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.
In Every Way
"Father," "why did" "you not allow" "Uncle Alucard to" "take us to our mum?" The Spawn asked after they watched Alucard go. "Do you not" "trust him to" "return with us all?"
"In all honesty I am not sure lads." Walter said with a sigh. He went to their beds and sat on one.
"Father," "we trust you" "to do what is best" "for us and our mum." They said sitting one on either side of him. "That is what" "real fathers and" "husbands do for" "their families." They leaned on him. "That is something" "Andrew taught us."
"Thank you. I promise you and your mum are my world. I make my decisions to keep you and her safe and well." Walter said. What the Lads had said touched deeper than he would admit. Walter remembered when his own father had made the hardest decisions a man could make to protect him and his own mum. "I know that it is a father and husband's place to make the hard decisions. My father made one long ago to save mine and my mother's life." He said a bit sadly.
"Really father?" "Will you tell us?" The Spawn asked looking up, interested to learn of their father.
"Very well." Walter smiled. "Put up your coats and climb into bed as I tell you." He felt like a father now telling a story as he ordered his sons into bed. "It was when I was a bit younger than you, before I lived in the Hellsing house. My father was a man of visions. Some were good the others, not so much." Walter smiled as he helped put up the coats. "He was a good and loving man, if I can be half as good a father to you and half as good a husband to your mum as he was I will be happy." He held the blankets up for one of his sons as he climbed in. "My father was known for his visions far and wide. Many would come to him to ask help. Then my father's visions began to worry and frighten him." He pulled the blankets up on the other son now then sat between them. "One day we heard of a new group who said they wanted to help us all. They were a small group called Nazi."
The Spawn blinked. They had heard of Nazi's but they were a huge juggernaut that caused the world so much trouble and fear.
"It was before they had even found Hitler I think. I do not know I was young. When the news of them came my father became very upset. He told my mother and I to pack our things, we were going into the city." Walter stared into space and through time. "Father put my mum and I on a train with a friend of his, he was to conduct us safely to England to a family from the old country called Von Helsing." Walter shook his head. "It was the only time I saw tears in my father's eyes, and the last time I saw him." He looked at the Spawn. "He made a decision that would save both mine and my mother's life. It broke his heart but he knew it was what he had to do." Walter looked at the Spawn. "He knew that the Nazis were aware of him and his visions. He sacrificed himself to save us."
"Our first father was not like that." One whispered.
"He would sacrifice our mum, and us for himself." The other continued.
"Pip found us and took us back to her."
"She thinks we do not know what he did to her."
"We do." They spoke in unison now. "We will never forgive him for what he did to our mum. She did everything she could to protect us."
"I know my sons I know." Walter said aghast to think that the Spawn knew what had happened. He was also worried, they had deviated from their normal speech pattern this they did only when very upset. "I will keep your confidence if you like." He smiled gently knowing they had revealed something to him they likely had done to none other.
"Please do." They said together. "When the time comes" "that you and Uncle Alucard" "hunt him down" "to kill him." They had reverted to their normal speech pattern but ended in unison with their request. "Please take us as well."
Walter looked at them unsure of quite what to say. He closed his eyes in thought a moment, then opened them and looked at them both. "My sons, I will take you with when it is time to punish those who did harm to our most precious treasure, your Lady Mother. On that I give my word" He nodded. It may anger Zsophia but he felt compelled to give in to them here. It was a promise between a father and his sons.
Alucard's anger over Walter's decision subsided when he returned to the castle. He walked out into the courtyard happy to hear the wolves sing. He looked up and saw her there on the balcony. He just stared. She was smiling into the wind as she listened to the singing. As the singing began to fade her smile began to fade as well.
/Children of the night sing for her. Sing the moon full; sing as long as you please./ Alucard thought to the wolves. It was after all true they communicated with and served him. He watched as she looked down and turned to go back in. The wolves began again and she turned back to look out onto the forest with flashing eyes and a smile that was a wide as his own. Alucard watched entranced. She walked closer and closer to the end of the balcony. Alucard caught his breath. The way she moved, her smile, the way her eyes flashed; it was too much for him especially when she got to the end of the balcony. When her hands went to the railing and she leaned on it he had a vision of her tumbling off of the balcony to her death. Alucard ran into the castle, he ran as a terrified human man would up the stair. He burst through the door to the room she was on the balcony of.
Blaze loved the singing of the wolves; she always had even as a child. It had marked her as odd but there were plenty of other things that had done that as well. Some she still did not understand. It seemed forever since she had heard them; it had been a lifetime at least. As they stopped she felt sad and alone again. She turned and began to walk in. When they began to sing again she smiled and gave thanks. She began to go out on the balcony further. She did not know or even care how close to the edge of it she was. What did it matter with her abilities? Her guard dared not stop her it was their duty to protect her should she go outside but they were not to interfere with her. To Blaze it almost sounded as if the wolves sung for her, it was if they called to her to reveal a special hidden truth. Soon her hands rested on the low wall at the edge. She leaned over some. /Tell me my friends, tell me what it is you would have me know, please./ Blaze whispered. Then from behind she heard a bang. She jumped and spun around. There he stood in the door way, her Prince, her Dragon, her Vlad.
"Sir Walter, I have some information on the matter of the Spawn and their 'accident'." Smart said as he walked in. Smart was the head if Intelligence for the organization. He was grateful that his job very rarely took him into the realms of the Hellsing side of things. He was glad to be involved with this though, he knew the Spawn and was fond of them even if they were rather odd.
"You have some information?" Walter asked. It was odd for anyone to come to him with only 'some' information.
"Yes sir." Smart nodded. He hated this part of things. "With the information I have already gathered I wanted your opinion of how to proceed."
"Well then hand me what you have and have a seat as I read through it." Walter said holding out his hand for the flash drive the man was holding.
