I do not own Hellsing nor do I have any interests in it save for pleasure.
Authors Note:
- Italics are thoughts. "sent or projected thoughts."
-/is in Romanian/ /projected thoughts in Romanian /
-Bold words are with emphasis not necessarily yelled or shouted.
Homecoming
Walter smiled as he woke that night. He knew His lady was due back any time now. One day two at the most and she would be back home, back in his arms where she belonged. He would as she said 'put the ring where it belonged.' He smiled going about his duties. More than a few asked if this meant there had been a positive change in the countess. All knew that he slept in her apartment now. "Yes she seems improved." He would say trying to contain his joy.
"Walter you are slipping badly." Alucard chided him from the ceiling of Walter's office. He was in a foul mood for a few reasons. For one he had that dream yet again. No matter how far or fast he ran he could never touch the door handle, and her voice so weak kept calling to him, this time she called him Dragon. "You keep this up and people are going to expect her to walk out of that room. I would have thought you would want to keep her in that room for a bit after she returns." Alucard taunted him.
"That is a splendid idea Alucard." Walter said not willing to be so easily baited by his friend. "We may as you and Seras will be …. Shall I say out of communications in a few nights."
"I think we will be." Alucard shook his head and growled. "I do not know what to do now." He hovered down and sat in a chair opposite Walter. "Walter she is driving me insane! We are so close but her thing with sex!" He said irked and shook his head, pausing when the door opened. He did not pause fast enough.
"Oh pardon me." Jeff said red in the face as he backed out and closed the door.
"Why are these mortals so embarrassed when it comes to sex? He is bright red after hearing the word! You were not like that even when you were mortal!"Alucard groused.
"Alucard, the majority of my education, sexual and otherwise happened under your tutelage. Not your typical British education." Walter smirked pointing to Alucard with a pen as he leaned on his desk. "I know you and Seras are very close now."
"Yes we are. We have slept in the same bed; we have shared one another's blood, what else could she need?" Alucard sighed exasperated.
"I do not know for sure." Walter worked hard not to laugh. In some ways this was so unlike Alucard. Usually Alucard simply took whatever or whomever he wanted. "It would seem we are in the same boat old friend. Walter shook his head.
"Indeed it does." Alucard shook his head still frustrated. "What the bloody hell am I going to do? When the blood moon comes she will be irresistible to me. Odds are good I will not be able to stop myself."
"Alucard…." Walter thought a moment and reflected on what he and Seras had spoken on the night Lady Irons had been attacked. "She does not fear you…" Walter began to connect things.
"What is it Walter? What have you realized?" Alucard asked with raised eyebrow.
"You will hate to hear this but I think it has to do with the second attack by Anderson." Alucard growled. "She said she was afraid he was going to rape her." Walter sat back. "That combined with…. Think on it, she is the age she is and still a virgin. She was planning much like my Lady to wait for her husband." He shook his head in disbelief that it was so simple to realize.
"Bloody great! She and I cannot marry." Alucard growled adding this to his growing list of sins committed by the Judas Priest.
"Alucard for Midians mating is our marriage. Have you gone to her and explained this? Or does this fall under the things we expect her to know for no good reason?" Walter asked.
"I do not believe I have spoken to her on this. But she knows that we are meant for one another. It is bloody obvious we want one another. I am hers and she is mine. Any other male who touches her will die. And yes that does include the Damned Judas Priest. I will see just how often he can regenerate." Alucard snarled the last two sentences.
"Well I do hope you include others in this fun game." Walter smirked in a vicious way. "I am sure My Lady will want a piece of him and I know I do."
"Of course, I would not dream of keeping you out of it." Alucard promised. Especially when I tell you of his threat to the Spawn.
"Good for now, go find Seras and explain things to her. Tell her of the seriousness of True Mating amongst our kind. It just may make all the difference." Walter smiled. He was amused that he was giving Alucard advice on women of all things.
"Wipe that cheeky smile off your face and tell me if there is anything else I should do?" Alucard snorted.
"A rose and a ring? She seems the type to like roses. You call her your dark rose. We know My Lady prefers something more exotic…. Makes me think, I should likely be ordering some flowers myself."
"So go and buy roses and a ring?" Alucard looked at Walter as if he was joking.
"Why buy roses when we have a garden full of them. Take her there where you may have privacy. The ring is likely unnecessary just now. Tell Natty you and Lady Seras will be there and want privacy. The whole of Hellsing would not be able to disturb you without going through her and facing her considerable wrath."
"You have a point." Alucard said as he stood up. He nodded and went to the door and opened it. Walking through he looked back at Walter. "If this blows up in my face I will make you suffer like I never have before." Then he turned and went.
"I am quite sure you will Alucard, I am quite sure you will." Walter shook his head and called Jeff in to go over the business for the night.
Alucard paced the halls of the Estate on the ceiling. It disturbed the staff some but they were accustomed to his odd ways. They knew if he was doing this it was best to just leave him be, if they said 'pardon me' he would move so they did not collide. Finally he went to the Head of the estate staff, the formidable woman called Natty. Alucard walked into the kitchen as that was where she was usually found. "Pardon me Natty?" He began.
"Lord Alucard kindly put your feet on the floor and not the ceiling when you are in my kitchen." She said kindly but with an authority that would not be questioned.
"Of course. Pardon me I have been in thought." He explained righting himself.
"I expected as much with all the reports of your walking on the ceilings. I do thank you for being courteous to the staff and giving them the right of way as they go about their duties and thank you for not tracking mud on the ceilings. Now how my I help you Lord Alucard?" She smiled at him.
