Hellsing's Heir

by qrowsnest

Barely scraping by with a mercenary's salary, Elizabeth Ryder stumbles across the Hellsing Organization and is hired by Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing to hunt vampires. She soon ends up with more than she bargained for when an old enemy makes an appearance, and Hellsing's ace-in-the-sleeve returns.

35. Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Salvation Through Destruction

Disclaimer: I do not own Hellsing, but any OCs are mine.

I checked my watch for the fifth time that night.

Elis and I had been mingling outside the clubs for hours now with no luck. At this point, I was either going to give up and try again another night or get roaring drunk. If it wasn't the staggering club patrons annoying me, it was the music pounding against my sleep-deprived head.

"Come now love, let me buy you a drink." The same guy from earlier coaxed, his eyes slightly glazed as he swayed unsteadily on his feet.

I fixed him with my sternest gaze. "I already told you to buzz off."

"This guy bothering you?"

I stiffened at the spiders crawling over my skin and turned curiously to find a bear of a man leaning towards the two of us. Cords of muscle rippled as he crossed his arms over his chest. A classic chivalry act…likely to lure me in by making me out as some sort of damsel in distress. I nearly snorted and broke my cover at the idea. Instead, I played along.

Adopting my best wide-eyed doe look, I nodded. Out of the corner of my eye, Elis caught the motion and began dancing his way through the crowd towards us. He'd be within earshot soon, even with the music pounding.

"You heard her. Move your arse!" The freak bellowed at the scrawny drunkard, who immediately balked at his size and backed off…looking rather like a kicked puppy. "You alright, angel?"

I couldn't help but cringe at the cheesy pet name. "Yea, I'm fine thanks to you."

A decidedly predatory smile spread across his face. "My pleasure. Want to get out of here?"

Blinking in what I hoped was a clueless manner, I bobbed my head in faux excitement. "Sure. Where are we going?"

"You'll see, angel…you'll see." He promised, then offered his arm. Reeling in my revulsion, I took it and allowed him to half-drag me out of the club.

It took a herculean effort not to laugh at the irony of the situation. This idiot wasn't even using his nose. A real vampire would have smelled me a mile away. Or would have at least noticed that a not-so-subtle pilot and a fumbling recruit had begun following at a distance. World's deadliest predator, my ass.

My fake savior ducked into an alley far enough away from the club that the crowd outside had thinned out drastically. Hook. Line. Sinker. "I don't think I've been this way before." I pretended to chew my lip nervously.

"Trust me." He purred, pulling me further in. Judging by the flare of warmth in my chest, Hope was getting far too close. If she swooped in too soon, it could ruin the entire operation.

Pressed for time, I swallowed my revulsion and tugged on his shirt suggestively. "Why wait? Let's skip to the fun part." I tried for a coy look, though I was sure it looked more pained than seductive.

Hulky grunted deep in his throat and flashed his pointed teeth. "Your wish."

In a whirl, he had me pinned against the brick building and began running his hands over my hips.

A muted thud caught my attention, but once again, the freak was too caught up in the hunt to notice. Hope had dropped from the top of the nearest building, and Elis had rounded the corner to stand on the opposite side of the alley.

When Elis drew his pistol, the pervert finally seemed to snap out of the haze of bloodlust long enough to notice the pilot. "Oh, that's just terrifying. Get gone, mate. I'm busy."

The vampire leaned in, and I switched tactics. Seizing his wrists tightly, I scowled. "You are quite possibly the dumbest freak I've ever encountered." As I turned on my aspect, I had the distinct pleasure of watching his face twist in agony.

He tried to stumble away, but I held him fast. Judging by his horror-stricken face, I could hazard a guess that he knew me. "No…not you!"

"Shut up!" I snarled, sending a mild electric shock through his body in warning. "Here's the deal. You answer my questions, and I won't burn your body parts off one by one."

"Where's Mitica?" Elis demanded, his finger brushing over the trigger as he considered our prisoner.

"I don't know that name…and even if I did, I wouldn't tell the Hellsing bastard anything!" He spat before convulsing in pain as I lit his pinky finger on fire.

In the background, Hope took a step forward curiously, and I glared at her to back off before returning my attention to the pathetic freak. "I can do this all night, buddy."

Elis pushed the muzzle of his pistol against the freak's knee. "Where's Mitica?" He tried again, the tone of his voice almost making me shiver.

"I can't…he'll kill me." The vampire gritted his teeth and glared violently at the pilot.

"I really don't think he wants to keep his knees." Hope piped in, a fiendish smile on her delicate lips.

"I don't think he does either." I murmured darkly, nodding to Elis.

The vampire howled in pain after Elis squeezed the trigger, splattering me with the freak's thick blood and bits of bone. Calmly, the pilot repositioned and shoved the pistol against his good knee. "You want to try again?"