"Yes sir." Smart said handing it over and sitting down. He knew Alucard was a vampire, he was fairly certain Commander Victoria was, it seemed to fall under the American Military's policy of 'don't ask don't tell'. Sir Walter on the other hand he was not sure of. Everyone now knew for certain that there was a great deal more going on with him and their Boss. She had after all made him Legal Guardian of the Spawn. It was also common knowledge that he slept in her apartment and was one of only seven people who was allowed into her bedchamber now including her sons. Also he did keep weird hours, but having been a part of the Hellsing side of things had made that necessary. There were some odd things about the man, but that did not automatically make him a vampire.
"I see what you mean about this information Smart." Walter nodded then rubbed his forehead. He took a deep breath then let it out. "For now table it. I will print out a copy of the information here and keep that. Where are the originals?"
"In my personal safe, and that which is electronic is on the lap top computer in my office that is password locked, never goes on-line, and remains under physical lock and key." Smart said realizing how serious and sensitive the information was.
"I appreciate your attention to security and your discretion in this matter." Walter said as he finished transferring the information to his own computer. He stood and handed the flash drive to Smart.
"All in a day's work sir." Smart stood and took the flash drive and left the office.
"Irons will want to know about this. That is certain." Walter said to himself as he shook his head. He began the print out, Picked up the phone and dialed. "Hello Lady Emily, is your rouge of a husband about?" Walter laughed. "Of course I'll wait." He said as he began to collect the papers. "Irons old chap, I have quite the story to share with you. Do you have time for a brandy and cigar?" Both knew that was their way of setting up a meeting in a secure place. "Capital. Meet you there in say three quarter?..... Right I look forward to seeing you."
/Come here, come away from the edge./ Alucard called to Blaze. As she moved towards him he glanced up. Now he would know. Alucard gestured with his hand and the cloth that had hidden his wife's portrait fell from it. Now her picture was seen again by his eyes for the first time in centuries. He stared at it and then looked to the woman who was walking into the room.
She heard his command and did as he said. He waved his hand and she wondered why. She kept walking in to the room. Her new Dumpling had gone to get her tea to warm her when the wolves were done with their song. /Vlad My Dragon, what is it?/ She asked as she walked in. He stared at her then blinked his eyes grew larger. She looked to where Alucard did and saw the portrait. /The Princess!/ She exclaimed. Blaze came in and went and stood below the portrait gazing up to it. /She really was the most beautiful woman./ Blaze said in a whisper.
Elizabetha's hair was very dark, but it was brown not black. Alucard thought as he compared them. My wife's hair was all curls, My Masters is more soft waves. /Yes she was the most beautiful woman in all of the regions, in all of the world I knew of./ He said still comparing them. Zsophias skin is paler, her fingers slimmer and longer.
/What is it my Dragon?/ Zsophia asked as she turned to face him, he had an odd look on his face. There was a gasp that came from the door as the newly christened Dumpling walked in and saw the woman beneath the portrait.
/We always knew./ Dumpling whispered nearly dropping the tea.
/Who always knew what?/ Alucard demanded.
/My Prince!/ The newly dubbed Dumpling startled and looked at him. /I did not realize you were awake./ She stammered a bit and walked over to Zsophia. She put the tea on the low table and continued until she got to Zsophia. She then busied herself with the gloves and cloak that Blaze wore.
/Old One, who always knew what?/ Alucard demanded his voice in a low growl.
/Don't you dare growl at her!/ Zsophia said irked at him.
/Little Green Eyes! You mustn't speak to The Prince like that./ The old woman said frightened for the woman before her. No One spoke to The Prince like that.
/I do not like him growling at you Dumpling./ Zsophia explained.
Alucard was somewhat amused but sill he wanted answers. /I thought your Dumpling died?/ He asked not unkindly. He knew all too well how close Death had been to His Little Master recently, and how often. /You were not completely truthful with me earlier either. You said your wounds were fine. You nearly died, again. It seems to be a bad habit you have developed. Perhaps I have let you too much out of my sight and care Little One?/
/She did die. This is her younger sister./ Zsophia said placing her hand on her new Dumpling's shoulder. /I was healed by the tribe. I did not plan to fall into a fever, or to battle you while in a fever./ Zsophia said and rolled her eyes. /I am not a child. And if you try tossing me over your shoulder again You will regret it. That I promise you./ She said very pointedly to him.
/Well, healthy or in fever you still want to fight./ He laughed. /Well then please do tell me who always knew what?/ Alucard said politely but in a way that demanded an answer.
/My Prince, we always knew she would look like the Princess when she grew from child to woman./ Dumpling said softly. /We thought you had sent her. That she was a gift./
/That make no sense./ Zsophia said confused. /If that is what you thought then why keep me from visiting the castle?/ She asked then put her hand to her head and blinked. She was suddenly unsteady on her feet.
/Child!/ Dumpling cried out and moved to hold her up.
Alucard moved to catch her and heard something he was sure he did not like. It was the sound of bells, the bells that hung from the harness of a gypsy's horse. /No./ He hissed and picked up Blaze and carried her quickly to the bed chamber, she had fainted. After he lay her on the bed, Alucard opened the door to the balcony off the bed chamber and looked down at the gypsy riders. /Leave, now! She is not yours to hunt. She is mine!/ He growled at them. An old woman looked up at him and smiled. She pointed not at him but at something else. Alucard looked and saw nothing but he heard Zsophia wake with a scream. Quickly he ran to her to try to quiet her but she was already out of bed.
Walter and Irons sat across from one another and sipped at their brandies. It was an old tradition and one both men appreciated.
"As you say old friend some things never change nor should they." Walter smiled.
"Agreed." Irons nodded. "So what do you have for me?"
"Some nasty and delicate bit of business I am afraid." Walter sighed as he pulled the file from his case. "I wanted your advice and possibly your aid with it." He said handing the file over. He sipped at his brandy happy it still tasted good to him and that he could still feel the delicious warmth as it went down. He read Irons face like a book.
"Dear lord. The apple did not fall far from the tree in this case did it?" Irons said disgusted.
"No it didn't. Honestly I want to go and have at the grandfather. Thing is all evidence points to the grandson. I know he is in class with the Spawn. He was not one involved in the attack on Derrick and Freddy. But as I know the families tend to socialize together…."
