raised the mattress part of the bed into the canopy to show where the vampire's coffin was hidden. It looked like a perfect copy. He smiled. On top was an envelope addressed to him.
"Alucard there is a pressurized combination of nasty things within. Do not open. It will not feel good, and it will be a right bloody bitch to clean the room to where it will be livable for you again. God forbid your coffin be exposed to it. Try if you must but you stand (probably literally) warned. Blaze"
He decided to trust the note and not poke at it any further. He lowered the bed again. He looked up if I wanted to I could sleep on the bed. With the location of it and where the windows were, no sunlight would touch him, not that it would matter much with these black out curtains on the windows, and for the canopy. It was very well planned out. The curtains were of blood red velvet, on the bed's canopy there were embroidered dragons in various forms and positions. If the bedding is not silk it is a damn good imitation.
The Wardrobe, now what has been done to this? You opened it at first on the right; there you saw several changes of Alucard's standard outfits. There were also some silky lounging things, pants and the like. Next to that were the drawers. The top one had a glass front and had many pairs of his favored shades within. He began to laugh very hard after he opened the left hand door. He almost couldn't get the words out, and this needed the words said to do it justice.
"Oh no! This certainly gives it a new definition to the term Wardrobe!" it's my style of Wardrobe for sure! It was a weapons locker, his personal weapons locker. It was larger than it looked because it went into the wall about a foot. From the gun's side you saw a latch. After he had collected himself a little he threw the latch and there were his swords, daggers and the like. When his giggle fit calmed a bit; Alucard shut the blades section. Then each of the drawers was inspected. Inside neatly placed was many boxes of ammo for his current favorite guns, some boxes for ones he had not used in a while, extra clips, a few ear coms, and cleaning equipment for his weapons. The rest of his apartment pleased him as well.
Walter and Seras were finally able to see and relax in their new apartments as well. They loved them! All of the apartments had been surprises they could help on one another's and they had some small ideas about aspects of their own, but not the full picture.
Alucard quickly learned who was who. Jolene did well at seeming nonplused in his presence. The staff in the main living part of the new house was courteous, none were obviously afraid. They were very well trained and informed on vampires. He was shocked at Seras, she did not hide what she was anymore. She would play 'Vampire' with the staff's kids chasing them or slipping through a wall. They smiled shyly at Alucard then would run; Alucard would just shake his head. Once he really growled at them they shrieked then ran. Sophia came around the corner a second later looking for murder.
"Oh, bloody hell, if you are going to play with the kids, tone it down a notch or three please. They are not … never mind." Sophia just shook her head and walked off. Alucard blinked. He went and found Walter.
"Is this household completely mad or am I losing my touch?" Alucard demanded.
"It's the household. It is mainly Sophia, she is a tad different. The staff knows Seras and do not know your reputation." Alucard snorted and left. Walter smirked. This could be fun to watch or a problem. For Walter and Seras it was odd hearing Sophia referred to as Countess Sophia.
Two days before Christmas at their staff meeting Sophia announced that she would see every one again on the Twenty-seventh. Those who remained behind had a Wonderful Christmas. Sophia left gifts for all. Alucard's gift was a card. He got very excited upon reading it.
"Is she serious?" He demanded of Walter. Walter read the card and nodded.
"It would be done so sooner but there are difficulties. So yes you can discretely feed after the first of the year. We will get you more information. For now the main rules are: do not kill and do not get caught." Alucard smiled.
"I would not dream of it. I expect that this can be rescinded I do not care to lose this ability to have fresh dinners." I can wait a bit longer.
Sophia returned as expected and there was a meeting called. Alucard was in high spirits and decided to play. He walked through a wall behind Blaze.
"I hope you had a plea…." Alucard was silent. There was a dagger in his chest. Walter and Seras were in shock and looked it. Sophia took a deep breath.