Panting through his teeth, the vampire's determination seemed to fade. "Fine. You want to die, be my guest. Last time I saw him, he was holed up near Newcastle. Been a few months though."

I met Elis's troubled gaze briefly before returning to the questioning. "What is he doing there?"

"Look, bitch…I don't know. I left when the numbers started getting out of control. I don't like competition. Most of the sorry bastards were crazy anyway." He scowled.

"Numbers? How many are we talking?" Elis prodded.

"Twenty…could be more now. Mitica's been busy." A cocky smile took up residence on his face as the color drained out of my face.

"Elis?"

"Yea?"

"Shoot him." Letting the sorry creature go, I turned to the side and allowed Hope to witness the execution.

Elis made it swift and clean, but I could tell the ordeal had still rattled her. She toed the fresh ashes on the sidewalk with her boot as if she couldn't quite believe what had happened.

Grasping the sides of my head, I cursed loudly and threw a punch at the building. The brick scoured my knuckles and drew blood, but I didn't care. "It had to be Ireland, didn't it?"

"What's wrong with Ireland?" Hope questioned.

I exchanged a look with my pilot once more. Desiree had hoped to never have to bring up Iscariot in front of her daughter. But now, we had little choice. "It's all Vatican territory. Neither the NASF nor Hellsing have jurisdiction there."

"And since the treaty still stands, we can't cross into their territory." A muscle jumped in Elis's jaw, and he gave me a scathing look.

My shoulders slumped. Just more evidence that I should have never entertained Archbishop Makube. This made things infinitely more complicated. If we were caught in their territory, they had free reign to act. And I didn't want to be the first to break the fragile peace. I wouldn't willingly subject the NASF to all-out war.

"Vatican territory? Why do the Catholics care?" Hope pressed, brushing a golden curl out of her eyes and glancing between the two of us.

"Let's get back to the manor. I'll explain later." I sighed.

Desiree was definitely going to kill me when I got this shit sorted out.

Dammit…I need a drink.

"Uh, Ryder…look down." Elis's eyes widened into the size of dinner plates.

I frowned and ducked my chin down, unsure of what I was looking at. "Yea, I know…I'm covered in blood and I need a shower. Anything else?"

"No…not that…that." Elis pointed a shaky finger at a bright red laser dot situated just below my collarbone.

My heart stuttered briefly before picking up in double time. "Sniper." I whispered in horror, my eyes darting to the tops of the buildings.

"Get down!" Elis bellowed, throwing his body in front of me.

Hope. I whirled on the young recruit and pushed her back. "Take cover, now!"

"Shh!" Elis hissed, narrowing his eyes into the darkened streets.

For several moments, we sat in silence, listening to the distant thump of the club in the background. No shot came.

Hope made a small noise just as a brief brush of snowflakes skirted over my cheeks. I sat up, jolted by the familiar sensation. It can't be…

The sensation began to fade, and I pushed Elis aside in my haste to chase it. "Seras…Seras!?" I bellowed into the night, not caring if anyone thought I was crazy.

Hope's lithe strides easily kept up with mine, but Elis had to scramble after us. Eventually, I even overtook Hope as I tried to locate the source of the wintery sensation before I lost it completely. I'd already run into traffic twice, earning myself several angry car horns and annoyed looks.

"Ryder, wait!" Elis shouted after me, but I was beyond hearing him.

My senses felt the sudden shift in direction, and I darted into another alleyway. The feeling was stronger here…almost blizzard-like in its intensity. She was close.

Breathing hard, I scanned the darkness…almost certain she was above me somewhere. "Seras?" Swallowing a lump in my throat, I took a step forward.

"Not another step."

I froze smartly, biting the inside of my cheek for my carelessness. The voice came from behind me. I'd allowed a vampire to flank me. The flare of Hope's presence brightened before I heard her footsteps enter the alley and come to an abrupt stop. Her delicate gasp brought back my original anxiety. It had been 13 years…and I may have just thrown myself into the warpath of a vengeful vampiress.

"You're supposed to be dead." Her achingly familiar voice was accusing and carried with it the distinct bite of old pain.

"Get away from her!" Hope threatened, her voice wavering slightly.

"Leave before you hurt yourself." Seras's voice rang with authority, setting my nerves on fire. If it felt this way to me, I imagined it was worse from Hope's perspective.

"You'll be the one getting hurt." The recruit retaliated harshly. My eyes squeezed shut in sudden terror. Her stubbornness would get her killed.

"Hope…listen to me. Drop your weapon, and back out slowly." I refused to turn around. The fear in her eyes would break me. I needed to get her out of the danger now.

My hopes deflated when heavy combat boots accompanied by harsh breathing echoed through the small alley. "You!" He snarled in accusation. "I wondered when you'd come crawling out of hiding. I've been waiting for this."