"I agree. His father is generally a good man." Irons sighed. "He is too much ruled by his father." He shook his head. "I know for a fact that he sent a letter privately to the judge in the case against the Countess in support of her against his father. It is not commonly known though." Irons considered and sipped at his brandy. "I think if we go and speak to the father it will be the best start. I will be happy to go with you; he and I are on good terms."
"I would appreciate it. I do not think I met the man, save perhaps at the fox hunt." Walter thought on it. "Yes I do remember him there." He nodded.
"Yes he was there. I'll call him now and see if we can catch him tonight the sooner this is tended to the better for everyone I think." Irons said reaching for his phone.
Blaze was in something like a dream, she was again the child who woke to the smell of smoke but not the normal baking. It was colder in the home she and her Dumpling shared; she had already been frightened by that old gypsy woman earlier. She had only wanted to get to the castle. The wolves were with her so she was safe. The others in the village thought her odd for her love of wolves; even they admitted that the wolves never attacked a sheep or person as long as she had lived there. She had heard such happy music as she walked the road to the castle; she wanted to see where it came from. She heard the bells in her sleep now and knew at once, they had found her. They would finish what they had started. They would kill her now.
/Child when I say to you must run out the back door./ Blaze heard whispered in her ears.
/Dumpling I can't!/ She whispered as Dumpling put all of her clothing on her. /I can't leave you!/ Dumpling even tied the new apron on over her coat.
/You must! Run to the wolves, they will protect you. The Dragon will protect you so long as you are brave and you fight. Now when I open the front door you must run out the back!/ Dumpling whispered to her again. /Please child, you must go to the Dragon! He will save and protect you! I love you my beautiful Little Green Eyes. Promise me you will do as you are told./ Blaze heard those word ring in her ears again as she did on that night of terror when she was a child.
/I promise Dumpling. I will find the Dragon. I will go to the wolves. I love you!/ She whispered and hugged her Dumpling then moved quietly to the floor. She heard the door break and splinter she screamed.
/Zsophia?/ Alucard asked shocked as he saw her stand from the floor. He went to her and grabbed on to her shoulder.
/No!/ She screamed. /Dumpling! The Gypsy!/ She screamed and struggled against Alucard.
/Be still Little One!/ He ordered her to try and calm her. She only struggled harder and slipped from his grip.
Blaze was trapped in that night of terror now. As a child, one of the men had caught her by her shoulder then as well. She screamed and fought just as she had promised. She escaped his grip and ran. She ran into the night to find the wolves.
Alucard watched in horror as she slipped from his grip and ran. She ran out onto the balcony she ran for the edge. /NO!/ He yelled as he moved faster than thought. He would not lose Zsophia as he had lost Elizabetha. She would not fall to her death. He caught her before she reached the edge. He forced her to look in his eyes. There he saw the fear, the pain, the loneliness of a terrified child being hunted down. /Sleep my Zsophia, rest without dream. Think no more on this!/ He invaded her mind now. This was the emergency for which he would break his word to her to stay out of her mind uninvited. She must live; she must survive, because she was too precious to lose. Scenes of violence and fire filled his senses. Then there was terror and darkness. Then fur, warmth and comfort. She went limp in his arms. He held her to him and thanked God she was safe. /How have you become so precious to me Little One?/ He whispered into her sleeping ear.
/My Prince?/ The old woman asked fearful.
/She sleeps in a dreamless slumber./ He said then heard the sound of those accursed bells. Picking up Zsophia he turned and looked over the balcony to see them riding off. Alucard's rage burned with limitless fire in him now. He was the Prince here, the ruler, the law. These were his lands. He was the hero and demon of legend. He growled his displeasure. The horses of the gypsies reared and moved back the way they had come. The threatening growling of wolves could be heard. Alucard smiled he did not even have to call to them. /Yes gypsies. Your ancestors sold their souls to me when I was still human; and they sold the souls of you; they sold the souls of your children and of your children's children forward into eternity. So long as I exist, so long as any of my blood walk this earth you are not free./ He smiled a crazed blood thirsty smile as the wolves attacked the horses. He laughed at the horses screams of fear and pain. /I told you I claimed her as mine. You used your feeble magic on her sleeping mind./ He chided them. /You used her memories of your attack on her as a child./ He growled his eyes glowing red, the world before his eyes became shades of red. He reveled in the quickening heart beats of the four gypsies below him. He could smell their terror it pleased him. /You have crossed me for the last time. You disobeyed your Lord and Master!/ He yelled down at him. /You will share the fate of the beloved one you stole from this child./ He grinned in sheer madness. /BURN!/ He ordered and they all did ,bursting into flames. Now the screaming was louder, it was filled with unimaginable pain and torment as Alucard sent his demons into their minds so he could feast on their souls as they died. The smell of burning flesh filled the air.
/Oh my Lord./ The old woman breathed as she fell to her knees witness to all of it. The screams tormented her. The smell sickened her. The vision of her Prince clutching the woman filled her eyes. She saw her flowing black hair and pale skin, the royal red dress. His glowing eyes filled with madness and a lust for blood and revenge. She was grateful that Her Little Green Eyes slept, and was aware of none of this. /Please./ She whispered. /Please do not harm her./
/Harm her?/ Alucard looked at the frightened woman. /I do this for her!/ He shook his head. /She calls you Dumpling now?/ He asked walking into the bed chamber again.
/Yes My Prince./ The woman said with tears in her eyes.
/Would you really be that? Would you serve her the rest of your days? Would you protect her? Would you do anything for her?/ He challenged the woman as he lay Zsophia on the bed gently, carefully.
/Yes my prince. I would give everything for her. I would serve her. I would protect her and that which she holds dear./ She said resolutely and stood.
/Would you travel from this village? Would you go into the dirty, dull, barbaric west for her? Would you go with her through the realms of shadow and dark into the West? Would you serve her there?/
/If I were allowed yes My Prince I would. I failed her as a child. I will not do so now when she is an adult./ She looked at Alucard with strength and courage. If he gave her a chance she would take it.
/Dragons?/ Zsophia whispered. Both Alucard and the elderly woman looked at her.
