Integra chanced a look behind them at the hospital, her chest heaving from fear and the physical activity they'd been forced to perform. Had it not been for Alucard she wasn't sure she would've made it. Fear swirled in her stomach; resting heavily as if filled with lead.
Shoving her hands into her trouser pockets she asked, still trembling slightly, "Alucard what the hell was that?!"
"I don't know, Integra", he muttered softly, so softly the breeze carried it away from his lips, the words never heard. The events which transpired in the hospital left him shaken. Sure, he was mortal, for now, but what would occur if he stayed that way for the rest of his life? That was a contingency he didn't want to entertain.
"I'm sorry, Alucard, I didn't hear you. Could you repeat that, please?"
He hated not knowing the answers. Worse yet, he hated,no, despised himself having to admit that lack of knowledge to his master, who occasionally took pleasure in tormenting him when he didn't have the answers she required.
Alucard's angry eyes flicked over to the girl at his side. The girl who was so much like Lucy and so much like Seras. It seems that Seras is truly Lucy's reincarnation. One thing's for certain, he thought. Her beauty nor her personality had withered, or dimmed, with time.
As Integra and Walter conversed and planned strategy Seras' soul took Alucard's hand, a white light spun around them, bright enough to call attention to themselves. Integra turning to her mortal servant, "Alucard, what do you think?" But there was no reply for Alucard and the young girl were gone, vanished without a trace.
Walter appeared befuddled, uncertain what to think. Integra smirked, sure of their destination. "Bring her back", she whispered before ordering Walter and the gathering troops to fall back and hold position. Nothing was allowed out of that hospital aside from Alucard and Seras. And Hellsing would do their damnedest to follow through on that command issued by their leader.
Opening his eyes Alucard found himself back in Seras' room. Back where the danger had originally erupted, still dark, the fierce turmoil now quiet. Her soul stared down at her body so pale and fragile. A look of sorrow overcame her serene features. Gently stroking the top of Seras' blond hair, the girl, dressed in paladin clothing whispered lowly, words that only they could hear.
"Seras, you must wake. The time is coming where the decision won't be yours any longer. Fight the darkness, Seras! Come back to us. We're waiting. Alucard's waiting."
The monitor displaying her heart rate showed a slight improvement but quickly fell again as the female voice stopped. Seras' lids fluttered rapidly indicating a dream, whether good or bad no one knew.
"Alucard, I'll need your help for this." Seras' soul took his hand placing it on her chest she said, "I'm going into her mind, her dreams. That is the only place she'll probably respond to us."
"You're taking me with you." Alucard stated this simply knowing there'd be no need for further explanation. And this was for Seras so there's no way he'd leave her to die should his darkness consume her completely.
Seras' Dream:
Lucy, long blond hair swinging freely, stepped from the carriage to her father's home. Her dress, white lace and muslin, dainty ruffles at the hem and sleeves, a multitude of small buttons cascading down the back flowed around her slender figure. As she stepped down in her matching white boots from the carriage step to the stone street, she glanced around, blue eyes taking in the beauty of such a sunny day. Smiling brightly she hurried up the steps to the front door; quickly closing it behind her in search of her father.
"Lucy!"
Her head swiveled toward the feminine voice. "Mina!" Embracing her childhood friend warmly Lucy exclaimed, "Oh! It's been ages since I last saw you! What have you been doing? Where's Jonathan?" Lucy was eager for all news including news of Mina's future husband-to-be.
Mina's eyes shining with excitement replied, "He's been in Transylvania for a land deal, but soon he'll return and we'll be married at last. But, until he comes again, I've been introduced to the Count who he's dealing with."
"Oh, really?" Lucy's delicate eyebrows shot up. "Why would Jonathan still be there and the Count here? It makes no sense." Her confusion shone from her eyes, easily expressing the sentiments she wanted to speak, but decorm demanded her patience. Unfortunately, the blond hadn't an ounce of patience within her body.