"Elis, no!"

"I'll kill you if I have to." Seras warned. "I will have the truth now."

"The hell you will! You lost your damn right when you nearly killed her." The pilot bellowed. His tone suggested his blind fury. This wasn't courage anymore…it was just plain stupidity.

"You both betrayed me!" The draculina screeched.

"Because we had no fucking choice!" Elis snapped back.

I felt more than saw the shadows flare up around Seras. This argument was entering dangerous territory, and the situation needed to be diffused. "There's always a choice! There's no bloody excuse for you."

"Elis…leave." I whispered quietly, biting back the urge to turn and protect my back. Doing so could jeopardize both of their lives.

The pilot snorted. "Not going to happen."

"I'm serious!" It was becoming a struggle to keep my tone even. "This isn't up for debate."

"I left you behind once…it won't happen again."

Gritting my teeth, I switched tactics. "Hope, get him out of here. Use whatever means necessary."

"But…I can't…" She spluttered.

"You can and you will." It wasn't my intention to be harsh with her, but she needed to leave. I had no desire to die, but I knew my chances were slim and if I could save them…I would.

There was a pause, and then Elis started protesting. "What are you doing? No! Ryder!"

Turning my head slowly as to not startle the vampiress, I watched as Hope raised Elis into the air. His body twisted violently as he fought against her telekinesis. Though I'd witnessed her aspect first-hand before, it never ceased to scare me how powerful she was.

"Sorry, Elis." Hope's azure eyes glazed with tears as she began to back out of the alley, Elis's body suspended in front of her.

"Don't let her do this!" The pilot pleaded desperately.

With nothing left to say, I turned away again. Every plea drove a dagger into my chest over and over again until he was finally out of earshot. I was alone with the draculina now.

"Why?"

Seras's broken voice tore the hole in my chest wide open. Of all the things I imagined, I didn't think she'd track me herself. "I spent years in the dark…and I'm tired of it!" She shouted at me harshly. "Look at me!"

Unwillingly, I turned and met those garnet colored eyes. Her attire had changed since I had last seen her. Gone was the crimson Hellsing uniform. Ragged skinny jeans had taken the place of her signature skirt, and a black turtleneck sweater hugged her chest.

But more than that, there was a haunted look to her expression that frankly scared me more than the muzzle of the rifle pointed in my face.

"I've been trying to make sense of what you've done…searching for a purpose. And honestly, I keep coming up short." She spat. The shadows making up her arm twisted savagely. "First Walter…then you…I can't take it!"

Unshed tears stung my eyes, and I lowered my head in shame. "Seras…I…"

"Don't! You don't get to speak." The draculina took a dangerous step towards me. "I have nothing…don't you get it!?"

I flinched under the glowing intensity of her glare. Unbridled disgust poured out of her in waves. My aspect twitched valiantly, but I beat it back down.

"I didn't…" A muscle jumped in her jaw and she tore her gaze away from me. "I didn't get to say goodbye..."

My nails bit harshly into my palms as I punished myself. Because I knew she wasn't speaking of him. Integra had become Seras's whole world…and I'd single-handedly driven a wedge between them that would now never be resolved.

I'd done well not to second-guess my decision for years…pushing it away when my mind began to turn over the consequences. But now that my past was staring me in the face, it was hard not to think of what could have been. Perhaps this all could have been avoided if I'd failed on purpose. Surely death would have been a better alternative to causing pain to everyone I held close to my heart. Even Hope hadn't been spared of the consequences of my actions.

And then, it hit me like a two-ton truck. I'd been selfish. That was all there was to it. When it came down to him or me…I chose myself. The fallout from that decision was still affecting my friends. It hadn't solved a damn thing. Humanity was always in danger. If it wasn't one thing, it was another.

I didn't have an apology for the broken vampiress…because I had none to give. It didn't make a difference. All I had was the truth. And she definitely had a right to that. "You didn't come here for excuses. I know that." I began calmly, testing her patience with me. "I have none. Because at the core of it, you're right: I had a choice, and I chose wrong. I left you out of the decision because I worried you would cloud my judgment. But it wasn't my call."

The draculina paced like a lioness in front of me, her expression fixed into a stony scowl as I spoke. "Then why did you do it?"

And there it was…the real question I never wanted to confront. "He wanted to go…he thought I was the perfect candidate." I shook my head. "I can't pretend to know what he was thinking, but I had no right. I should have accepted my fate…or at least given him the chance to prove he wouldn't make me into someone I wasn't. But I can't take that back." Looking away, I bit down on my lip till I tasted blood. "Lord knows I wish I could."