"I do apologize to you Alucard. For future reference, do not come up behind me if you can help it and do not sneak up on me. I have reflexes that are ingrained. For my part I will remember that Seras is not the only one who can walk through walls in the house. My vacation was very nice, thank you. Do you like your Christmas gift?" Alucard blinked and removed the dagger.
"Excellent reflexes. What is in or on this thing it still stings." He grimaced. "Yes I can't wait to take it out of the box."
"Silver dust, blessed silver dust." Sophia shrugged and held out her hand. Alucard handed the dagger to Sophia.
Now I'll see where she hides them. But she just set it on her desk.
It was New Years Eve day. Walter and Seras were talking with Alucard. "Pardon me commanders?" Jolene walked up.
"Yes?" Walter smiled.
"I have some family matters to attend to, and I want to know if there will be people here with Boss besides just the staff."
"We will, Jolene why?"
"Dress formal prepare for an old type of party."
"Pardon?" Seras raised an eyebrow.
"Knowing her she will still follow an old traditional first of the year party, ancient even it is a party with the staff. I don't know precisely."
"I do, it is an old tradition, ancient even as you said. The Master of the estate opens up and shares with his staff that which he has, food and the like. There can be gifts of cloth and jewels on occasion as well as furniture. It is good luck for the estate." Alucard nodded.
"Well I for one need to go shopping." Seras smiled. "Maybe I'll see if she wants….. Jolene why are you shaking your head no?" Seras looked confused.
"Sophia will wear Count Ashton's gifts from their first Christmas when she was here. She always does. They were like father and daughter." The three nodded they were glad of the heads up.
Sophia stood alone and looked on a portrait. "Since nothing has fallen on anyone I assume you don't mind what I've done with the place."
"He would be most pleased you have accepted everything and proud of the work you are doing." The Head Maid named Natty came in to the room. Walter, Alucard, and Seras stayed in the open doorway for now and listened in.
They were surprised to see Sophia. For the first time she truly looked as a Countess. She was dressed in a sweeping, red, crushed velvet dress. Her hair was loose about her; impossibly white, long silk gloves. There were also jewels, diamond collar with four rows, a matching bracelet and diamond earrings. Alucard was startled, but it was by her make-up. It was not done in a European style, at least not a modern western style.
"Ladyship, I found something you should have. It is a gift from his Lordship. It was not finished in time. It was delivered a few days after his death. I put it away and only just came across it." Sophia was handed a small box. "He always intended for you to become Countess. This was important to that." Sophia looked at the woman.
"It's a ring box?" Sophia slowly opened it. The shock on her face was evident. "Oh Andrew …I can't believe … it is, too much…amazing." Her voice was soft and Walter concerned. Had Jolene misunderstood their relationship?
"You should wear it for him." Sophia looked at the woman and nodded. She took the ring from the box and slid it on her finger. "Now you are truly Countess."
"I guess so, a signet ring. Never in my life did I ever think I would wear one of these." Sophia sighed and shrugged. "So yes now I am Countess."
"His Lordship knew, he understood, he knew at least some of your past. He wanted to erase… things. Your friends are here. Shall I call the staff in to begin?" Sophia looked at the three in the door way. Then she nodded.
"Yes please have everyone come in. Wait, do the kids have a target picked out?"
"Don't they always?" The woman laughed and left. The three entered the room looking at her questioningly.
"Every year the kids target people who they think should be a couple and campaign to get them under mistletoe as often as possible. It is fun to watch." She shrugged.
"Well we will have to look for the fun." Alucard smirked. "I did not realize that this traditional party was still practiced. I never saw it at Helsing House."
The staff came in and soon the party was in full swing, everyone having fun. Even Alucard enjoyed himself. Sophia smirked when she realized that one of the couples to be were Alucard and Seras. Walter was also highly amused by this.