"The Count assured me that Jonathan is well and he stayed behind to finish a couple of last minute details that didn't require the Count's presence. He also stated that Johnathan would be home very soon and even sent along a letter, which the Count was kind enough to bring."
Both ladies made themselves at home on an expensive, red covered couch, its designs too akward for description. Suddenly Mina said, "Lucy, you must meet him."
"Who, Mina?"
Laughing, her friend replied, "The Count, silly. You'd like him, too, I just know it!"
"But what about Arthur? Won't he feel affronted should I meet a strange, new man? He might feel his place is being usurped. Don't you think?"
"Lucy, my dear Lucy, I'm not speaking of him in nothing but friendly terms, even for you. So Arthur can feel calm and safe in his position as your future husband. I promise."
At the thought of Arthur she sighed. In a way she loved him, but she felt something missing from their relationship. She couldn't explain it. She always felt happy around him, but there seemed to be very little excitement. Could that be it? Could that possibly bear the answers for her questions and internal search regarding her feelings toward him?
Lucy quicky agreed to meet Mina's new friend. For some strange reason, a chill of excitement coursed down her spine leading her to believe that change was in the air. Maybe a new friend was exactly what she needed!
Several days later, Mina and Lucy sat in the parlor discussing the guest coming for supper. Mina, despite her being excited for Lucy to meet him, seemed subdued; Lucy, filled with uncontrollable bursts of energy, couldn't keep still nor could she think or talk about anything but this mysterious Count.
Mina abruptly stood to her feet, "Lucy, forgive me, but I must go."
"Go? Why?" The blond was confused as to Mina wanting to leave before her friend arrived. Tonight everything was odd about her dearest friend and she wanted to know the reason, which at first Mina was hesitant to give, only Lucy continued to press her and she gave in.
Tears in her eyes she replied, "My dearest Lucy, I've received some terrible news this afternoon. It's Johnathan!"
Wrapping her arms around Mina's shaking shoulders Lucy comforted her. Stroking her long, straight, dark hair she whispered soothingly, "It'll be alright. Tell me, Mina, what's wrong with Johnathan?"
Dark eyes rimmed with tears, her thin face pale and drawn, she stated agitatedly, "He's severely ill! A nun in a convent wrote telling me the particulars and requesting that I come right away. They're afraid he's dying...oh, Luce, I'm so worried! What do I do? I'm so frightened!"
"Mina, listen carefully. You are going to go to him. He needs you, more so than I, so go be with him or you'll regret it forever." Giving her friend a gentle, confident smile she assured her that her place was with Johnathan, not with her. "You love him, Mina. Go to him."
Staring into Lucy's eyes, so serious, their deep blue color obviously troubled by her words, Lucy's voice soft, yet so supportive; Mina took her hands unable to fully express her relief. "Thank you." Mina's words barely above a whisper conveyed her gratitude. Rising, she turned to leave and she swiftly spun back to her friend. "Lucy," she breathed horrified her memory had failed her, "I can't leave you and the Count alone tonight. It's not done. Propriety demands there be a third party present so I'll delay my trip until tomorrow", Mina declared crestfallen as she'd wanted to start immediately for the abbey which held Johnathan.
"You'll do no such thing. Your friend, the Count and I, will do just fine. My father's here so there's no worries about propriety. Everything will be well in hand, now go! Johnathan needs you..."
Mina hugged Lucy, kissing her on both cheeks before exiting in a hurried fashion.
Lucy heaved a sigh wishing the queasiness in her stomach would quell. Instinctively she knew that she only needed to get her mind off tonight's guest and she'd be fine. Inexplicably, her father had had numerous dinner guests over from time to time and none of them ever sent her stomach into knots and nervous tension as did this one. Maybe that meant he was someone special. She could only hope.
Lucy left the room heading upstairs to bathe and dress in her nicest gown, eager to meet the man whom Mina had deemed very charismatic, handsome- devilishly so, sensitive, romantic and sensitive. From Mina's description he was a virtual manly paragon. And so tonight she'd discover his weakness, if any existed, and bring him to his knees. But what if he has none? Yes, they do, her mind whispered, everyone has a weakness. It just takes the right amount of pressure and words to bring them to light. Humming up the stairs Lucy had become very happy indeed.