Alucard was always amazed by the ease with which she accepted Midian ways. "I was planning on taking Lady Seras on a walk through the roses. I should like for us to have privacy. I have something of importance to discuss with her."
"Say no more Lord Alucard." Natty smiled in a motherly fashion. She knew he, Sir Walter and Lady Seras had saved her Countess from the treacherous Marie. She was grateful for it. "Give me mmmm ten minutes and I can guarantee it will be deserted. Would you like some candles or anything set out for you?"
"No. No thank you. Natty the privacy alone is what we need."
"I see. Lord Alucard, forgive me my prying but is this romantic discussion?" Natty asked with a smile.
"Yes, I guess it is." He said with cocked eyebrow.
"Lord Alucard, please allow me to put out a few things for you two? It has been perhaps a while since you were how shall I say courting?"
"Several centuries." Alucard agreed.
"I thought as much." Natty nodded. "You know where the lover's seat is in the center of the roses?"
"Yes I do." He nodded looking confused.
"Bring her there to talk in fifteen minutes?" She smiled at him quickly running through her mind the few things that should be done.
"As you wish." Alucard said suspicious. "All we need is privacy. This is no grand seduction or anything."
"I understand. It is just a few things that she will appreciate. Please trust me to do this as I trust you to protect our Countess and Little Lords." That stopped Alucard cold as she knew it would.
"Thank you for your aid Natty." He said then went out of the kitchen wondering what he had started. "So help me Walter if this blows up in my face…" He growled softly walking down the halls trying to find Seras.
/You sought to …. My God! I never would commit such a sin against My Lord and Husband! You will die as the traitorous dogs you are!/ They swore that all of their knowledge was that he was dead. They were pleading for their lives and they knew it. /I will see My husband remove your head, or worse!/ Her voice was cold, fierce, wicked and verging on mad. She growled at the men surrounding her.
/We will not die like that and you will not remain quiet without help Princess. Allow us to help you./ They pushed her over the edge.
/I curse you! You Traitors and Cowards I curse you and your whole families someday there will be vengeance on all of you for this!/ The wind was cold. It seemed forever to the bottom.
"Thank you Natty." Walter said into the phone then hung it up with a chuckle. She had called him to inform him that he should avoid the rose garden. Walter had no clue what she had up her sleeve but he prayed it went well. If it did not he was sure to catch thirty shades of hell from Alucard and he was not sure his lady could protect him from it.
"Alucard what is it?" Seras asked as he walked into her office as the person for her last brief left. He looked odd.
"Seras will you please come and walk with me a moment. I have something I need to discuss with you." He said with his usual confidence.
"Alucard I have others to speak to." She said gesturing to her now empty outer office. "Where did they go?"
"They got called elsewhere." A try out secretary named Sara said.
"Ok…. That is odd." Seras shook her head and shrugged. "Well then yes I will walk with you now Alucard." She said and went out the door with him.
Walter waited until they were down the hall a bit before he walked into the outer office and looked at Sarah. "Well done my dear. You will not under any circumstance call her do you understand? If it is important refer them to me."
"Yes sir, Sir Walter." She stammered.
She will not last a week. Walter thought as he walked down the hall. Bloody Hell we need to replace Marie! Walter walked quickly to Natty to see what she thought was the best course of action.
She had been traveling seemingly forever in the forest. This being the one that people called 'haunted', 'cursed', or 'the forest of the demon'. It made Blaze giggle to think of it like that, this was her home. These were the woods of her childhood. She had stopped to drink from the river. She was a day in. /I wonder how long it will take to get home. I wonder how much time I have before they begin to search here./ The water was cold and refreshing to drink and it helped to cool and slightly numb the still healing wounds. She could not be sure how long she had; it was time to move on.
Last time she walked through here she had been so young, terrified, desperate, and sorrowful. She had not however been alone, she was now. Then the wolves had been with her, helping her, sheltering her. Now she was acutely aware of being alone. Whenever she heard the sounds of wolves she smiled, she loved to hear them sing. Rejuvenated she continued on. This was an ancient forest, here you could be lost within thirty paces, when it was silent here, it was deafening. Nothing here had changed, nothing here ever did. All of the changes had been with her.
Seras sat stunned at her desk. The fairy lights and soft cushions around the center of the rose garden had been a surprise. The real shock was in what Alucard had said. "He wants to Mate me." She whispered. And looked at the rose he had given her. It had almost been comical watching him find the one he wanted. He was right though it was the bloodiest red rose she had ever seen. Its scent was heady. "It is like a marriage, but for Midians." She whispered again. She startled at the light knock on the door. "Yes?"
"It is I Seras, Walter. You wanted to speak to me?" He asked walking in. Walter saw her sitting behind her desk. "That is a lovely rose, a gift?"
"Uh huh. Alucard gave it to me." She said looking still in shock.
"What do you need to talk to me about?" He asked gently sitting down.
"Um, well I guess Alucard just kinda proposed to me I think." She said in an odd voice.
"Oh?"
"Yeah. He talked about Midians and how we Mate. Not just the physical, sex part. That True Mating is different. It is like marriage but forever basically. He said he wanted me for his mate." She blinked looking at the rose. She looked up at Walter. "Is he serious? Or are we both nuts?"
"Well as to the relative sanity of any of us I will not comment. But as to his seriousness, yes Seras he is. You must realize, in the past whatever, whomever Alucard has wanted he has simply taken. He is different with you. He wants you passionately. I am sure you know that." Seras nodded. "He does not want you only to discard you. Midians Mate under the Blood Moon, Seras. There is one that will be here soon. Can you not feel it coming?"