Seras didn't acknowledge that, but also didn't move to shriek at me again…and for that I was grateful. Probably just trying to figure out where to shoot me this time so I would stay down. "Why are you here?" She demanded suddenly.

I debated telling her the truth. It could possibly set her off again. But this wasn't the time to be evasive. "The Hellsing vault was broken into. Whoever it was, seduced one of my maids and left a ghoul to greet me. I'm looking for the one responsible."

For a moment, some of the vampiress's rage seemed to dissipate. Surprise flitted momentarily over her pale face. "But they would have had to get through security."

"It's not difficult when you're boning the woman holding all of the codes." I grumbled. "That's not even the point. It's what they stole that bothers me." Holding her ruby gaze, I pulled out the 13 mm casing and handed it to her.

When her fingers closed over the innocuous object, she narrowed her eyes. "You're sure it was taken?"

"Positive." I replied, watching her turn the casing over carefully in her hands as if it were a sacred object. "The claymore and cape are gone too."

Her fist closed over the casing briefly before she held it out for me again. I shook my head at the gesture. "You keep it." I hadn't missed how she seemed reluctant to hand it over. "Anyway, I'm going to get this mess sorted out. You know a guy named Mitica?"

Seras froze at the name, and I was immediately suspicious. It seemed the draculina still wasn't all that good at subtlety. "You know him?" I repeated myself, disliking the wall that seemed to have sprung up between us again.

When she finally shook herself, she turned her gaze away. "Where did you hear that name?"

"Does it matter?" If she was going to answer my questions with more questions, than two could play at that game.

She hesitated. "I guess not." Her shadowy arm flared wickedly as she regarded me. "But you're making a mistake. Mitica is dangerous."

"So I've been told." I grumbled, remembering the petrified look on Anna's face. "I need to…speak with him."

Her expression darkened, and she shook her head. "I can't let you do that."

An eyebrow curved upward despite my best efforts to control my expression. "And why is that?"

"If you're really telling the truth, then you'd leave this alone." She hissed.

"Why are you being defensive?" I finally blurted, realizing that I was dipping my toe into dangerous waters again. "A moment ago you seemed surprised and now…"

"Leave it alone!" Her eyes flared in a way so reminiscent of her master that it had me taking a few steps back.

The draculina turned her back to me, her fist clenching and unclenching.

"I'm going to Ireland. And he will have some answers for me. I don't need your opinion, Seras."

She rounded on me with a terrifying speed and suddenly had a fistful of my jacket in her grip. "I'm warning you for the last time. Leave it alone!"

I snatched her hand off my jacket and gritted my teeth. "Noted, and disregarded. You want to keep your secrets? Go for it! See if I care!"

At this point, I knew I'd gone too far. And it showed when Seras suddenly turned and cocked back her fist.

Stars exploded in my vision when her fist collided with my jaw with the force of a sledgehammer. The dirty concrete rushed up to greet me, and I tasted copper.

Swift footsteps faded away as I peeled myself off the alley, swaying on my feet as the sky spun crazily. Spitting blood onto the pavement, I cursed loudly. Fucking idiot!

I was supposed to be understanding…to listen to her. Instead, I lashed out like a child and only proved what she already thought of me.

Leaning on my knees, I couldn't help the tears threatening to spill over. And it wasn't because of the pain radiating from my jaw. She was truly alone in the world. I'd done this to her. I thought isolating myself from my past would make it go away…but it didn't absolve me of the consequences. I was running away…like a coward.

I deserved that punch, and ten others like it. If she ever spoke to me again, it would be a miracle.

Rounding the corner into the street, I stopped short to find Hope leaning against Elis on a nearby bench. He'd shed his overcoat and had it pressed against her nose. Crimson soaked the jade fabric at an alarming rate.

For a horrifying moment, I thought Seras had laid her hands on the young recruit, but then Elis spotted me. "Are you bloody satisfied?"

I bit the inside of my cheek, ignoring how the action brought more pain than relief. "Let's get back to the manor." No part of me wanted to hash it out with Elis right now. My emotions had been rubbed raw, and all I wanted to do was sleep.

"That's all you have to say? She fucking shot you! We're supposed to be a team. You can't just send us away when things get rough." The pilot snarled, slowly pulling the jacket away to inspect Hope's nose. "You pushed her too hard."

Guilt was the icing on the emotional cake at this point. I hadn't meant for Hope to push herself that hard. "I'm sorry." I whispered to her.

"I'm ok." She insisted, her words coming out nasally from holding her nose so long. "Who was she?"

"I'll tell you later, kid." What a mess. "Can you walk?"

Hope nodded weakly as I helped her up. Though she leaned heavily on me, she made it to the car. Everything aside, I felt even more terrible for causing her more pain.

Elis drove, jerking around the corners harsher than usual. I'd really stepped in it this time.