Later that evening the butler entered from the foyer announcing their guest's arrival. Lucy immediately presented herself at her father's side, standing there all radiant innocence and breathtaking beauty. But hers was nothing compared to the man stepping through the threshold.
Her breath caught in her throat. He was beautiful, no more than that! There were no words she could recall to describe him in richest detail. Extremely tall, thin, handsome, a very unique and commanding presence, he was the epitome of a perfect man, a walking example of sexual tension, he caused a knot to form in her stomach, coiling from his attention.
From his head to his toes, he wore black, except the white shirt beneath his suit jacket, fitted at the waist, yet flowed gracefully all the way to the floor. Removing his top hat and jacket he handed them to the butler before approaching Lucy.
"Such beauty the sun could not eclipse, the moon cannot compare." He spoke as if the words were foreign to him, unused to uttering such pretty phrases turning awkward on his tongue. However, Mina did say he was romantic and sensitive, yet Lucy felt a sort of primitve danger about him, this Count reeked of it, the sort who'd never bow to anyone and wore power as he wore the clothes on his flesh.
Kissing her small, delicate hand, he spoke to her father, "You're daughter is quite lovely, Mr. Westenra." Her father agreed with his assessment and urged them forward into the dining parlor.
After supper, Mr. Westenra retired for the evening claiming fatigue and said the two younger people should enjoy the rest of the evening.
Offering her his arm, the two left the house and entered the garden, a varitable Eden with green bushes and multitudes of flowering arrangements all thriving together under nature's command. Finding a bench to sit upon away from prying eyes and ears, they sat laughing and talking barely noticing the moon's slow descent from the black sky.
Lucy's heart quickened its pace as she noticed the Count staring at her hungrily. His eyes contained a hint of redness which alarmed her. "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong. Lucy, what I'm going to say next is extremely forward and if it offends I'll apologize, but I must ask it."
Intrigued, she wondered what could he possibly ask that would be forward and cause her the sort of offense to result in an apology. "Ask your question then. I doubt very much it could shock me. I've overheard conversations between my father and Dr. Seward regarding the patient's at Dr. Seward's asylum, so believe me, I'm dubious you could shock me."
"Are you a virgin?"
Stunned, she coughed and blushed, "Well, not that it's any of your business, but yes!" Her voice teetered between outraged and amused. "Why do you ask such an impertinent question, sir?"
"It was for my knowledge only. Your status is safe with me." To cool her temper he leaned in placing a chaste kiss on her virginal lips. Chaste swiftly became heated and passionate, leaving nothing left to the imagination.
In that very moment her fiance, Arthur, was tossed aside, forgotten in the shadowy wisps of seduction woven by the Count.
Staring into her bottomless eyes, their blue depths reminscent of the deepest ocean, his voice whispered softly, seductively, pulling her under his whim and under his command. His lips lightly kissed a trail from her soft, pink mouth to the side of her throat. Pausing momentrarily; smirking at her lustful moan, he struck swiftly, feeding slowly, feeding the fire of her imagination and passion.
Pulling back despite her protests his tongue flicked over the wounds, coagulating the blood accumulating there. Lucy clung to him, her slim figure swaying under the sudden weakness and blood loss. Her fingers clutched the white material of his shirt, steadying herself while fighting against the strange vertigo sweeping her senses.
"It's alright, Lucy. Let go. You're safe with me." His voice, deep and enthralling, a low timbre, beckoned to everything in her, calling to the woman begging to be freed.
"I trust you and I always will." A small giggle erupted from her pale lips. Her voice shook from excitement and fatigue, "Strange isn't it? I've never met you until tonight, but I feel I've known you far longer."
He didn't answer. He stared into her eyes mesmerizing her, lulling her to sleep. The moment her body, subdued under his order, fell limply into his arms, he swept her up into his taut, muscular arms. Lifting his face towards the moonlight, the familiar heavy cover of fog rolled in and he disappeared with an unconscious Lucy, sleeping and unaware.