/You should not be able to wake yet./ Alucard said shocked.
/Where are they? Where are my Little Dragons?/ She asked not completely awake but still in a panic.
/Shhhh I will take you to them soon. They are safe./ He whispered into her ear. It calmed her and she rested. /Go then./ He said to the old woman. /I must return her to her sons and the man she loves./ He said not taking his eyes off of Zsophia's sleeping form. /Gather what you must for yourself. You will come with us. Be quick, have those useless girls help to make you faster./ He ordered. She nodded and ran. /I will take you to them soon I promise./ He whispered into her ear again. Her smile made him sigh. He stood and walked to the fireplace. /What are you? How am I so completely bound to you?/ He asked again. /Even here where I rule, I would put you first. Why?/ He rested his head on his hands as he stared into the fire. /I know you are not Elizabetha. You resemble her, like a sister or something. I have seen women who have looked far closer to her. But you remind me of her. Your effect on me is so like her. Why?/ He wanted to wake Blaze and shake the answers from her.
/I do not know my Dragon, My Prince, My Vlad./ Blaze said quietly from the bed now lying on her side looking at him. Alucard looked back at her startled she had already awaked. /I wish I knew why. I wish I understood so many, many things./ She looked at him with a fragile sorrow in her eyes.
/It is the one thing that is identical on you both./ He said quietly. /Those green eyes, those haunting, bewitching, incredible emerald eyes./ He walked over to her. /Explain to me why it is I see you differently now. Is it because we are here?/
/No It was bound to happen, the bond between us made it inevitable. It is a spell, one to hide me and my sons, to protect us. The one that is housed within the pendant I wear. Once the spell is seen through, once you truly see us, it will never work on you again./ She smiled at him as he sat on the edge of the bed. /Thank you for being what she said you would be./ She said sitting up.
/Who Little One?/ Alucard asked with a bemused smile.
/My first Dumpling. She told me on the night she died I must run to you. She said that you would save and protect me. When I was young she said that she knew one day our paths must cross. She said that you would recognize me for who I am. She said I would become precious to you./ Blaze smiled and touched the side of his face. /I did not believe her. When we met I was overcome. When you figured out where I was from … it was as if you did know me./ Blaze shrugged.
/Ah those shrugs./ Alucard laughed. /Someday I will know what each one means./ He smiled. /She was right on one count, you are precious to me. Do you know why she said those things to you?/ Alucard was very curious now.
/No she died before she could explain things to me./ Blaze looked down and tears fell. /If I had listened to her, if I had not gone up that road…/ Blaze began.
/Shhhh. No. No more on that tonight./ Alucard said using a finger on her lips to quiet her. /Tonight we travel back to Walter and the Spawn. Tonight you go to him and lay with him. It is for the best, for you, for him, for your sons, for me. There would be a great wrong done if you and I were together. I would only give you to him. I would entrust you and your sons to no other man. Do you understand?/
/Yes My Prince./ She smiled and blushed. /As you have set the match he is my husband./ She spoke the words she had been taught by listening to the young women in her home village, the one that was below them in the castle.
/It is a good match. It will profit both families and our people./ Alucard said with a smile. He had said those words to young lovers and their parents. Usually it was amid pomp and circumstance, with courtiers and many people around to witness. None of those times meant as much as this one, now as he sat seemingly alone with this woman.
/We are all grateful for a wise match set by our Prince./ Several voices said from the door. Alucard and Blaze turned their heads to look.
/Forgive me my Prince./ Dumpling said. /They wanted to see her, to know she really does live. We did not expect to hear your pronouncement. But it will be taken to the homes and hearts of our people with joy./ She said with a deep curtsy.
/It is well…Dumpling./ He said calmly. /Take the news to her village alone. Also take the news that this, her village is sacrosanct to me. Never will I feed from its true citizenry. Do I make myself clear?/
/Yes My Prince./ One of the men said in a deep bow. /It will not be news that is shouted but news that is whispered and kept dear./ He looked up at Zsophia. /I am so very glad you live, and forgive my pulling your braid?/
/Yes Boris./ Blaze smiled. /I do forgive you./ She laughed. /Please tell all that…. That… I miss everyone and have every day I have lived away from you. Someday I will return. I must return. This is my mother land. This village is part of my heart and soul./ She whispered.
/Yes Little One we will return when you have regained your strength. Currently you are too easy a target. I will bring you back, I promise./ Alucard said as he stood and helped her from the bed. /Come Dumpling. She has need of you. Her last maid has left her employ. You were right to not trust Marie. She was a snake./ He took hold of each woman one with each arm and pulled them all into the shadows. /Walter you must go and feed. I bring her to you tonight./
"Irons, a meeting tonight will not be possible for me." Walter said sitting up quickly as he smiled.
"Oh why is that?" Irons asked fairly sure of Walter's answer.
"My Lady returns tonight." He said as his smile grew larger. "She returns to me. Alucard is bringing her. I must go."
"I understand old friend. This will wait. Is this something you plan to inform the countess on…. tomorrow sometime?" Irons had a knowing smile on his face as he tapped the file with the information.
"I will tell her tomorrow or the next, after all while she has gotten past the worst of it and is recovering well. She will still need to rest." Walter smiled winked and left.
"I am sure you will be happy to help her 'recover'." Irons laughed to himself.
"Doctor Mathews, are you quite sure of these results?" The Queen asked the nervous man who stood in front of her desk.
"Yes My Queen." He bowed again. "We checked and rechecked each sample given us. The samples were all tested independently in four different labs around the country. We were so very careful. We rewrote the protocols for this project you entrusted to us My Queen. Each test and each lab agreed to the results. Even if we were given fresh samples the results would not change my Queen." He said with just enough pride so as to sound sure enough to stake his life on it.
"We see." She nodded. "It is quite the result. It will change everything in the lives of more than We are sure We are aware of." She sighed. "None know what they were working on or why?"
"No My Queen I am the only one who knew of all of it. Majesty, please will you tell me those who will be the closest effected?"
"No. We do this for your own safety. We would also suggest you and your family go on an extended holiday. There will be funds wired to your account for that purpose. These are the names of those who were also involved?"