Walter, Seras and Alucard were speaking together, comparing stories when they noticed Sophia in an area and they could not see her. Then out of nowhere twin boys appeared. The lads had not been noticed by them before and they were hard to miss. The people moved away from Sophia as she spoke to someone. Sophia stopped, looked over her shoulder, there was shock all over her face. She swallowed and walked to the twins. They walked to her and when they met the twins gave in unison beautifully proper bows.
/Greetings Lady Mother, in the New Year we hope for nothing but the blessings deserved by you. This would mean you will receive your heart's desire./ they spoke in unison. Sophia swallowed and tried to blink back tears. It was not working.
/ With the blessing of devoted sons what more could I desire. I only hope that I help bring into your life all that you need and most of what you want./ She went to her knees and held them to her. They hugged her back.
"Ok what in the heck?" Seras asked quietly.
"Those are her sons. It is a traditional New Year's greeting." Alucard blinked.
"Just how do you know that, Alucard?" Walter looked at his old friend. "What language are they speaking?"
"They are speaking Romanian." Seras and Walter blinked.
"It worked. We finally pulled one over on her!" Jolene smiled.
"More importantly our young Lords are home where they belong, at least until the school break is over." Natty smiled. Sophia stood, with her sons walked to the little group.
"You two look far too amused with your selves, you two as well." She shook her head at the lads. Walter offered her his handkerchief. She accepted it and dabbed at her eyes. She smiled at him and returned it.
/Well My Lady you have many surprises./ Alucard took and kissed her hand with an elegant bow. /I hope for nothing but the blessings deserved by you. This would mean you will receive all your heart's desire./
/With the blessing of you as a friend what more could I desire? May I be able to bring to your unlife happiness and prosperity./ Sophia gave Alucard a curtsy. The lads looked at Alucard appraisingly. He stared down at them.
"They must be your Spawn they have your hair, eyes, and look about them!"
"We hope for nothing but the blessings deserved by you. This would mean you will receive your heart's desire." They gave polite bows again. "Spawn? Wicked! Are you Alucard?" They showed no fear, but were ready to act if necessary.
"With 'Spawn' as yourself how could I not? May I be able to bring to your life happiness and prosperity." He gave them a very polite, elegant bow and a slightly toothier than normal smile. "So what if I am?" They were more on alert but still showed no fear.
"We would meet someone" "mum has spoken about." They smiled back and shrugged. Everyone could tell Sophia was their mother.
"Well then," In a fit of amusement Alucard sank into the floor until he was their height. "I am." The twin's eyes were alight with curiosity. "Tell me do you always speak together?"
"No." they said in unison with shrugs. Alucard smiled. The boys turned. "We hope for nothing but the blessings deserved by you. This would mean you will receive your heart's desire." Was again said in unison then: "Are you Commanders," "Seras Victoria" "and Walter Dornez?" Again they gave perfect bows. Seras blinked and shot a thought to Walter he agreed.
"With lads as yourself how could we not? May we be able to bring to your life happiness and prosperity." They copied the twin's speech pattern. "Yes." "We are."
"Ace!" They shook hands with Walter. They tried that with Seras but she gave them hugs and kisses.
/Not yet into girls yet I see./ Alucard snickered when he saw their face.
/I should hope not they are ten!/Sophia shook her head. The 'Spawn' went and greeted everyone. Sophia watched with a proud smile.
Her sons, she must be hiding from her ex-husband. I will kill him if he is a problem. They are so much their mother's children. Walter smiled. Alucard absently nodded in agreement.
"Um Sophia, Why do they bow so much? You're not Japanese."
"It is not only the Japanese that offer bows when greeting or taking leave." Alucard smiled. Old hidden memories were showing themselves. His time away had started it. He had gone home. He went to the castle he built for his beloved wife. It was surrounded by villages that time and the outside world forgot.
"Mum may we see our new rooms?" The lads walked over.
"Of course you two must be tired. Let's go, good night everyone."
"Good night Countess, Spawn." Alucard smirked. The 'Spawn' smiled back.