This happened a second time, and Lucy while strolling through the gardens came upon a creature feeding on one of their servants. She gasped, screams alluding her as fear took her very breath. The creature looked up at her, blood around his lips, a thin streak of red drizzled down his chin. Upon seeing the identity of him, sadness overwhelmed her. Fear prevailed over the sadness and lifting the hem of her gown, she turned, running away from him, running for her life.
He easily caught her, wrapping her close. Crying and cursing him, she beat at him with her small fists, her fury and pain pierced him like none other. He was a dark being, but he still did have feelings. He'd been attracted to her so quickly that he wondered if fate had a hand in things. She was so unlike every female he'd met. Of course, he'd deceived her, not meaning to, cautious that she'd be afraid of what he truly was, and he was correct. She wasn't afraid, but terrified.
Tears streamed down her face, and he thrust her face into his chest swearing he wouldn't hurt her. As he explained to her all about his true self he felt the first waves of disgust swell, only her heart refused to disavow him completely.
Hours later, the pair still entwined together, Lucy finally came to grips with her Count's actions and his true existence. It was difficult to say the least. Her mind still rebelled somewhat at the thought of his drinking blood, however, she was still marveling over the length of his life. The many things he'd seen over the centuries. And how utterly lonely he must've been without someone to walk by his side.
Her heart beating to a calmer tune, her breathing slowed substantially; she'd considered her options as he spoke. At first she was afraid he'd kill her for what she'd witnessed, but he'd shown her no animosity, only love; all he wanted was her love and acceptance in return. That's all he'd ever wanted. Someone to love him despite the beast and his dietary requirements. Someone to look past the bad to see the good, the man inside.
Facing him, a serene expression across her features, Lucy stunned him with her words. "Finish it."
"Finish what?" He was perplexed by her query. Did she know? Could she possibly have figured out that he was the cause of her palor and extreme fatigue, the cause of her frequent painful tranfusions?
"Finish what you started." Her voice no more than a whisper on the wind, but with his extraordinary hearing it graced his ears perfectly, easily.
Momentarily panicking, he felt he couldn't doom her to live his hellish existence, forced to walk by night, living from the blood consumed from humans, that would negate all she was. Beauty, light and goodness. To turn her would taint her very existence. Or so he thought.
Her face stoic, her voice calm, no tremor about her, she said, "No, it wouldn't." Lucy knew very well what he was thinking with little effort. The two of them apparently thought along the same mental path. Her eyes gazed unflinchingly into his, her words steady, "Yes, I know who you really are. And I know what you're thinking. You may be hesitant to bring me into your world but I have no second thoughts. I've come to feel such indescribable, powerful feelings for you that I can't rest, I can't eat. I can't think about anyone but you. And why you might ask? I've come to the conclusion that I love you."
The wind around them stirred. Leaves in the trees rustled softly, flower stems bent gently under the flowing pressuring, adding to the mystique of the full moon and the supernatural occuring around them. Clouds slowly rolled in obscuring the light the moon provided, thunder rolled in the distance, an echoing boom as the storm moved ever closer to the lovers.
"But what about your Arthur", he questioned. "What do you feel for him?" He had to know he was her only love for he'd never excelled at sharing with others. Feeling possessiveness, jealousy, hit hard, he wanted to obliterate the one called Arthur, wiping out his sole competitor and fellow suitor. She'd be his and his alone.
Reluctant to answer, Lucy pondered on her feelings and thoughts toward her future husband. Taking her time she derived the answer she sought. "I love him, of course, only not as you think. I love him almost like a brother, but my feelings for him can't compare to what deep and uncompromising and passionate emotions, feelings I have for you."
Emotion swirled in his eyes quickly becoming discolored, a red haze tinting them as he fought against his very nature. "Why did you choose him then?"
"I suppose because he was the only one I deemed worthy of having my hand. Although, I will say that I still felt empty, unfulfilled, as if something were missing." Smiling at him, she affirmed, "That feeling stayed true until I met you." Bowing her head, long, blond strands falling around her face; hiding it's delicate beauty.