Thankfully, the irate pilot held his tongue until Hope had been cleaned up and sent to bed. When the office door clicked shut and I took a seat at Integra's desk, he exploded.

"Maybe you don't care if you drop dead…but there are people that rely on you now!"

I winced at his tone. "That's not true…"

"The hell it isn't!" He cut me off swiftly and advanced on the desk. "You've been walking around like a zombie avoiding your problems for too long. Walter and Desiree may turn the other way, but I won't. Not anymore."

"I'm not a child! You don't have to babysit me!" A sudden flash of anger took the place of my guilt, sending embers across Integra's desk.

"Then stop acting like one!"

Once again, I flinched at his tone and sat back. It was a miracle a stray tendril of electricity didn't catch the pilot on accident as I silently seethed. "What do you want me to say? That I fucked up? Guess what, that ship has sailed!"

"I want you to admit that you haven't really lived since that night 13 years ago! And don't deny it because I know you better than that." Elis continued to rage, running his hands through his dark curls. He laughed in pure exasperation, and for the first time during the argument, I noticed there were tears in his eyes. "I can't watch you deteriorate. And I don't want to be there when you decide it's too much of a hassle to try and live anymore."

All at once, my anger fizzled out. Bowing my head, I inhaled a ragged breath. "You're right. Some days, I wish Seras had killed me…and I'm sure she does too."

"That's not true." He argued, his expression losing some of its hard edge as he tentatively crossed the room. "Mad as hell, maybe…but she'd never wish you were dead. You should have seen her face when she thought you were."

I lightly brushed the colorful bruise now adorning my jaw. "That was then…she's had 13 years to hate me." Closing my eyes, I felt the invisible knife twist savagely in my chest. "What am I doing? Integra would be ashamed of me."

Elis shook his head and knelt down in front of me, placing his hands on my knees. "Look at me."

Huffing in frustration, I met his concerned gaze.

"I think if anything…she was disappointed. But ashamed? Never." Elis gave my knee a comforting squeeze. "You're doing good things. And, remember what I always say…"

"You're in my corner." My lips tugged into a lopsided smile.

"Hell yes I am." He grinned, then sobered long enough to give me a serious look. "Even if I don't always agree with you. Just promise you won't turn to a bottle when you need an ear."

Now that, I couldn't promise, but I nodded anyway to avoid another fight. I'd swear off drinking for months, but it never seemed to matter. Feeling numb was better than facing my emotions most days.

"So…twenty freaks, huh?" Elis chuckled, but he couldn't mask his worry.

"Maybe more, according to our dead friend." I agreed glumly. "Also not taking into account a large number of ghouls."

"Oh good, I was starting to wonder if anyone made armies anymore." He joked dryly. "God, I don't miss that."

"Well, if you kill the freaks fast enough…less ghouls to worry about."

"Good point." Elis laughed, and swatted my knee playfully. "Could always use some target practice. I've got to keep sharp."

"I'm glad one of us is enthusiastic." Glancing into the deserted hallway, I sighed. A trial by fire for Hope…I pray she can follow directions.

Following a blessedly dreamless sleep, I arose early for a brisk jog around the estate. After the events of the previous evening, I needed some stability. Thankfully, the cool morning air and the burn in my lungs were just what the doctor ordered.

It struck me how quiet the grounds were without all the soldiers milling about. With just the sound of my own breaths and the crunch of my shoes on the gravel trail, it was almost lonely.

I broke off the trail after a while and headed through the well-maintained lawn to the garages. There, my old forge sat. The stones had been bleached by the elements, but the structure was sound. Weapons were forged there that were likely never used again. The saber I crafted for Integra had been laid in the vault to collect dust. The claymore…likely in the slimy hands of Mitica or one of his lackey's. That left the dagger I forged for Seras. And Lord knew where that had ended up. If I had to guess, probably lying at the bottom of a lake somewhere.

Perhaps it was a small mercy that although I had about an infinite number of lifetimes ahead of me, my memory still faded like any other human's. I had Integra's picture with me in my desk drawer, so forgetting what she looked like was impossible. But Seras…my mind had not done her enough justice. Seeing her again was a stark reminder that I wasn't remembering him right either. I'd forgotten the subtle nuances of his expression that used to give away his emotions…the way his ebony hair swallowed up the sunlight whenever he ventured outside during the day. And I hated to admit that bothered me more than anything else.

Turning away from the bittersweet reminder of simpler times, I jogged back to the trail. I knew it did no good thinking about him, but it was getting harder not to. Entertaining hallucinations and perverted dreams wasn't healthy. And it vexed me that after all this time, I was still confused by his actions. It was like an itch I couldn't quite scratch.