"I know I have been feeling something. I thought I was losing my mind." She said then looked at the rose in her hand. "He said I did not have to answer him right away. But Walter I know my answer. I think I have always known it. I think it is why I fought so hard to be sure he respected me."
"Then yes Seras." Walter smiled. "I expect you do know your answer." He nodded to her. "You remember from the last Blood Moon the feelings you had, how the internal, primal nature came out in you?" She nodded at Walter. "Perhaps it is best if you went to him before the Blood Moon. During the Blood Moon the primal will come out in us all. I will see to it you are not disturbed. But I am not sure you want that to be your first experience with him." Seras blinked then nodded and blushed with the realization of what Walter was saying. "Good you understand. I need to go and tend a few things for my Lady's return." Walter said with a smile and left Seras to think.
The longer she went on the further into her past she traveled. She needed to do this. She needed to do this alone. She had not lied to anyone. If she had flat out let people know her plan they would have insisted she not do this, do this differently, "at least let someone go with you." She had sworn Pip, Amun and her niece to secrecy about her wounds. She had been honest. When she returned to England she would tell the all about it. She had to do this alone.
She retraced the steps that had so altered her life. Zsophia was on foot. She had to be for many reasons, some practical even. Horses from outside the woods did not like to go in. This was the way she left this was the way she would return.
Movement was ahead. She froze in a semi crouch, dagger in hand without a first much less a second thought. The creator of the movement came closer. Her eyes went huge she nearly dropped her jaw.
/It can't be./ She whispered. /Your markings they look like the old one. But he would be long dead./ The wolf approached her. She showed no fear, she had none; she and wolves liked one another. /Can you be him?/
The wolf sat in front of her and looked at her cocking his head as if to say /Well cub what do you think?/ He continued to favor her with that look until she laughed and shook her head.
/You must be! So did you know I was coming today? Or have you been waiting for my return all along?/ His cocked eye ridge made her laugh. /forgive me my arrogance. I do not know how or why you are here. I am glad for the company./ The wolf got up and began to walk. The woman followed. She felt as a child again. She caught up to the seemingly ancient wolf and put her hand on his shoulders. He did not seem to mind. She knew they would walk like this all the way to the village; all the way home. She cleaned her wounds as she could wanting to fight infection and to keep them healing. The damage these daggers did would heal so much slower than any other normal wound it was because of the magic and other modifications to the daggers she had been stabbed with. At night they slept close to one another under whatever cover they could find.
"What are you talking about? She said nothing to me or anyone here Pip!" Walter exploded over the phone.
"'ey Wires all I know is what she say." Pip was no more pleased than Walter. Damn it girl you know better to just take off like zis.
"What did she say?" Walter promised himself he would strangle her this time. Alucard and Seras could see his concern and irritation. "That infuriating, frustrating, and aggravating, woman!" Walter exploded. Alucard agreed but smirked all the same.
"She said zat she was goin' home. She say she 'ad to hit a bakery. She had been acting strange her last two days here, twitchy." Pip shook his head as did Amun and the younger Zsophia. "She didn't tell you?"
"No." Seras confirmed. "Blokes face it she has something to do and wants some alone time. We are not going to find her without a better lead. We do what we can and wait. I hate it as well but what else is there to do?" Seras shook her head as Walter said good bye and hung up the phone. "Good thing that while she is supposed to be getting better we held off the announcement of her recovery."
Alucard sat in his 'throne' his feet up on the low table. He was contemplating what had and had not been said. All of her targets had been attended to. She had not been planning this action from the start. If she was she would have said she would be gone longer. She said zat she was goin' home. She say she 'ad to hit a bakery. Why did that sound so familiar to him? He should know this. I could try sensing her. She might feel it. Where are you going?
/Hi Uncle Alucard!/ The Spawn burst through the door.
/Well I did not expect to see you two so soon. Finally got your selves thrown out?/ He smirked.
/No./ They sighed. /We wish/ /then we could/ /stay here with everyone./ /Since mum's/ /whereabouts are unknown/ /we are/ /brought here./ /A safety precaution./ They ended in unison.
/A good one at that./ Alucard smiled. /Spawn, what is your mum's favorite bakery?/ They looked at him strangely.
/The one she/ /grew up in/ / in her home/ /village why?/ They looked at him curiously. Alucard wanted to beat his head into a wall.
/No special reason Spawn. I need time to think. Go horseback riding with your Father or something./
/Ok./ They went off to find Walter.
'She said zat she was goin' home. She say she 'ad to hit a bakery'. She spelled it out clear as day. Of course others would not get it. If I hadn't asked the Spawn I may not have. So Lady you return to our village. You have been AWOL for three days. Travel time you would be in the woods by now. Finding you there could be a task. I have no need to do the task either. I know where you are going. I just need to give you time to get there. There is still five days till the Blood Moon I think. Alucard thought hard. In the woods she would be safe. Of that he was fairly sure. There were no roads in to speak of. Some paths but that was all and most of those if you did not know them you would never find them. She'll be on foot in the woods and won't have a guide. There are none. Any traveling men would not lead her in. They would watch her. Perhaps if they realized she was from a village…. But she will not advertise that. No there are too many gypsies in the area. She will want to stay well clear of them. Alucard shook his head as he stood went to his small fridge and poured himself a goblet of blood.
You have become so powerful yet even the word gypsy frightens you like you were still that small child. He walked to the fire and swirled the blood in the glass. He would let it warm up. Little One this is such a great risk for you. Why undertake this journey like this, alone? He pondered this and thought on his 'Little Master'. He thought about all he did know of her. Again he realized all he did not know of her. Because this is the way it must be done for you. You must go in the same way you left. Three days in; in another two I'll go to the castle and wait for her. You were raised in the bakery. Alucard smiled.