Lifting her chin with his index finger, he smiled in return. "None of that matters now. If you truly wish to be with me for all time, I will grant your wish." Tenderly brushing away the tears languidly slipping down her cheeks he whispered, "Don't cry. Everything will be alright, I promise."
Giving him a brief smile, she nodded. "I am ready." Inhaling and exhaling deeply a few times, Lucy prepared herself for the death of her mortality and rebirth into immortality. Her tense body relaxed, giving herself freely into his keeping, his will.
Drawing her closer, he moved silently; gathering her into his strong arms, he kissed first her forehead working his way downward to her slightly parted lips. Delicately pressing his firm lips to her soft, full ones he increased the intensity and pressure, inducing her to let him in.
Lucy, taken over by the heat assailing her skin, wanted him to hurry, fire dancing along her skin, burning; she wanted him to relieve this unexpected sensual heat as her heart quickened it's pace, lungs breathing, in and out, working harder to keep up with her body's demands. Such passion he contained! Every touch set her aflame, tingles and shocks of electricity seemed to flow in every nerve ending; arching from his fingertips and lips, thoroughly seducing her. His enthralling, enticing webb forced her to forget herself, and the reason these very liberties were being indulged.
The first drops of rain splattered as the oncoming storm arrived. The lovers ignored the cool drops falling, their passion too great. Drops soon turned to a continuous downpour soaking both the Count and Lucy who paid no attention, so absorbed in one another were they.
Instead of warning her, he abruptly struck, fangs sinking into soft, fragrant skin as he prepared to bring her wholly into his world. He continued feeding until her heart slowed, almost to the point of death. Withdrawing from her, he lay her easily on the stone bench as he reached up and ripped his white shirt open, sending buttons flying. Slicing through his pale skin with a lengthened fingernail, he reached for her. Bringing her to the bleeding cut on his chest, he enticed her to drink of his essence, effectively ending her existence as she knew it.
All the while rain pelted them, their clothes completely soaked through; Lucy's figure fully revealed through the white gown she wore, clinging to her small hips, the outline of her breasts faintly seen through the thin material. Halting her feeding, he sent her to sleep and he watched as her blue eyes closed one final time. When she woke, she'd be completely of his world. He couldn't help but wonder if she'd regret her decision, or hate him for coming into her life.
Dismissing this trail of thinking, he stood Lucy held carefully in his arms, precious gift that she was; the storm continued to rage around them, wind howling, forked lightning splitting the sky, thunder booming overhead, he smiled at the irony of it all.
Once again calling on his unending supernatural powers, white, dense fog rolled in providing him cover. Moments later the fog dispersed, the imposing figure, holding his love tightly, had disappeared leaving nothing behind.
The next day the entire house lamented and cried over dear, sweet Lucy's passing. All the men blamed themselves for failing Lucy, but none more than the Count's nemesis, Hellsing. The garlic, crosses and tranfusions had done nothing to save her, and losing her to the vampire a bitter loss indeed. He'd failed her and his friend, Dr. Seward.
The infamous doctor and vampire hunter informed Seward that the Lucy they knew was truly dead, gone forever, however, now she was the living dead and must be destroyed. Seward reacted horribly to the news, but after hearing about several children missing from the surrounding area, only to be found the next day completely drained of blood, did he reconcile a grain of truth from his friend's words.
Breaking the news to the rest: Arthur, Johnathan and Quincy proved to be no easy task. Out of the three Johnathan, fear in his eyes, stood and fervently vowed that action needed to be taken. He'd seen firsthand how vampire's operated and Lucy's innocence had to be freed from the devil who held her close.
Later that night, they all watched in horrid fascination as Lucy's grave, the stone lid pulled from her resting place to reveal it's emptiness. Hellsing's theory rang true. None of them could doubt him. Suddenly, a child's cry erupted in the night, the sorrowful tune carrying on the wind and echoing through the entombed structure serving as her burial ground.