And speaking of itching…it seemed as if a bug had found its early morning meal already. Annoyed, I scratched the side of my neck. With hindsight, I should have used bug spray before I headed out. Vaguely, I could remember Anya chiding me when I was little not to scratch at bug bites. The thought brought a smile to my lips.

By the time I returned to the manor to shower, I'd forgotten about the whole thing…the steam providing enough relief for the itching. However, when I stepped out to braid my hair, I stopped short.

Was the scar always that raised?

I leaned forward and craned my neck to get a better look at it. The red marks my nails had made stood out starkly against the small slashes of white. I couldn't see a visible bump indicating a bug bite, though.

An obnoxious series of knocks sounded on the bathroom door, startling me out of my observations. "Quit hogging the bathroom!"

I scowled. "There's one right down the hall!"

"Yours has the better shower!" Hope complained.

"Oh, for God's sake." Snatching up my clothes and tying on a robe, I charged out with my hair still dripping.

"Finally!" Hope beamed at my compliance and ducked inside, pulling at her bedhead hair with a frown. "I think I need a haircut. I'm starting to look like you."

As I toweled my own hair, I narrowed my eyes at her. "And what's so wrong about that?"

"Wow, I don't even know where to start explaining why that's bad." She laughed before shutting the door. The sounds of the shower starting drowned out my snort of annoyance at her antics.

Given the circumstances, I had Arthur and Elis bring up my full armor. There were only a few situations that necessitated the use of it in the past. It had been repaired and modified through the years, but the original motif of the howling wolf on the cuirass had remained.

Elis tightened the buckles with a flourish, then patted my shoulder. "You're good to go."

Tentatively, I shook myself out, testing the unfamiliar weight. "Do we have a confirmation on their hideout?"

"Arthur made some calls. It's pretty clear from the missing person cases that they can't be operating too far out of the radius I've calculated. They're out in the countryside…likely holed up in a shop or storehouse."

"How big are we talking? Last I checked, freaks don't exactly get along in closed spaces very well." I grunted as I rolled my shoulder to check for full range of motion.

"Big." Elis elaborated, shrugging his shoulders. "Which makes you wonder why they haven't attracted more attention to themselves."

That was concerning from a tactical standpoint. If Mitica had this many followers and hadn't been noticed, then he was either playing it safe with choosing his victims or incredibly persuasive. Either way, it didn't sit well with me. "Hopefully the freak will enlighten us when we arrive."

"I think I'd prefer just to put a bullet in him." Elis muttered.

I snorted. "You and me both. I will once I have what he stole from me."

"What about Seras?" The pilot ventured, eyeing me with a tentative hazel gaze.

The question created a ball of discomfort in my stomach. Her warning had been incredibly clear. So, it wouldn't be so much of a stretch to believe that she might get in my way. For whatever reason, she didn't want me going after Mitica. "I don't know."

Elis's eyes tightened in understanding. "I get it. Just…don't expect me to stand by and let her shoot you again."

Things would get ugly if the draculina got involved. Worse yet, if she was already involved. My stomach twisted at the thought. Once upon a time, I would have never thought her capable of such a thing. But now…now I wasn't certain about anything.

When we were finally loaded up, Arthur drove us to the airport. It was a silent affair, and the tension in the car didn't make it much better. Hope chewed on her pinky nail while twirling a dagger in her other hand. It was a nervous habit I'd witnessed on occasion. At least she understood that this was serious. But, it wouldn't do to have a jumpy slayer on a mission.

Reaching over carefully, I removed the dagger from her grip and grabbed her hand tightly. Her azure eyes met mine in surprise, and I shook my head. "Relax."

The tension in her shoulders ebbed a bit at my suggestion, and she smiled tentatively. It amazed me how the self-assured teenager I knew from training had lost so much of her confidence. "Everything will be fine."

"But, what if my nose bleeds again?" She whispered, chewing on her bottom lip.

"I won't let that happen. Just remember what you learned in training, and don't push yourself." I took a deep breath, silently berating myself for asking too much of her yesterday. "I'll never ask you to go outside your comfort zone again. I promise."

"Good…cause…I think Elis is heavier than he looks." Hope whispered conspiratorially, her gaze cutting to the pilot in question.

"Hey, it's not my fault Walter's tea cookies are the epitome of perfection." Elis patted his stomach.

I sighed wistfully. "They really are amazing. Especially those miniature lemon tarts that melt in your mouth."

"Stop! You're making me hungry!" Hope complained. "I didn't have breakfast."

"And who's fault is that?" I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Yours!" She gushed. "If someone hadn't spent a decade in the shower…"

"Oh, don't be melodramatic." A sneaky smile wove to my lips. I'd never been good about being brief in the shower.

Arthur, who had to listen to every word of our spat, seemed ready to throw us out of the vehicle when we finally reached the airport. "Sir, do remember your extraction number this time. I'd prefer not to bother Sir Penwood for a new helicopter this time."