"Good night Uncle Alucard." They gave their verbal jab in unison smirking. Almost everyone was shocked at their audacity. Sophia rolled her eyes, it was on. The war of pokes and jokes between her sons and Alucard had the first shots fired. They would establish rules if it became necessary.
Alucard loved it, that little family was now his favorite toy. He nodded at the lads, they nodded back. The challenges accepted.
"Will you and the lads be awake a bit I have the project finished we spoke about, I just unpacked it." Walter smiled.
"Yes we will ring in the New Year." Sophia smiled. "Please join us Seras and Alucard. You will want to see the fruits of his work."
"Um mum?"
"Yes?"
"You and Commander Dornez" "are standing underneath the mistletoe." Both adults looked up.
"Well then, we must follow tradition. It would be bad luck to do otherwise." Walter looked down at Sophia. She smiled and blushed. She blushes? It was a somewhat chaste kiss but there was electricity between them, afterwords they stayed close a moment.
"Oh Alucard," Walter smiled after he and Sophia stepped from under the mistletoe. "You and Seras are under it as well."
Seras looked up. Alucard kissed her.
They walked up the two flights of the main stairs down a hall to The Master Apartment. Walter darted off to his apartment to retrieve the completed project. There were many influences on the Sitting Room. The base might be Western European but there was a great deal of Middle Eastern and more than a few Egyptian items to be seen.
Alucard realized that much of what the others would mistake for Middle Eastern and Western European was in truth Eastern European. I have many questions for this woman, many questions indeed. When Walter showed up the 'Spawn' were called in from their bed chamber.
"Wow Sophia, you have hordes of Egyptian things. Why?" Both Walter and Alucard inwardly groaned at Seras' question. Direct as always and this lady did not give up her secrets easily, she might be on alert now.
"Mum spent some years in" "Egypt when she was growing up." "Her stories are wicked!" "You should hear them!" The Spawn hurdled over the back of the couch.
"We would love to hear them. Here allow me." Walter smiled and opened the box.
"Oh they are amazing." Sophia looked into the box. Now everyone wanted to see. "Lads come here these are for you." Walter leaned over so they could look in.
"Wow mum!" "Really?" "Can we check them out" "or do we need to wait?"
"You may check them out now. Then they go back to the box." The Lads took the guns out and were inspecting them. "I need to have holsters made. I do not know if you would be willing?"
"I will be happy to." Walter was looking into her eyes. Bid me do anything. I will. His lips still felt the kiss from downstairs. His arms and body remembered her feel as well.
"They seem to know a fair amount about guns." Alucard watched them with Seras. Both amused by the adults and fascinated with the children. "So Spawn how do they feel?"
"Very good" "Uncle Alucard." They smiled at him. "They are light weight." "They are well sized to our hands." "They have smooth and quiet action." "They will be easily concealed with the correct holsters."
"Thank you Commander Dornez we like our new guns very much!" The Spawn smiled up at him as they put them back in the box.
"Put those in your room." Sophia smiled. They nodded and went off with the box. Aware of eyes on her Sophia shrugged. "It is a dangerous world and I know my sons will respect the weapons, and that they would like them." They were far more curious about the stories and she well knew it.
"Mum we almost forgot!" "We have a couple of things for you!" They both came over the couch.
"What have we here? Oh no! Very well done you two! From now on the Headmasters office is off limits!" Sophia laughed. "And around the couch please."
"Yes mum!" The adults looked curious. Sophia held up a paperweight and a nameplate. "The lock was very easy to pick," "no other security." "Actually all" "of the schools locks and security" "measures are of poor quality." Sophia frowned.
"I am now even happier you two will have those guns. You would think they would have better security, any more incidents?"
"No mum." They shrugged.
"Good." Sophia smiled slightly. "I believe that our guests are a bit confused and shocked." The lads looked at the other gathered adults.