/No wonder you said you would be more comfortable in an apron. Ah My Little One, you are not for aprons. I will see you dressed as a prin….. Oh my God!/ The realization hit harder than Anderson. /That's it, the other, the attraction. You resemble my Elizabetha./ He sat down almost spilling his drink. /Why did I never see it before? My Little One, what has fate and God done?/ He sat back and drank his blood quickly. The shock and realization confounded him. He was absolutely lost in thought. He did not hear the door open.
It was coming night in the forest. Blaze looked at her companion. /Tomorrow we need to hunt. We're both hungry./ The wolf seemed to agree. They would travel a little longer then seek shelter for the night. Suddenly he put his nose to the air. She looked at him, he had begun to growl. She had daggers at the ready. Both crouched down and then she heard movement. There are men moving through the forest. This late? Hunters maybe, not likely. Gypsies?
The thought made her swallow. They hid. The men passed right in front of them.
"What do you think?" One asked the other.
"I think we are on a wild goose chase." He growled. "Besides we're lost and we know it!"
You have intruded into the haunted forest gentlemen; too bad for you. She looked at the wolf and made a cutting motion across her throat then pointed to the men. He seemed to nod. They moved closer and got to either side of the men. He howled his attack she screamed hers. The men died with looks of horror etched on their faces. Between her and the wolf they made grizzly work of the men and left quickly. If they had friends in the area it would give them pause before going too much further in. The rumors and legends could indeed come true.
She was almost giddy from the kill. She almost hoped they would find more. Those were westerners. They could be alone; often they would be that stupid and not get a local guide. No local guide would bring them this far in though. Blaze and the Old One got to the water and crossed it. They traveled into the night more than they had expected. When they found shelter she climbed in and passed out unaware one of the wounds had opened.
"Alucard!" He jumped. "Where were you?" Seras asked smirking.
"The past, present and future." He smiled. /Care to practice your Romanian?/
/Hmm sure. How is it that I got it so quickly?/
/I put it in your head. Walter's as well it just makes things easier that way./ He smiled. /So what brings you to me?/
/Worry. Something is wrong with Zsophia and I know it. I can feel it./ Alucard knew that Seras and His Little One had become very close. He trusted her instinct.
/Perhaps, as you pointed out though there is little we all can do./ I however on my own can do more soon.
They hunted together the next morning. His portion he ate raw she cooked hers. Not much but it was cooked. The wolf stared at her as if to say 'what strange thing are you doing? Why are you burning the meat?' Thinking back she realized as a child she had eaten her meat raw like the wolves. She had no other choice. /Deal with it Old One./ She smirked at him. After they finished eating their fill she packed some of it to take with. They continued on as rain began to fall. There will be no fires for a bit. Blaze sighed she hated being wet and cold her wounds hurt and itched but she needed to keep moving.
"Walter, Seras I need to tend to something." Alucard said calmly two days later.
"Sure thing Alucard." Seras said as she thought about her conversation with Walter for the millionth time. Walter is right. I do need to go to his bed. I think I will go tonight. "See you when you get back."
"I look forward to it My Dark Rose." Alucard was going to be gone a while longer than they expected. He left a note on Seras bed revealing he had a possible location on Zsophia and that he was going to check it out. It was time to confront the past. It was time for answers.
The castle erupted into so much activity upon his arrival. That he had arrived so soon after his departure was a miracle. No one knew what exactly it boded for them all. They heard him order people to go into the town and tell him if anyone new arrived; if there was any unusual activity around the bakery. Men nodded and went. Alucard changed. He now looked more like what they expected the prince to look like. His hair was longer his clothes of the right style his familiar facial hair returned. When the men he had sent out returned with negative answers Alucard simply nodded. /Now we wait./ He began to pace the castle after sending out more spies to all the villages. He knew though she would return to this one.
Two days later the rain had not given up nor has she. Blaze was chilled to the bone but still moving. She knew the wounds had opened again. Even if I die from this I will die at home. Oh my Little Dragons will you be able to forgive me? Walter, my love, will you? They drew closer to a village she could tell. There were fewer animals. Then they saw land for growing crops. She smiled. The farmers must be thrilled, the shepherds not so much. That was something to think about. Shepherds and hunters, if they got too close they could be discovered. They needed to go between two of the villages to get to hers.
The wolf tried to lead her closer in. /No my friend./ He looked up at her. /I know what you are trying to do./ She smiled at him. /I do not want to be discovered just yet./ She shook her head. /I want to be home. My village./ She pointed the west of them. /We must go between this village and the other to the West. That will be the shortest route./ They went back deeper into the woods again. She did not know she was in fever, she did not think to stop that night until she saw the grazing grounds of her childhood. Blaze would have been happy that the rain had stopped if she had not stopped being aware of it a few hours ago. She remembered a tree that she had napped under. Getting there she lay down in the cold wet grass not aware of the chill or damp. Several more wolves arrived and lay around her, lending the warmth of their bodies.
Alucard woke, the sun was up so he paused and sent out his senses. He could feel her now. She was so close. He left the castle to hunt her. Her mind was mostly closed what little he could read was disjointed and confused. Now Alucard worried. He changed back to the modern clothing he had arrived in; it was something she would recognize him in easily.
/My God, there is someone here!/ Two young men ran up.
The Old One stood up and snarled a greeting. The other wolves glared at the men not moving.
/Woah!/ They drew guns to protect themselves. But the noise had woken Blaze she looked up and growled her own greeting. /A woman among the wolves?/ One of the young men whispered. It was like something from the childhood stories they had heard; a woman found in a wolf pack with the blackest hair and eyes green as the richest emeralds. They stood in awe. This had to be a sign, the prince had after all returned as well last night and they could not tell where she came from. Moreover if she was who they suspected, she was supposed to be dead, burned to death during a gypsy attack.