"You really think we're going to have to use it?" I questioned the old retainer playfully.

However, Arthur did not seem in the mood for joking, and I quickly sobered. "Alright, yes I remember it. Happy?"

"I shall be happier when you return, Sir." Arthur grumbled. "Be safe."

"Roger that." I smiled and gave him a lopsided salute before boarding the plane after the others.

Despite my earlier confidence, I wasn't so sure when we landed in Newcastle. It was as if we had crossed an invisible barrier. My muscles were strained with tension, and my back prickled uneasily. We were an hour's flight away from any help if Iscariot caught us on their turf. All the better to keep this mission as short as possible. The longer we stayed, the more we would run the risk of breaking the treaty.

As Elis signed the paperwork for the rental car, I bit the inside of my cheek and rubbed the sore spot on my neck. What I once thought to be a bug bite now seemed to have manifested itself into a full-blown rash. I'll deal with it later. It's not that bad.

In addition to that, a dull ache had begun in the back of my head. It wasn't unlike the headaches that plagued me after taking down Az. Its emergence was more of an inconvenience than anything. Keeping a lid on my aspect would be tougher than usual. Even now, a few stray flares danced between my fingertips as I rubbed my temple.

The car ride wasn't much better. With my mounting headache, Elis's wisecracks were becoming less humorous and more annoying by the minute.

After an hour of driving in circles, I had reached my breaking point. However, as I opened my mouth to tell Elis to put a sock in it, I felt it.

Spider legs.

Hope and I stiffened in our seats simultaneously. Elis's eyes darted to mine in the rearview mirror before returning to the road. "Well, I'm guessing we're close."

The young recruit shifted uncomfortably and rubbed the goosebumps on her arms. "Yuck…this feels terrible."

I had to agree with her on that. It wasn't the usual pitter-patter of feet that I was used to. No, this felt like a swarm of centipedes tap-dancing on every surface of skin. "Uncomfortable" was putting it mildly.

Elis steered the vehicle into a circle drive and parked. There wasn't a question: this was the place. Two massive storage Quonsets sat before us, just as Elis had predicted.

Moments passed, and no one seemed to be brave enough to open their door first. I couldn't very well blame them. Even without the senses of a vampire or werewolf, I could smell the cloying scent of death from here. In addition, there was a strange buzzing sensation that I couldn't quite place…but bothered me all the same. "Well, we can't get anything done if we just sit here and wait for nightfall. Here's hoping we catch these bastards sleeping."

Sliding Assurance out from the trunk, I pocketed the extra magazine for the Jackal and fell into step beside Hope. She'd taken up short blades…a good start for a new slayer. At least they would be easier to heft for someone with a lighter frame. "Ready?"

Hope glanced up at me, then at the huge Quonset doors. "Should we knock?"

I grinned. "Sure. I'll give them the courtesy. Which one do you want, kid?"

She thought for a few moments, then proceeded to play eeny, meeny, miny, moe to select between the two sheds. With an over-the-top flourish, she pointed at the left shed. "That one."

It was the shed where the buzzing seemed to be most concentrated. "Good choice." Striding forward, I spun Assurance so that the haft pointed towards the door and rammed it against the metal three times.

The echo sounded for several moments before fading into silence. The three of us held our breaths as we waited for any kind of movement.

When it became apparent nothing was going to happen, we relaxed. "Might as well try the door. If they're sleeping, not even a firecracker is going to wake them."

Bracing against the metal latch, I pushed upwards and was surprised when the metal gave. It grated harshly and swung out, making me take a step back to avoid catching my ankle. If possible, the buzzing had increased in intensity…as if opening the door had released some pent-up energy.

First inspection revealed the gigantic shed to be quite empty. It took a few steps inside to reveal that wasn't quite the case.

There had truly been times in my life when I firmly thought I couldn't be surprised any longer. And honestly, the taste of crow was getting rather old.

Splashed on the walls…the floor…and everywhere in between…were runes of various sizes and shapes. My stomach flipped at the choice of medium. Blood…buckets of it.

Hope gagged visibly, and I turned away as she leaned over and spat bile on the concrete.

Elis wasn't faring much better. "Bloody hell." His darker skin paled to a sickly color, and if he hadn't seen worse things, I imagined he would have lost his breakfast as well.

I ventured further into the shed, watching my steps carefully. Some of these runes I recognized from my brief studies over the years. I'd never done much in the craft and had only educated myself on the basics as well as the rules. Vampires practicing alchemy? What use would it be for them?

My toes edged against the largest rune in the room, and suddenly the buzzing lowered to a dull hum. At the same time, my head pulsed painfully. Grimacing, I grasped my head and tried to focus. The symbols looked awfully familiar.