"Why?" "What is there to be shocked about?" They looked confused. "Did you think we" "would be like the other" "kids from school" "as her children with our life experience?" They were silent, thoughtful for a moment. "We are a surprise in our existing." "You had not spoken to them about us yet." Sophia nodded with a small and slightly sad smile. The lads looked at one another. then at Alucard, Seras and Walter. "None of you would have time to prepare for us." "Or time to stop to think" "what our training may be" "Now it makes sense." Sophia nodded.
"Yes you have it my Little Dragons." She kissed them both on their heads. "I was planning to speak to all tomorrow then possibly have my lads or 'Spawn'" she laughed "here for Twelfth Night." She shook her head. "So now you are Spawn?" The newly christened lads nodded. "As you wish, but you will always be my Little Dragons." She smiled. The Spawn grinned at 'Uncle Alucard'. He nodded one point for them.
"Why do you call them your Little Dragons?" Seras was very curious, her eyes nearly glowing. The twins looked back at her. Her eyes fascinated them.
"It is normal for mothers to call their son's that where I come from in Romania." She shrugged.
"I can take a good guess where in Romania as well." Alucard looked steadily at her. "I could guess within five villages." Alucard sat forward in his chair. Sophia did not answer she did not look at him either. The Spawn did. They watched him very carefully now. "Fierce Little Dragons you are indeed. Beware of bigger ones." He watched them and spoke to Sophia.
"Even one big one can lose when two smaller ones are protecting what is most precious to them." They were in unison and fearless standing before Alucard.
Walter and Seras were both in shock. Nearly awe struck. Those children were willing to take on Alucard, likely knowing more than something of his abilities both were sure.
"Stop, now." They looked up at their mum. Her eyes would not be argued with. They looked down submitting to their mothers will. "This is unnecessary."
"I am curious; how old are you Little One? Or do you know?" She shook her head no. Alucard nodded. /You are being hunted?/ She nodded. The Spawn were back on alert. /We will speak later./ Again Spohia nodded. "It is Zsophia?" She gave another nod. I think I am becoming fond of this girl. Be careful Angel or I may catch her.
"Seras do you know or can you sense anything?"
"No Walter. It all looks pretty serious though. Why is she answering his questions? Is it because he is so direct?" Both wondered they knew how much she loathed lies.
/I thank you My Prince./ The Spawn looked between their mum and Alucard.
/Mother he is Our Prince? The Dragon, The Hero, and the Demon?/ They demanded as they pointed at alucard.
"Yes Spawn I am." Alucard got a wicked smile on his face. "Are you too afraid to play with the bigger one now?" They were being measured up they knew this meant their mum was as well.
"No Uncle Alucard." "It just makes things more interesting." Again they were defiant. Alucard laughed. Walter was even more concerned now.
I will not lose her and her sons to you old friend. She is mine. Alucard was amused and concerned about Walter.
"Oh mum" "the trinine compound." "How long can it be" "stored at room temperature?" The Spawn looked at her and then their shoes.
"Out of light four days, in light two. When do you need be back? What on earth were you planning?" Sophia was like any exasperated mum. "Do you remember what happens after then?" She shrugged shaking her head.
"It explodes, on Tuesday," "get rid of a professor." They shrugged.
"Get rid of him or her how?" Seras gasped.
"The idiot hates loud sounds." "A little bit in all of the places" "he is on a regular basis." "He goes a bit further" "off his crumpet and quits." "It is not a compound for killing." They looked at her completely calm, as though they were discussing trading cards. "It just has the possibility" "when stored in quantity" "and allowed to age too long." Alucard smirked.
"You should not speak of your professor like that." Zsophia shook her head. "Is it on the school grounds?" Zsophia sighed. They nodded. "Please tell me you created the counter agent at the same time."
"Well of course we did!" They looked and sounded offended. Alucard's smirk got larger. Walter's smirk now matched his. "You trained us better than that!" They shook their heads. "I created the trinine." "I created the counter."