/Little Green Eyes?/ An older voice dared say from her side. He had known her as a child, but he did not dare to hope. The child had thought to die so many years ago they had erected an ornate tomb for her next to her beloved Princess and her Dumpling.
"Khal?" Blaze asked as she turned her head and studied him. She thought she knew this man. The wolves stood and quietly left sensing no danger to the woman they had sheltered again.
"Blaze!" Alucard said coming from the dark. All looked at him. The men retreated Blaze hissed and faced him. "Where is your mind? Asleep…." He lowered his glasses to look into her eyes.
"Midian!" She growled as daggers flew from her hands. She positioned herself to protect the men. Alucard ducked the daggers shocked at her attack. /Run to the village now!/ She ordered them.
They did as she ordered. /We will bring back others, we may have to alert the Prince himself./ Khal said as they ran. None believed that all of this was coincidence. /That thing she called Mid-i-an must have hunted her to here, perhaps a gypsy with its odd red clothing. We will not fail her again./
Why the hell is she attacking me? Alucard cursed.
Blazes eyes began to glow red; she moved with supernatural speed and grace as she charged him. He has seen this before but she was in better training now. She made one pass at him; he barely avoided the slashing Cat's Claws aimed for his face, as it was his hands bled. Whatever she was going to attempt next was forestalled by his catching her and holding on, pinning her to him as she charged again. He knew he could not allow her to develop the speed or attack patterns he had seen. Again, as before he took a dagger in the abdomen. He grunted. Damn I should have avoided that one this time. Irritated at himself for missing this trick.
She struggled and worked on breaking him to make him let go. She growled at him.
/You do not want to start that with me. I am not the one you want to mate./ He growled feeling the effects of the closing Blood Moon.
She struggled to get some leverage. With his words Blaze's eyes went narrow; she struggled harder kicking him. Blaze sunk her cat's claws into his chest and ripped it open after a twist freed her arm. She licked some blood from him as she twisted and squirmed using his blood and hers to lubricate her escape. She was just barely able to slip through his grasp. She backed away with a nasty smirk and his blood on her face. It was all so much Déjà vu Alucard wanted to scream. Wait her body temperature… is she in fever? The blood did not surprise him she had opened up his chest, it made sense.
Now she was ready to kill. She craved the bloodshed, she had just been killing Midians where and why she could not remember but it did not matter, the village needed to be protected from this one that was all that mattered to her now.
Alucard had seen this on her before, he was thrilled and excited despite himself, and he wanted it, he wanted this fight as well. He knew in the back of his head the Blood Moon was so very near but he cared less and less. Last time the two fought they had stopped, this time they would not. How do I stop her without killing her? The challenge in her eyes once again forced him to act, to at least get hold of her to try to calm her. She does not recognize me. I need to know what she remembers. /Does Dragon blood taste good to you My Little One? Do you want to try for more?/
/You Dare call yourself after The Dragon? I will drink your blood! I will bathe in it after I cut your tongue from your head. You will suffer for those words!/ Her eyes did not glow now, they became hard, cold, and deadly. Then she licked his blood from her Cat's Claws.
/I dare many things. You cannot do those things to me, without my leave./ Where is your mind? She gave smirk then a mocking laugh followed. Does she remember English? "You are wise to take measure. You cannot know my measure; I am like none you have met before." He was taking hers as well.
"You are a cocky one." She grinned.
"I can say the same to you." He grinned. She remembers English.
"I have trained in ways you cannot imagine You Damned Gypsy." She spat. "Yes I will do all I have said. I'll start now." She seemed to disappear. As Alucard opened his senses she slashed his cheek open. He hissed. She was in a slightly different position. "Silver dust, you'll feel that for a while." Shadows seemed to come out and clothe her.
Villagers were amazed at the scene they had come to; they had thought they would need to protect her, their child they thought lost and dead, from a monster here now and dressed in red. They could tell though that this child was now indeed a woman and warrior. None understood the words they spoke but even there she seemed to be holding her own. They noticed all of the blood. With a look from old Khal, two young men ran to the castle, for this, for her they would dare to wake their prince. They would not fail her again.
Alucard recognized this outfit and move. Yes he could expect a real fight from her he allowed his clothes to change to the ones he reserved for true battles. She deserved it. "Very good Dark Sprite. My turn." Alucard moved as though he would grab her arm but slid into a shadow instead. She swore and moved further into the clearing fast enough he barely caught her arm. She growled and struck at him Cat's Claws extended. He lost the grip on one arm to get the other then lost both and swore the material of her clothing was slippery from the blood and more. "Feisty aren't you?" then he was shocked. She licked more of his blood from the claws. He had not felt the blow. "Well done. I do not think I have seen even a quarter of your abilities now." Maybe I can get her to wear herself out or trigger this life, "or an older one." He muttered. Again he made a grab for her, she dodged and blocked he missed. The block would have killed and almost decapitated him if he were human. Now he growled from deep in his chest.
"I do not intimidate. You are not so impressive." She again disappeared, Alucard seemed to be blocking at nothing but there were a few scratches that appeared. He heard her mad laugh it triggered him. He laughed as well.
"Fun" His eyes glowed he grinned. Now he stepped into a shadow. She seemed to blink into view.
"Did you run away like a good Gypsy?" She pulled a bit of cloth over her mouth and nose.