"Yes My Queen. How could this be so dangerous?" He asked astonished.
"We will have funds wired to their accounts so they may also enjoy a shorter holiday with their families abroad. Those who are most directly affected by these results are dangerous; We do not know how they will react to this data. Our person will be safe, of that We are certain, We make no guarantees for others. God speed and know you have uncovered a great and possible terrible truth here. You do have Our personal thanks for all the hard work you and your people have done."
"As My Queen wishes I will do and never fail." The man intoned. "Thank you My Beloved Queen for so trusting me, and my people to do this great work for you. Please call on me if you have any need. I will face any person to defend those who worked on this happily. I know the science is good." He nodded sure of himself and those involved. "Until you call I will remain out of country with my family on holiday. My Queen, I pray I will again stand in a room with you and once again hear your voice, until then, if I may take my leave?"
"Yes do." The Queen nodded. She watched as the man bowed out the door. She was amazed somewhat that people like him with such devotion to the crown still existed. So accustomed to spies and traitors she had become. "I shall carry this with me until I have decided exactly what to do with it." The aged monarch shook her head and put it in the folder-portfolio she carried. It was old and leather bound. The royal crest and country's flag carved into it. "All the secrets you have held." She smiled as she ran her fingers over the leather. She looked up and caught her reflection in the mirror. "I know what I must do with this information. The question is when." She stood and picked up the file in its new home. "How could this be possible?" She whispered as she crossed the room and went to the private chambers for the night.
"Oh father Anderson." The recently christened Sister Joan said startled by him as he turned the corner of the hall.
"Aye my lamb." He smiled catching her quickly. "Are ye rested from yer trainin already?" She was a hearty and strong willed woman Anderson knew what a blessing she was. "If ye are I thought we may go on yer first hunt. There has been activity found. What do ye think?" He knew then she would truly be his partner if she survived it both physically, mentally and in her soul. Granted he had every intention she survived it physically, that he could insure. If, … no when she survives this last test she will be my partner in everyway.
"I am rested and will be glad to go on my first hunt." She smiled somewhat more calmly than she felt. She feared not doing well, but she knew that this had been her choice. There was no going back now. After all this was the path God Almighty had set before her. "I was looking for you for another reason though."
"What reason is tat?" He smiled warmly down at her.
"I have just received news terrible news." She said with tears in her eyes.
"Lass, what is it?"
"Oh Father, some days ago your friend, the kind and good Countess Ashton fell badly ill. She has been confined to her bed. It is said people are not sure she will live." She looked up at him and saw the stunned look. "I am so sorry." She whispered as she put her hand on his arm.
"How are we only now hearing of this?" He asked confused.
"I called to the orphanage. They told me. They had tried to get the news to you before but could not."
"First lass we go to tae chapel to pray for her. She is an angel tat walks tae earth, a gift of God to tae children." Anderson said already beginning to walk in that direction.
"All the children at the orphanage have already been doing that." Sister Joan nodded as she hurried along, she had heard the stories.
"After I will call her personal assistant, I want to be able to go and pray over her. You will come with me?"
"Of course I will. I want very much to meet this angel." Sister Joan nodded.
Michael woke next to the head of Parisian operations. He smiled at the nights they had shared. Her skin was flawless and her passion burned hot and long. He stroked her shoulder and kissed her ear. "Jacqueline, it is time to wake." He whispered in her ear and tickled her side.
"Michael! You are a beast!" She said sleepy. "Let us stay in bed tonight."
"No my dear we both have work to do. You must get up, dress and leave now." He said with a smile.
"You sound as if you do not trust me to rest while you work." She said looking hurt.
"Do you often trust your lovers unattended in your flat?" He asked with a smile. "I do trust you. Now be a good girl and go."
"I would not take them as lovers if I could not trust them." Jacqueline said as she dressed. "I will see you later yes?" She said when she finished, as she leaned over and kissed him.
"Likely, we will see." He smiled and escorted her out of his flat. Michael shook his head. "You are too lax with your security my beauty. I wonder how compromised you and therefore we are." Michael was sorry to find this out. It spelled the end of his dalliances with her.
"Is there something wrong my son?" DeMorte asked as he walked into the room. "You were abed late today." He smirked.
"Unfortunately yes there is something wrong father." Michael sighed as he looked at DeMorte.
"What is it?"
"I just discovered that Jacqueline is less than careful with the security of her flat when it comes to lovers. She may already be compromised. This means our tryst is over." Michael said as he scratched at the stubble on his face. "Unfortunate, I enjoyed her."
"Indeed. We must have her checked out then. Have her clearance reissued possibly. Do not look so glum. It may be nothing." DeMorte smiled. He was glad Michael though on the matter of security even with his bed partners.
"No father it is over. I can keep it in my pants." He chuckled. "Her disregard for basic security is a turn off. In her position it could have dire consequences. Frankly if it were up to me I would have her replaced."
"Even if replacing her meant her death?" DeMorte asked. When Michael looked startled at him he smiled. "Replacement at her level is dangerous. She knows too much to simply fire. If you have simply grown bored with her already then have done with her."
"I wish it was simply being bored with her sexually." Michael laughed. "I would keep her for that alone if I could." He shook his head. "No she is really a risk."
"If you want you can keep her. But then when you grow tired of her she will have to die. If she is a viable risk she will die. Keeping her will extend her life and I expect your pleasure. Is she really that good in bed?"
"Her skin is flawless and her passions hot and long burning. I had never thought of keeping a woman for just that purpose. Where would I keep her?" Michael laughed amused but not taking the idea serious. "In the cupboard?"
"Keep her here. We will put a lovely collar on her and she will be your loving and obedient pet. She will keep your house and your bed. She will be yours to own and command in every way. I honestly think she has tendencies in that direction." DeMorte shrugged. "If you want her she is yours my son. You are no longer held to the mores of the human world. Do you want her for a pet?" He asked already sure of the answer he would receive. The idea was exciting young Michael too much. He also wanted to introduce him to these ideas now so when he was changed these desires would not surprise him also it was just fun.