They could hear her whispers as she attempted to comfort the crying little one. Soon, she arrived, her figure revealed in the torchlight, the small child held securely in her arms. Spotting them she sat him down and reached out to Arthur, happy to see her friend again.
Without warning Hellsing intervened throwing up a cross in her face; forcing her to back away and crawl back into her coffin. She was afraid, he could sense it. And experience told him the sun was slowly rising, signifying the only reason why she'd returned to this place.
She lay as if sleeping, and the doctor pulled out a hammer and huge, metallic stake from his bag sitting on the cement floor. Placing the stake above her heart, another stayed his hand. "Wait! I should be the one to do this! We were engaged and the least I can do is give her a peaceful, eternal rest."
Everyone gazed at him through skeptical eyes. Only Hellsing believed he could do it, and only because he'd seen how much the man loved the recently departed woman. Giving way to the younger man, he instructed him in the art of killing a vampire.
"You must strike quickly and hard. There can be no indecision. Place the stake here", he once again placed the stake above Lucy's heart with Arthur's hand gripping the weapon firmly, "and use the hammer to pound as hard as you can, piercing her undead heart; therefore giving her your final gift." Watching the younger man's expression he said coldly and firmly, "If you can't do this you must speak up now. For if you fail and she escapes our deaths will result from your weakness."
Aruthur nodded. "I will do this, for her. She's owed that much since I failed her."
Hellsing touched his shoulder, "We all did, my son. It's time", he stated gravely.
Rearing back, Arthur called upon all his strength and pounded the first blow, breaking through flesh, bone and muscle, blood spurting up from the pierced organ.
Lucy's eyes flew open. Pain shattered her sleep as the object stabbed her heart. She felt her lover experiencing her pain, her suffering through her. Hearing his mental shouts and agony, and his inability to act, she inwardly cried as they shared her second death. Shrill high-pitched screams filled the air as Holmwood continued to hammer the stake completely through her heart. He kept pounding until the more experienced vampire hunter halted him by taking the weapons from him.
The raging, tormented screams ceased, her eyes closed and her body stilled. The entire area awash in blood, the bright, gawdy color ran in streams along the stones in a macabre stream.
The older manpatted Arthur's shoulder, congratulating him on the perfect job he'd done. "She's gone, Arthur, you did your best. Now she is dead. Truly dead. And thanks to you, she can finally rest in peace outside the monster's clutches." Gesturing them to leave he muttered, "There's nothing more we can do here. Let us leave this place. We all need rest."
One by one they all filed solemly from Lucy's grave, hearts heavy under the knowledge of the actions taken this night. They were all exhausted and not just physically, but emotionally as well. And none of them had any idea of the battle that lay ahead, a battle of revenge.
End of dream...
Alucard felt the remnants of dizziness assail him, realizing he'd returned to the mortal realm, Seras' soul still by his side. What he'd seen in her dream tore him to shreds. He'd always wondered exactly how Lucy's death came to pass, and now he'd seen it he believed he'd been better left in ignorance. To see the cruelty by which his beloved had died was too much.
Fury welled, his muscles shaking from the strained, unreleased tension and hate he felt. Seras, in her soul form, touched his arm lightly. She pulled back, gasping at what she saw. "Alucard..."
Darkness erupted from Seras, from every corner in the room. Inky, black shadows reached for the two at her side fighting desperately to free them both and save them all. The contents of the room began to quake from the amount of potent, malicious energy filling the air.
"What's wrong?" He snapped his mouth shut, white teeth giving the impression of a predator on the verge of attack.
Her blue eyes large, she said awed, "Your eyes...they're red!"
"About damn time!"
"Alucard, time grows short. Give me your hand. We must finish this and quickly." Retrieving his hand, her form glowed, the white light encompassing his capabilities as a mortal to view it; strength flowed into him through the conduit which her soul performed to perfection.