"You will not completely disappear from me ever; I can track you to the ends of the earth." Alucard's arm shot out from a shadow. "I already have." He had his arm around her waist. Villagers? Alucard saw them on the edge of the clearing. So brave now. Reaching out he read quickly their surface thoughts. They come to save her from the Monster. They do not recognize me dressed as this. Blaze hissed and contorted her body again raking him with her cat's claws. A few men came closer. If only they knew. He smirked at them. This is our fight. We will continue it elsewhere and I will be closer to answers. Alucard opened a shadow and they fell in.
"So, now what Little One?" Alucard smiled. "A bit disoriented? It happens to mortals after a walk through my shadows." He sniggered. He had dropped her on the ground. It was colder here in the open away from the trees, which should slow her. Why is there so much blood on my arm?
"Where have you taken me?" She got up with a sensuality that was alluring. She stood proud, regal and she regarded him with cold yet burning eyes, covered in the blood from their fight. She brought claws to the ready.
"You remind me of a paladin I know." This seemed to set her off, again she blinked out. This time Alucard was prepared. He reached out with his senses; and used the bond they shared he could find her. He smiled and blocked then back handed her. "Damn." He hit her harder than he wanted. But she should be out cold now. As she got up Alucard swore again. Then he smiled with pride for the strength of His Master. The blow has at least brought her back into sight.
She was quite a site, still proud, defiant and covered in blood. Now there was a blood trickle on the side of her mouth. He wanted it, and her. Suddenly he found himself being bound and squeezed. He looked down glowing chains encircled him. He looked up and saw as one of her hands seemed to tighten around something not there. She tugged he fell. She smiled bigger. He was being squeezed and could not mist out nor become bats, this was unusual.
"You want to lick the blood from my mouth?" Her voice went beyond mocking. "Very well you can, if you can get to it. I allow few that taste even." She smirked having forgotten entirely the wounds which now bled.
"I do not understand the meaning of that however," he sent out his demons it startled her. "I will be intrigued to find out." Her attention wavered he turned to mist and was free. "Very interesting magic, you hide so much Little One. I plan to find out much more of you tonight."
Blaze dodged his demons then hit them with a powdered compound, something Alucard did not recognize. It was not pleasant. When the chase and attack ended she was up a tree.
Eyes began to appear all over him. "Oh yes Little One oh yes! This is so good!" He laughed being able to use many of the abilities the so rarely used. The darkness and demons began to form and swirl in the area.
Blaze hissed again; she leapt down from the limb and landed soundlessly and charged him again, then there was pain. She had slid past him tumbling and moving through the shadows and demons, throwing an odd dust in a water solution into all of his eyes.
Alucard was hurt, enraged amused, impressed, and thrilled all at the same time. He laughed. She gasped. The shadows had grabbed her from behind. She was the one struggling now. He was not allowing her hands to get near her seemingly endless supply of nasty compounds that stung and hurt. "So, I have a proposition for you. You are a hand-to-hand specialist, let's put the toys away." He smiled his challenge. "What pray tell did you mean when you said that about your blood?"
"Without my permission you may just as well drink holy water." She hissed.
Alucard cocked an eyebrow and smirked to emphasize his challenge.
"Why not?" She shrugged in the familiar manner. The shadows released her gently. In one move the top most layer of her clothing was gone. She stood in blacks and gray's her odd gloves with only a finger and thumb, pants, soft boots, a top that looked as though it was no more than a length of fabric wrapped around her in an interesting fashion as a sleeveless shirt. Against the black the dragon did or should have shown up clearly. It still looked Blurry. And oddly there seemed to be more blood now when she removed the outer clothing.
"Magnificent, you the way you stand all of it. I have many questions and I will have answers. First is about your pendant, why does it look odd, what magic does it hold?" He attacked fast using his words to distract her. She reacted fast they exchanged blows then broke off. "Gods you are amazing!"
"Thank you. My pendant is none of your concern." It disappeared. "You seem to enjoy the fight for the sake of the fight." She grinned. "I like that, so where are we?" She attacked this time; it was fiercer. She could handle more punishing blows. She gave more punishing blows.
Alucard realized she was magically protected. How he did not know, he did not care this was too much fun. The fight continued neither backing down. Alucard got her in a hold briefly and licked her blood from her cheek and mouth. She elbowed him in the stomach and got out. Alucard grinned, she smelled good she smelled of battle and strong blood. When she realized where they were it would get even better. Both were bloodied when they broke of the attacks to take each other's measure again.
With the next pass she drove him to the ground with a nasty series of kicks. She grabbed the back of his head by his hair. "My turn." She licked the blood from him this time; he made a grab for her he had her for a minute then she escaped.
She was getting tired he could tell she did not move near as well, she also seemed to be weaker and paler. Her fever helped slow her as well. Sanity was returning to Alucard as he realized there may be something honestly wrong with her. "I love the fight. This fight is even better than most. Where are we? We are home Little One, our home. Look through the trees there. What do you see?"
My village? No it is a trick, he took me somewhere else. I must be sure. I'll finish him later. Stunned she disappeared and was at her things. She quickly donned them and went through the trees. Alucard followed. She looked over towards the grave yard. She was there in an instant, as was he. /My Princess./ Blaze cried out and went to the center. She cleaned off the ornate tomb there. She was being dangerously stupid but she did not care. The snow had to go. In a flash there was nothing else, no one else save for her and the tomb she lovingly cleaned.
Alucard watched her fascinated. She had to be cold but showed no sign. She was not a careless person yet she cleaned His wife's Tomb when an enemy was near. Now was the interesting part. After lovingly cleaning the face of the marble woman she had kissed its cold lips leaving them red from the blood on her own which she cleaned off the statue immediately. She got to the foot of the crypt and to the blood stain that Alucard had seen there before. How will she react to it?