"Yes." Michael said not believing he spoke the word. He did mean it though. The idea of seeing her in a collar and serving him did appeal more than he would have ever admitted before. "I do want her as my pet." He smiled, the pleasure with simply admitting it was heady. As had been looking in the eyes of the man he killed.
"Then call her back my son. Call your pet to you." DeMorte smiled. Sometime he would ask Michael if he could play with his pet. At the very least he would show him all the ways he could enjoy her. He would also show him how to train her.
"Yes father." Michael said obediently. He could not believe he was doing this as he reached into his robe pocket and pulled out his cell phone. Part of his mind and soul screamed for him to stop. The desire, the temptation of this taboo action called louder. He dialed her cell phone. "Jacqueline my pet, do come back."
"Seras, Alucard has jut informed me he will return with Blaze tonight." Walter thought to her. "Please go and sit with the Spawn and relieve Doc? I must go and feed."
"Sure thing Walter." Seras said as she wrapped up her meeting quickly saying. "It looks as if Boss may have turned the corner." People told her to go with relieved smiles. Quickly she shadow stepped to the apartment. Seeing Doc there she smiled. "I got the message that Boss turned the corner."
"That she did Doc said with a smile. I need to 'go file some reports and run some tests.' She should not have any visitors save the ones she has already been allowed for now." He said with a laugh and left.
"Aunty Seras?" "Why are you" "here instead" "of Doc?" The Spawn asked walking out of their room having heard the door close.
"He needed to 'go file some reports and run some tests.'. I guess Alucard is bringing your mum home." She smiled as they were fully awake. "Why not go and get dressed? Not like I could expect you to sleep now." Seras laughed.
"Thank you" "Aunty Seras!" The Spawn said excitedly as they hurdled over the couch to get back to their room.
"Oi! Around not over the couch!" She called to them even as she laughed. "I am so glad you are coming back tonight Zsophia. Walter has been miserable." Seras whispered. "I think it likely The Spawn may be sleeping elsewhere tonight." She murmured to herself with a giggle. But it will not be in Alucard's apartment if I have my way about it. Seras had decided she would go to him tonight as the Blood Moon was so very close. She would have gone last night but He had been out of town.
Jolene picked up her phone irked at the hour. When she saw who was calling she sighed. "Good evening Father Anderson, what may I do for you?"
"Lass, I have just heard of yer Lady's condition. I have been traveling. Please tell me when I may come to see her."
"Father Anderson, Padre, you are very kind but just now none may see her. She seems to be getting better, but on orders of her doctor there are no visitors allowed." Jolene direly hated lying to a priest, but she had no choice. She just hoped God would forgive her.
"I see, well we must do as her doctor says then. Please tell her I called and am praying for her. I will speak to the Pope and ask him to pray for her as well. I promise."
"Well thank you Padre. I do not think pestering the Pope is necessary." Oh no I am so going to Hell!
"It is no problem; I am in the Vatican now. Think nothing of it lass. Well I must go and tend things Bless you, the countess and all that reside in her home." Father Anderson said with a smile.
"Thank you again Padre." Jolene said with a sigh and hung up. She looked as Bullet walked into her apartment. "I am sooooo going to Hell." She sighed.
"Why?" Bullet scratched his head. "If you feel so strongly about it when Boss wakes up we can set the date to be married." He said with a smile as he took off his jacked and hung it up.
"Because I just lied to a …. Did you say married?" Jolene looked at Bullet unsure she had heard correctly.
"Yep I did." He said walking over to Jolene. He got down on one knee in front of her in her chair and smiled. "Jolene my love will you marry me?" He asked as he slid a diamond ring on her finger.
"Brett, yes I will!" She smiled and laughed. She squealed as he stood and swept her up in his arms.
Anderson sighed. "Well at least there is some good news to be had." He shook his head hanging up the phone.
"What is it Father?" Sister Joan asked curious.
"It would seem the Countess is on tae mend. I will still speak to tae Holy Father and ask him to pray for her.." He said with a smile. "But she is seeing no visitors under her doctor's strict orders." He shook his head thinking that as a priest he would be exempt. "Well lass it looks as if we will be hunting tonight after all."
"Well as you said Father Anderson it is good news that she is healing. We must thank God for that. It must be an infection they are worried about. If she has been very ill her immune system could be not working so well. A person from the outside could very well bring in something that could only worsen her condition." Sister Joan reasoned.
"Lass ye are a smart one! I had not thought of tat. I am sure ye are quite correct." He nodded. "If she is on tae mend then now would be tae worst time to see her. I would feel horrible if we brought in something tat made her ill all over again." Anderson shook his head.
"I am glad I could help." Sister Joan smiled.
"Well I will set tae appointment to see tae Holy Father and then we hunt." He said resolutely.
Walter hunted carefully. He did not want to waste time. He also wanted to make sure he was well fed. He had to pick his prey carefully. Soon he saw a good target. It was a strong looking man. He had a gym bag in one hand and a briefcase in the other. Walter smiled and left his hiding place. "Pardon me." He said looking at the man.
"Yes?" The man stopped and looked at Walter.
"I believe I am lost. Where is the closest tube?" Walter asked confused.
"It's just this way." He man looked Walter over. "I was going that way myself. Dashing waistcoat." He smiled at Walter.
"Brilliant!" Walter said and smiled back. "Thank you for the compliment. I just recently acquired it." Dear lord he is a poof. Well it will make things easier. Walter thought with a mental shrug as they began to walk to the tube.
/And we are home./ Alucard said with a smile. /Seras./ He smiled and went to her as soon as he was sure neither Dumpling or Zsophia would fall. /You smell delicious./ He nearly growled in her ear then he nuzzled into her neck. Alucard was only too aware that the Blood Moon would be within the next two or three nights. She was already nearly irresistible to him.
/That is sweet of you to say./ Seras said almost losing her irritation at him. He smelled so good to her, his closeness was nearly overwhelming. She stepped back then decked him. It was hard and unexpected, Alucard fell to the ground. Dumpling stifled a scream. /How dare you take off like that!/ Seras nearly growled at him as she allowed her eyes to flash very red. Then she went to Zsophia as Alucard picked himself up from the floor with a wolfish smile. /It is so good to see you back Zsophia. You were seriously missed./ Seras was thinking of hitting Blaze as well. She could handle it. She was stopped by Alucard's arms around her.