He felt stronger, more powerful. The fury within continued to build, an emotional maelstrom waiting for an opportunity to let loose, destroying whatever stepped into his path. A primitive shout erupted from his mouth as he fought the rising darkness, yet something was wrong. Opening his eyes he glanced at Seras' body shaking as if experiencing a seizure. Gale like winds rose in the room, knocking equipment and supplies to the floor. Her soul shouted to him, yelling for his attention.
"Alucard! This must end. The darkness has passed the point of her control! She can no longer hold it back! If we don't do this now your powers will completely envelop her, destroying you both; spreading like an evil stain to the rest of the world!"
The wind continued to blow almost knocking him to his knees. Seras' soul once more took his hand, muttering a chant in an ancient language, her magic working its will, streams of blackness flowed from Seras to Alucard. Seras screamed from the pain of his malevolent power being taken forcefully, Alucard shouted upon receiving it. The cause...too much power and knowledge being shoved in at once, his body protesting as it bent and twisted under the strain.
Without warning, Seras' body had stilled, her eyes still closed; the room had grown quiet, with the exception of Alucard groaning under the pressure of change. His knees buckling from the force of his powers returning by such a strenuous, unorthodox manner, his hands flew to his face. Fire seared his inside, pain speared his entire body, inside and outside, he wretched, throwing up his stomach's contents, suffering hell, enduring hell for his sake, Seras' sake and for the world. He could honestly say he'd never imagined saving the human race from extinction by his hand. Centuries ago he would've said to hell with them. Only now, Seras wouldn't allow it. She was too pure and kind.
Moments later, after being what felt like immersed in the fires of hell he rose from the floor. Something felt different. Glancing down, he smiled upon seeing his familiar red garb back in place; large, similarly colored hat atop his head.
Concentrating, he quickly attempted to quell his rebelling power, subduing it under his control, but it fought back. The shadows, buried so long, whispered, slithered from his limbs, the infamous control he'd always boasted of having picked a hell of a day to desert him. His red gaze slid over to Seras' soul standing there sadly, tears filling her sorrowed eyes. Not bothering to speak she pointed toward Seras' form still laying on the table, no movement detected, nothing. Still fighting the demon inside, Alucard ignored his battle for the moment to check Seras' condition.
"Seras?" Speaking lowly to her, Alucard hoped to stir her with his voice. Several tries later...still no answer. Touching her petite body, he attempted to shake her into consciousness all the while calling her name. Forgoing all else, the vampire shouted her name while still moving her immobile form from side to side, anything to illicit a response. Nothing. He repeated this process, the feeling of panic and helplessness, emotions from long ago returned to haunt him, until her soul reached out and moved his hand.
"Alucard, you must stop." Tears spilled over her lashes as she languished over a second reincarnation lost. "She's gone. There's nothing we can do." Her hand lay across his forearm gently trying to soothe him.
Jerking his arm from her touch, he uttered darkly, "The hell there isn't! She's not gone. She can't be! She swore she'd never leave and she'd always be with me. I'll find a way," he spat with anger. "I'll bring her back whatever it takes!"
Shaking her head at his outburst she whispered, "You must accept, Alucard, what is unacceptable and inevitable. You will only hurt yourself should you continue down this path." Bright blue eyes watched him, wishing things could've turned out different. "I'm sorry. Your power and strength were too much for her, being as young as she is. Seras had no chance to beat it, at first I thought she did. But only after seeing it, I realized too late..."
She closed her eyes and opened them to find Alucard and Seras gone. Smiling sadly she knew where he was going and what he'd attempt to do. Regardless of the outcome she wished him well. Her form shimmered and then faded into the blackness of the room, nothing left behind.
Integra impatiently stared at the hospital doors. The heiress had been scared to death as she heard the screams and shouts emitted from the facility. And the lighting which forked overhead, eager electicity-filled tongues flying in multiple directions, waiting for the chance to strike. Instinctively she knew it was all due to whatever was happening in Seras' room. It had to be.
Her icy eyes widened in amazement as she watched her servant materialize outside the hospital. He was back! His powers had returned! She thanked God that he was back to being the old Alucard. Although, at times she'd probably miss the mortal one. It couldn't be helped, the psychotic No Life King had grown on her.