/Will you never come out? Why do you stay? Why does my blood stain your tomb?/ Blaze cried in despair as she shook her head. /I swear My Princess, I have upheld my oath! I have been your curse. Two hundred I have killed in your name./
It is your blood Little One? Curse? What curse? My wife never cursed any. Alucard was beyond confused. His wife had been strong, but gentle. He had teased her over it on occasion, but knew it made him a better man, with her he had been sane, with her his blood madness left him and he could be a loving man not a violent, bloodthirsty warrior. Why slaughter so many in her name?
Now Blaze looked to the side, she was confused. There was a small tomb that was recently finished and as ornate as the Princesses but small as if for a child. Blaze went to it. She cleaned away the snow then jumped back as though there was a cobra ready to strike. /Why? I do not understand./ She began to look at all of the head stones, in a corner of the grave yard; she became more frantic as her search went on. Then there was a sob. /Oh my Dumpling!/ She was back near the two ornate tombs. Dumpling's grave next to the small tomb on the other side from the Princess. It was as though the small one was being protected by the two women.
Alucard had allowed his hair to grow and his clothing changed as he watched her in a wonder and silence. He was Vlad Dragon and he was home. Her love and attention to his wife's crypt touched and somewhat disturbed him. The small crypt disturbed him more. Is that one they made for you, are you Little Green Eyes? Now he realized that blood dripped from her with each step. This needed to end and now. /Tell me Little One there is a long story here. Tell it to me./
His words brought her back to the world. Now she remembered the one she had been fighting. She turned rage in her face her eyes glowed with a deep bloody red. The red glow grew from her but seemed less. Alucard knew she was more dangerous now. He was worried as well; he could see the blood seeping through her clothing. He remembered she had been wounded recently, he realized they had never fully healed.
/You dare!/ She raged at him tears in her eyes. Seeing him changed into these clothes she looked confused. Now she recognized him. She blinked. /My Prince? Vlad Dragon? What is happening? I do not understand. Were you testing me?/ She was going in to shock. Her body shivered in the cold. Her lips were bluish. The blood dripped from the ends of her clothing.
/Come with me Little One. We must get you warmed and healed. That we can do at my castle./ He held out his hand. She reached out to take it walking three steps then she fell. Alucard caught her. /Prepare a room, The princess's rooms now!/ Alucard virtually roared his order towards the castle. Alucard had seen troops gather then stop at the graveyard. Several rode their horses hard to deliver the message as he wrapped her in his cloak and carried her up the hill. He had to get her warm and stop the bleeding fast; she was as cold as death. He knew a trip through the shadows would likely be the death of her so he carried her carefully walking each step. The servants flew when he got there the bed had been warmed and the fire going. He lay her down. /The small tomb next to my Wife's, is there a female relative of the one that child called Dumpling here?/ Several women nodded. /Go and get the closest relative now!/ Again the women flew. You will be well My Master. I have brought you home. We are both home. He removed her boots and top most layer. The blood flowed freely as the shadows reached up to reclaim the cloth. Alucard frowned and for the first time in a quite some time he prayed. He prayed for his Beloved Little Master to stay alive. There was a knock and a woman came in.
/You sent for me My Prince? You are asking about my …../ the woman ran over and gasped. /Child! Little… but how? What is wrong?/ Touching Blazes skin she realized. /She is frozen! Gods she is also in fever! All of this blood?/ The woman's eyes grew huge. /Oh Little Green Eyes. My Prince I do not know how this has happened but I am grateful that she is at least home./ She set about finishing undressing Blaze. Each new scar and wound got a cry. /Oh My child, who has done these wicked things to you? My Prince, the blood! Child you must be strong as you always have been! Please hold on, do not die now that you are home!/ She pleaded to the unconscious woman dying before her eyes.
/I will stop death from claiming her./ Alucard swore even if he had to feed on every single person of one of the other villages to do so. She would live. / I know she needs blood, what else?/
/She needs a warm night gown or something. Where..?/
/Take one of my wife's./ I will stop this blood and strengthen her on mine. Then Old one, you know her. There is a long story that I want. She and her health comes first./ The Old woman nodded and left the room.
/Please save her./ She begged to the wind, and the sky and the powers that be. Then she found the night gown.
Once again Alucard had the feeling of Déjà vu as he cleaned and tended her wounds by running his tongue over them. The blood was gone quick enough; but he could not close the major wounds. The skin tasted odd and he quickly realized that whatever it was that was on and in the skin would kill many other Midians. He looked at her and cut himself this time on the wrist. He was afraid to move her so he held the wound on his wrist open to see to it she was fed. Looking on the major wounds he thought they looked better as she fed. When she stopped he thought a moment and reopened the wound on his wrist and bled directly into the wounds themselves.
Alucard knew he would visit at least one of the other villages to ease his hunger and would do so soon. But he would feed on none from this village. This one was sacrosanct. It was His Little Ones village. The people of it were safe from his hunger. He looked up to see the old woman a look of hopefulness and horror etched on her face as she clutched the gown and clean bandages to her. /Tell me what she needs./ Alucard ordered. The woman nodded and did.
Once Alucard was satisfied His Master would be well, he retreated and fed. He made himself not take too much from people after he had killed the few prisoners housed in his dungeon. Then Alucard took some from every other village that surrounded the castle save for hers. He was very hungry and it was hard not to kill. When he was sated he returned to His Masters side to check on her.
He reminded himself again and again who and what she was to him. He had to, it was dangerous not to. Seeing her in that bed, the resemblance became more and more apparent. He would have the portrait uncovered; he would compare them, His Master, the woman who lived to His Princess and Wife, the woman who was long dead. His Master seemed to so love the Princess. His Master had slaughtered in his wife's name. Alucard had few answers but he would have more when she woke.