/No My Dark Rose. She is healing from other wounds./ Alucard whispered in her ear and nipped at it unable to stop himself. He could read Seras well and knew what she was thinking.
"Mum!" the Spawn yelled as they ran into the room. Alucard caught them as well.
/Gently my fierce Little Dragons. You Lady Mother needs to finish healing. She will be fine but tackling her is out of the question. Understood?/
/Yes/ /sir./ They said they went to hug their mum more gently. /We missed/ /you mum./ They whispered to her as they held her. /You look/ /beautiful./
/And I missed you my fine strong Little Dragons. Thank you for your compliment./ She said as she held them to her. /Do you remember when I told you of the village?/ They nodded. /There was someone very special there that I lived with?/
/Yes mum/ /you called her/ /your Dumpling./ They nodded and looked at the woman behind their mum who was dabbing at her eyes.
/This is her younger sister. This is our Dumpling now./ She stood and looked at Dumpling. /These are my sons, my Little Dragons. They are my treasure beyond worth. I entrust them to you to help me care for and raise them./ Zsophia said with pride and a smile.
/Such fine Little Dragons./ She smiled. /I am honored, you look like your Lady Mother./ She shook her head. /You sons are now my treasure beyond any. I promise I will care for them, and where I may, help to raise them./ She said with a curtsy. Then she looked at the Spawn. /Little Dragons, I have raised five sons of my own./ She said with a smile.
/Yes Dumpling./ They said and went and hugged her.
/Dumpling you have much to learn of these lands. You will have to learn the language spoken here./ Zsophia said with a smile as the task of all the learning hit her. It was enormous.
/I will teach her the language, Zsophia. First though she must learn the way of certain things./ Alucard said then looked at Dumpling. /First you must know that here I am not The Prince. I am called Alucard. I was bound by a family by magic to serve them so long as I exist./ Dumpling gasped. /Recently that bond has not been destroyed but rather it has been changed. My Master is now this woman, Countess Zsophia Ashton./ He said gesturing to Blaze.
/This is why you dared to speak to him as you did./ Dumpling said.
/Yes it is./ Blaze said. /I have sworn I will find a way to free you, Vlad./
/Little One,/ He said as he looked at Blaze. /I serve you now and you are precious to me. Her sister was correct on that./ He gestured to Dumpling. /If I am to remain bound, to appease the powers that be I would choose to be bound to your family. There are those who would seek to end your life if they had even the slightest idea you sought to free me. For now let us leave well enough alone./ He walked over to Zsophia and touched the side of her face. /It is my duty to protect you. It is one I take serious. That knowledge of how to free me alone would put you in serious danger. Right now, I am freer now bound to you, than I have been in a very long time. Not just free of the Helsing blood line, I am free of hungers, drives, and feelings of hate that I was as much a slave to as I was to the Helsing family. It is well Little One./ He said and kissed her forehead.
/My Dragon./ Blaze said sadly. /I want you to be free. Really free./
/Little One right now, in an odd way, I am. You have already given my freedom to me by how you do and do not treat me. I already knew that I would stay to protect you and even the Spawn. Stop your search just now, there are other more important things to seek out./ He smiled at her.
/I will do as you wish./ Blaze said confused.
/Now perhaps Dumpling will help you out of that dress and into one you know Walter likes? He will be here soon./ Alucard said going to Seras running his hand down her back. He liked the almost imperceptible shiver that went through her.
/Yes. Yes that is a very good idea. I cannot change my clothing as easily as you./ Blaze smiled, then shook her head as he did change into his normal attire. /Please come with me Dumpling. I will definitely need your help./
/Perhaps I will change into the silk lounging clothes later My Dark Rose?/ Alucard thought to Seras. She smiled a bit and gave him a look wicked enough to surprise him.
/Yes Little Green Eyes./ Dumpling said still in wonder of what she had heard and learned. She did follow into the bed chamber and helped Blaze out of the dress she wore.
/Uncle Alucard?/ /Did you really/ /mean what you said/ / about mum and us?/ The Spawn asked confused themselves.
/Good question./ Seras said. /Wait have I been speaking Romanian all along?/
/Yes Seras you have./ Alucard laughed then looked more serious. He went to the Spawn and knelt down to their level as he spoke. /Yes I do mean what I said. Even if it was just to protect your Lady Mother I would stay. If she did free me it could mean her death, and yours. Your Mother has been hunted by enough people in her life. She has had to live in fear of being caught, of being found, of being killed since she was younger than you are now. She does not even know why. So yes Spawn, Seras I meant every word of what I said./ He shook his head. /I do not know why she is so precious to me, but she is./ Alucard looked at Seras. /Worry not My No-Life-Queen. I meant what I said to you amongst the roses./ Alucard smiled, went to her and stroked the side of her face. /You will be my mate when the moon is next Blood, as long as you will still have me./ He said with a smile.
/I suppose so./ Seras said with a smirk and a shrug. Alucard growled and took her in his arms and kissed her passionately.
/Ewwwww!/ The Spawn said in unison and moved away.
/You should become used to such things I think./ Dumpling said. She had come in the room as Alucard kissed Seras. She had also noticed what went on between the two of them. /Am I to understand this is your new wife My Prince?/ Also the passion He and his first wife Elizabetha shared was still whispered about among the adults.
/In a way yes. When the next Blood Moon rises we will be mated. It is like a marriage for our kind. Seras is like me undead./ Alucard said. /You must call me Alucard here Dumpling. Lord Alucard is also acceptable. She would be Lady Seras. We call them The Spawn informally, otherwise they are addressed as the Lords Ashton./
/I see, I will remember this Lord Alucard, Lady Seras, Lords Ashton./ Dumpling said. /I hope I will be able to learn the language of this land quickly./
/I am sure you will./ Blaze said walking out of the bed chamber. Alucard realized Blaze held something in her hand and was sure he knew what it was. /The lads will be able to show you many of the things you need to learn before they return to school./ The Spawn looked crestfallen at the thought of returning to school. They could torment the Headmaster only so much before it became boring.