"Good at least you had that much sense." Zsophia shook her head. Alucard and Walter were snickering at that point. "If it had been sooner I may have asked Alucard to go and retrieve it. I may still."
"Why would he do that?" The Spawn sounded surprised. There was a pregnant silence.
"You can say it." Neither he nor Zsophia had spoken the words yet. "My Master." The Spawn's eyes widened. Zsophia stood discomforted. Alucard stared evenly at Zsophia and watched her. "Because of seals placed on me by von Helsing I am trapped and bound to My Master. I was to the von Helsing family now it is your mum." He showed the backs of his gloves.
"I hope sparkling cider is acceptable to toast in the New Year." Zsophia was determined to change the subject. "All in?" Even Alucard nodded, she began to pour out.
"Sophia it looks like Jolene left a reminder here for you." Seras was looking at a painting.
"What does it say?"
"Walter nephew?"
"We were wondering when your nephew would be arriving Walter." Zsophia was looking down, the lads into the fire. Both Seras and Alucard looked at Walter. "So do you know him Alucard?"
"I would need a name." Alucard smiled enjoying Walters's discomfort.
"Sir Walter Dornez. He's a dead ringer for Walter when younger. Or so I have been informed." Zsophia looked up at Alucard.
"Ah yes, Junior! It has been a while since I've seen him. He's putting in an appearance is he?" Alucard smirked.
"Actually he's transferring in." Zsophia handed drinks to the lads. "I was trying to get a few things in order." She handed glasses to Walter and Seras then crossed to Alucard taking hers last. "Fair warning the lights will blink a bit when it's time." Zsophia smiled.
"We stand warned." Alucard smiled.
The lights blinked.
What the hell? Walter, no Alucard? Zsophia was in shock. She kissed him back. It was neither long nor chaste. She was blushing brightly when they parted. She blinked and stepped back taking a sip of her drink.
"Happy New Year to all." Alucard smirked as he toasted then sipped at his drink. I had nearly forgotten what strawberries tasted like. I like her lip gloss. Everyone else toasted as well. Seras was in shock she knew about Walters's feelings for the woman who had been in his best friend's embrace. The Spawn had no expression on their faces. Walter had to fight himself.
"My nephew will be arriving soon." Very soon. Once things happen you will be mine and Alucard will have to keep his hands off. Walter had planned to kiss Zsophia on the New Year.
"Good, I'm glad. Oh Her Majesty said that the ladies should take care? Is he a bit of a Casanova?" Zsophia asked with raised eyebrow. Alucard laughed.
"Walter was one when he was younger, a scoundrel according to some." Alucard smirked. Zsophia looked at Walter a bit startled. Seras was in open shock. Walter gave Zsophia his rouge's smile. "One difference is Junior has a refined taste in women, earlier. I could see them competing for the same woman."
I do rather like that smile on Walter. What am I thinking? I've kissed two men in one night. I enjoyed both as well. Zsophia turned to the fire and finished her drink. That explains Walter and how he flirts with me. He is still something of a Casanova. She had her self back in control. She smiled looking at her sons. "Off to bed with you two."
"Yes mum. Happy New Year." The lads said together all watched them go in.
"They are quite the pair Zsophia." Alucard smiled. "Good sons, protective, fierce Little Dragons indeed. I like them."
"Thank you. I am proud of them."
"They are fine lads." Walter smiled.
"If people will pardon me a moment, I need to tuck them in and the like."
"Actually I should go." Alucard smiled. "It has been quite an evening." He took and kissed Zsophia's hand. "It was a very delightful way to start the New Year."
"My Zsophia, I have not had as good a New Year in some time." Walter too took her hand and kissed it. He and Alucard walked out.
"Thanks Zsophia, It was great to meet your kids." Seras smiled. Zsophia closed the apartment door confused.
/is in Romanian/
Twins-speak: They switch words phrases and sentences indicated by the alternating quotes in the same line. "….." "……" When they speak in unison I will indicate it. Otherwise assume they are switching.