It was warm and soft. Someone was humming in the background. She loved that song. It sounded like Dumpling, but how? Was it the dream? No, there was the fight with her Dragon. Blaze sat bolt upright in bed. "What?" She looked around.
/Little Green Eyes, shhh it is well, you are well. You have gone from child to woman, so beautiful. Our Prince brought you. He has been worried. He only left your side to feed then returned to make sure you were well. He left to rest a small time ago./ She smiled at the woman in the bed. You look so much like her. We knew you would.
/Not Dumpling but still, just like her. I think I remember you, yes you were the one who made my apron!/ Blaze smiled. /The adult one I kept for special times. The one I lost to the river./ She moved to get out of the bed and was stopped.
/I found your apron in that river. I was allowed to keep it and I always have. A treasure to honor the dead as we do here./ The woman smiled at Blaze in the bed. Soft and warm slippers were put on Blaze's feet, then a soft and warm robe.
Blaze looked around in wonder. /Am I in the castle finally? It is amazing!/ The older woman laughed and shook her head.
/Child sit. You must eat. We must take care of the terrible wounds…. But they are nearly gone? While we wait for the food we will dress you. The Prince picked out the gown himself. You are in Our Princess's bed chamber. Our Prince insisted. These are all Her things. Why look so surprised? You look like her./ Blaze's eyes had gone huge.
My Princess's things, My Dragon ordered it? I know I am his Master. Never mind that. What does he wish me to wear? What does she mean? /But if these are Her things. How can I wear them? I look like her? I knew she had green eyes and dark hair but beyond that nothing save from the statue of her on her tomb./ Blaze stood and the women dressed her in his red. It fit her perfectly Blaze was the only one surprised. She ate the food brought and loved it. It tasted of home.
After she ate Blaze decided to look through the castle as her Prince slept. She stepped out the door and three women trailed her. /Dumpling?/ She looked around.
/Yes child?/ She walked over.
/Why do they follow me?/
/They are to serve you. Our Prince ordered it. Shall I stay or go?/
/Stay, please. I don't remember them./
/They were from the town to the east./
/Oh I see. Do they know who I am?/
/No Our Prince wanted it kept a secret from those who would not recognize you. There are a few here you would know./
They walked around the castle for a while, Blaze was so curious. Finally they stopped to rest in the Princess's sitting room.
/Dumpling do I look like her?/
/Again yes child you do. Am I to be Dumpling now?/ She smiled at the woman before her. /I would be honored and happy to. If I do not look after you my sister will haunt me./ She saw the tears begin.
/Dumpling, yes you are now, I need you./ Blaze overwhelmed by everything began to cry. Dumpling went to her and Blaze buried her face in the woman's apron. She cried for her lost Dumpling, for the times she was frightened, alone, sad, or hurt she cried the tears she had been hiding for years.
/Yes child, I will be your Dumpling, I will protect you and care for you. Our Prince has some plan for you, I do not know what it is but I will be here. I will keep those lazy girls in line and I will see to it you are well served./ The woman whispered this into Blazes hair as she stroked it.
Alucard woke feeling His Masters tears. He could sense His Master had regained her mind when the fever left. She was agitated; he knew there was one thing she needed to be truly well. Well two people to be precise. He quickly rose and stole into the Spawns bed chamber. He knew that Walter was in the next room; it was Walter's habit to stay in Blazes bed chamber when she was gone and the Spawn on the estate. But he wanted no interference from Walter now /Spawn wake and dress. I will take you to your mum./
/Yes Uncle Alucard./ The got up silently and dressed. /What about Father?/
/I will tend him later. For now you are what your Mum needs most of all./
"Alucard what are you up to?" Walter questioned from the door. He had been waiting for Alucard to return. "Where the devil have you been? What are you up to? Where is My Lady?"
"I take The Spawn to Zsophia. She needs them I will return with them all soon."
"No." Walter said with a command evident in his voice. "I know something is wrong. Bring her here. Bring her home to us. You may not take the Spawn."
"Walter." Alucard began.
"No. I am responsible for them. I am their father. No Alucard bring her here to them." Walter's voice held no room for argument. Alucard found he could not argue with him.
"Uncle Alucard." "We must do" "as father says." The Spawn told him taking off their coats. Then they said in unison. "We promised our mum."
"I understand and will return her to you soon." Alucard left frustrated but left with no recourse.
When Blaze stopped crying Dumpling looked up. /One of you go get cool water, one go get her toiletries, the last go to the kitchens and get a tray of light food and tea./ They looked at her as if to say 'do it yourself! We do not answer to you.'
/Do as she says now and always!/ Blaze hated to order most about but those girls had be snooty when children. This was her Dumpling they would not act this way with her again. Blaze lay back exhausted from the expenditure of emotion, still weak from the battle and her wounds.
/We must get you looking better. Our Prince will be in a wrath should he wake and find you unwell./ Dumpling covered Blaze with a coverlet. When the food arrived Blaze ate and let the women fuss around her. She was annoyed but it had to happen. Dumpling had said so and Blaze knew she was right. The sun was beginning to go down.
/Done or not I am getting up now. I want to go hear the wolves sing!/ Blaze got up and went to the doors to the balcony.
/Child wait your gloves and your cloak! You will freeze again!/ Dumpling was not surprised over her desire to hear the wolves. Blaze stopped long enough to put them on, then out the door. Four armed men awaited her. She prepared to fight. /Child these are your guard. Our Prince has ordered it./ Blaze nodded then went out, a moment later and the wolves began to sing.