/And as I said I will teach you the language. I should be able to do so tonight./ Alucard said. "Walter we have returned." Alucard sent to his friend.
"I will be there in two minutes." Walter said and sped home having finished with his meal. The man he fed from would never remember Walter's face but he would be sure he had a wonderful time.
/He will be here soon./ Alucard said to Blaze as she looked out the patio doors.
/I am glad. I have missed him./ Blaze said in a whisper. /No Dumpling, leave my hair as is. He will enjoy taking it down I think./ Blaze said seeing Dumpling coming over to her with a hair brush.
/As you wish./ Dumpling said with a smile. /You have missed him quite badly./
/He has/ /missed you/ /as well/ /Lady Mother./ The Spawn said as they went to her, leaned on her and looked over the hedge maze. /We at least had/ /school to distract us./ /Sir Irons also/ /gave a Fox/ /Hunt for us./ In one voice they proclaimed proudly. /We got our red Jackets!/
/I am so very proud of you both./ She smiled and hugged them to her. She smiled wider as she heard the door open.
"Zsophia." Walter breathed, just staring at her back.
/Come all it is time for us to leave./ Alucard said. Everyone else nodded and went. Walter smiled at them when they left. He was curious about the older woman dressed oddly but not enough to ask questions.
Walter closed the door quietly then he turned. For a moment he simply looked at her, it was a fantasy he'd had come true. He just looked at her as she looked into the garden. Walter walked up behind Zsophia and wrapped on arm around her shoulders the other around her waist and pulled her to him. After a bit he unbound her hair. She did not object. He watched it fall with a smile. He knew she liked doing this after the day; he had seen her do this before. He had always wanted to do it for her, it just seemed too intimate an action before. Walter buried his face in her hair loving the silken feel of it as his arms went back around her.
"My beautiful Zsophia, my feelings for you have not changed." He whispered into her ear. "I love you. I love your sons. Do you believe me and accept this now; are you ready to claim me as yours while I claim you as mine?"
"I believe you. I want to be yours. I want you as mine. I want to build and share a life with you and the lads." She turned and put her face to his chest and nuzzled in to him.
Walter was stunned for a moment he almost could not believe his ears. Though he knew this would happen part of him still had been afraid. He tipped up her chin he looked in to her eyes. "Then My Lady My Love you are finally … truly mine." Speaking the words gave him a thrill; she smiled. If he lived until the end of time this memory would remain fresh, he knew it. Gently they kissed.
"Walter…" She said and held out her hand when the kiss ended. Walter smiled and put his under hers. She allowed the ring he had given her to drop into his hand.
"Yes allow me to put this where it belongs." He said and got on one knee. "My beloved, I want to marry you properly. I want to adopt the lads as my own sons. I want for us to have a marriage in the human world as well as to be mated in the Midian world. Will you marry me?"
"Yes Walter, I will. I love you and have been yours for a long time. Now I can give myself to you in marriage and in every way as well. My sons will become our sons. We will build our family."
He slid the ring on her finger and kissed her hand as he stood. "Come my love."Walter nipped at Zsophias neck, and nearly growled in her ear. "We will go to my room so that the Lads can have their beds and we can remain undisturbed."
"A good idea my darling." Blaze smiled. "Will you tell Alucard?"
"Yes I will." Walter said as he walked her through the shadows to his apartment. Once they were there Walter thought to Alucard. "Alucard we are in my bedchamber for the night. The Spawn may sleep in their own beds." Walter picked his Zsophia up and carried her into the bedchamber then to bed. He set her down very gently on it. She was so beautiful he could not believe she was his. He smiled as she took off her shoes and let them fall to the floor at the foot of the bed.
"So my love, as you have tasted my kisses," Blaze said with a smile turning a little pink.
"They are so very sweet." Walter smiled as he took off his gloves and touched the side of her face. She turned in to it. He smiled; she could be so affectionate when she chose to.
She blushed more then continued on. "Would you now taste my blood?"
Part of him was surprised at her bold offer just now, most wasn't, all of him wanted to, and he wasn't hungry which was good. He nodded "Yes." He held her in his arms and looked in her eyes. "Are you sure you want this?" He ran a hand over body. "I know you trust me, even with your children's lives." He looked in her eyes and saw her answer and he was not unhappy about it.
"Yes I do." Blaze sighed and touched the side of his face then traced his lips with her finger. "With us it goes beyond trust I think I do not understand but I do want this. Am I insane?"
"No you're not. Usually we would wait for the full Blood Moon but I think this will still work. For us now there is a magic that surrounds this. For us Midians it is part of our coming together, our mating. You and I become we. You will wear my mark all Midians will see it; just as a human looks for a ring." He kissed her finger where he had put his ring. Walter brushed her hair out of his way. He whispered into her ear. "You want me as your mate?"
She nodded her breathing became more erratic "Yes Walter, I give you my blood, I want you for my mate." She smiled.
Walter's teeth grew, his eyes glowed. Now he could see and hear the blood as it ran through her. This was something he had been looking forward to since he had decided that she would be his. Walter now laid Zsophia back in his arms so she was reclining. He sent out a thought "Alucard I do not want to fall into Blood Lust and harm her."
"You will not Angel. I will wait to sense if it happens but you will not."
Walter both leaned into her and brought her to him. He then very carefully punctured the skin on her throat. Blaze gasped and shivered. Slowly he allowed his fangs to penetrate deeper into her Jugular. Her blood filled his mouth and he moaned; her blood was so warm, so sweet, and so strong. She moaned his name. With this she was now His Mate. He slowly pulled his fangs from her and licked the wound closed. He licked the remaining blood from her neck then from his lips. He saw the silvery white marks left from his feeding. Now his hunger changed, it became carnal, sensual. Her eyes opened.
"I love you Walter." She smiled at him.
"I love you Zsophia." He answered. He kissed her and made her his in every way.