The closer he moved towards them, she smiled as she saw he was conveying Seras in his arms. She was still and silent, maybe unconscious, the heiress thought. But her opinion changed as she noticed the striken expression on his face, the anger, pain and fury that followed. Somehow between his reaction and the lack of movement from the petite blond sent a fresh wave of unease through her stomach.
No! She couldn't be! Could she? "Alucard-", she started but her servant interrupted her.
A shaft of pain seared his insides; forcing him to drop to his knees almost losing his grip on the small woman he carried. His demon struck again, shadows seeped from every crevice, their shapeless forms sliding across the ground.
Walter rushed forward as another attacked assailed the powerful vampire causing his grip on Seras to loosen, letting her fall and the Angel of Death's arms caught her in the nick of time. Walter and Integra retreated several steps as they watched Alucard lose control.
Angrily, she muttered, "Not the best time for this shit!" Although, she watched in fascination, she was terrified if the last of Hellsing's seal broke...what would become of them? The world?
The storm which had seemed to dissipate within the hospital confines suddenly appeared in the sky and all around them. The wind gusting, blowing everyone around, forcing them to stumble to their knees, ripping leaves from trees and howling loudly forcing those present to cover their ears for protection. Thunder loudly boomed, it's sound echoing, resounding; adding to the wind's already miserable cacophony. Lightning split the sky, brightly illuminating, forked fingers stretched across the sky giving a brief appearance of daylight, and rain began to pour, pelting everyone foolish enough to stand outside.
They all watched as Alucard's body twisted and contorted, his tall frame tense, fighting the malevolence from it's attempt to subdue him and escape. "I can't. Lose. Control." The feelings of pain long vanished, teeth clenched tightly, his insides squirmed against the creature inside. Rare occasions had found him in this similar situation and every time he'd won. But now he was at the mercy of his own strength and limitations, having just gotten them back.
All of nature raged with Alucard's violent emotions and feelings. The longer he fought for control, his groans became evident, exerting ever increasing power and mental abilities as he battled himself for control. This continued for a long time, or so it seemed to the bystanders. His face and body, strained with the effort of this war, gave a final push,apparently sending the monster back into Hell's abyss; leaving Alucard in full control.
The moment he gained mastery of himself, all of nature's fury receded with the monster. The rain, lightning and thunder all died away, nothing more than a freak storm.
"...the hell?" Integra wondered exactly what just happened. Had he finally done it? Why had he been forced to endure it in the first place?
Exhausted from the demand placed on his adjusting body, Alucard's mountainous form collapsed to his knees and fell to the ground unconscious.
Shocked and surpised Walter said, "Now that's something you don't see everyday," pointing at the passed out vampire.
Lighting up a cigar, Integra stoically asked, "What the hell just happened here?"
A voice from the darkness rang out as a figure approached. "I believe I can help you with that."
"Anderson," Integra growled. Her slender body went on alert as the paladin grew nearer.
"You want answers and I can provide them."
No one said a word as the priest's eyes absorbed first Alucard's unconscious figure then Seras'. "I think that we need to go somewhere comfortable where we can talk. It might be a long night...for the both of them", he mentioned wisely.
Despite Integra's mistrust of the man she gave the order for the helicopters to be fired up. They were returning to Hellsing and taking the paladin with them.
Walter spoke lowly in her ear, "Sir, do you think it wise? You know what he is."
"No, I don't think it wise, but do I have another choice? We have questions, he has answers. A simple exchange and then we send him packing."
Within moments everyone including Anderson loaded onto the choppers. Upon completely safety protocol checks, the machines lifted into the air; traversing the familiar path back to Hellsing.
A/N: Thank you ladies and gentlemen for flying Nlightnd airways. Please return your seats and all trays to their upright positions. Make sure your seatbelts are fastened as we prepare for our descent, and once again thank you for flying our friendly skies. Have a great day:) Now back to Ludifer for your regularly scheduled program. ;)