"It doesn't feel right in here." Hope shuddered.

"She's right, I don't like this." Elis agreed, his caution evident in his tone. "It's too quiet."

Then, it came to me. "Summoning circle." I whispered in horror, stepping away from the boundary line like I'd been stung. "We need to get out of here…this could still be active." From the readings I'd done in the past, I remembered a few key things about these runes. And, none of it was good.

For starters, unlike most runes that become dormant after a single use, summoning circles could remain active for weeks after use. What's more, the runes could be finicky. The only analogy I could think of would be like reaching your hand blind into a bag of marbles hoping for a specific color. Most of the time, people summon something they aren't equipped to deal with. And, because they remain active for so long, other things are liable to crawl through…like demons and the like.

Using blood was just the icing on the cake at this point. Many of the texts I'd read considered it to be taboo. And now with the three of us here…standing much to close…

"Hope…start backing out slowly. What we've been feeling is the lingering ambient energy from this rune. We've been set up." I spoke swiftly without taking my eyes off the malevolent symbols splashed across the concrete floor.

In my haste to exit, I stepped backward and felt the ground grab my foot. Startled, I whirled to try and yank it free. A glowing sigil on the floor held me fast as if I'd just stepped in quicksand.

"I can't move!" Hope hollered across the Quonset, tugging at her feet wildly. I felt the tenor of her aspect flare as she tried to yank herself free using her telekinesis.

This was far beyond common variety alchemy here. An expert had placed these runes. And we'd just walked right into an elaborate trap.

A slow clapping drew my attention to the back of the Quonset. Strutting forward with the grace and showmanship of a peacock, was a vampire clad all in lavish midnight blue robes. Obsidian eyes glittering with humor cut to me with unholy glee. My heart skipped several beats at the sight of those eyes as he neared me. There was black…and then there was this. It was as if the darkest reaches of the universe had been trapped in his eyes. These weren't the eyes of a madman…but of a being devoid of sympathy.

The fluorescent lighting in the shed highlighted the shades of crimson in his thick, messy black hair. Even without the knowledge of his age, I knew the freak had to be old. The planes of his face held an aristocratic authority one didn't see in this age. Indeed, with every step the vampire commanded attention and authority.

"Caught like a bear in a trap. Oh, how the tables have turned, eh Phoenix?" His tone was even and smooth, though I could practically taste his amusement. He'd expected this.

And I didn't have to wonder about that for long. For my eyes then caught movement to his left. I'd hoped vainly that my eyes had first deceived me. However, there was no one else I knew who looked quite like Seras Victoria.

"Blood seals are a forbidden art." I grunted, still trying to figure a way out of the mess I'd walked us into. For now, I was determined to ignore the traitorous draculina. Giving in to anger now wouldn't serve me well.

"Powerful and intelligent, I see? You're the whole package." The freak hummed, stepping within a few feet of me and halting. From this distance, I could clearly observe the lavish gold filigree on his robes. He took a deep breath, and his dark eyes nearly rolled to the back of his head. "And you smell lovely."

My stomach churned when he took another abnormally long breath. "Mitica, I assume?"

"Oh, yes. I thought it only fair to greet you in person. You've gone to such lengths to find me, after all." He gestured to Seras and beamed like a proud father. "Seras…she has been such a help to me. I hope that you will extend the same courtesy, in time."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "And why on Earth would I help you?"

"It's very simple. I have the means to deliver to you your heart's greatest desire. And you hold the key." He replied simply, examining his long nails with a serene smile. "I have no doubt you are a reasonable woman, no? So, let us speak in a civilized manner." With a wave of his hand, the seal dimmed and released my foot.

Using my newfound freedom, I took several steps away from the freak. "I'm only here for the things you stole from me, nothing else."

To my surprise, the vampire laughed. "You think so small, Elizabeth. Though you may have many desires, I offer something much greater.

It took all my strength not to hurtle a fireball right into his smug face. "Let's just assume I'm not interested."

"You humans are always in such a hurry. Why rush from such an opportunity? Will you not at least hear the words of an ancient vampire?" Mitica placed his hands over his chest as if my words had physically wounded him.

"Listen to him, Ryder." Seras implored from the background. Her ruby eyes shifted to Mitica and she regarded him with a look of…admiration? No…that couldn't be.

I swallowed back the lump in my throat. "If I listen to your little speech, will you tell me where you stashed what you stole from me?"

"Of course. The objects were only stolen to gain an audience with you, after all. They have served their purpose." Mitica dipped his head.

Elis caught my eye and shook his head fiercely. He hated this as much as I did…maybe even more. But I had little choice at this point. If I could avoid a fight until backup could come…then all the better. "You have to promise not to harm my friends."

The vampire looked surprised at the request. "But, of course! You are my guests after all. No harm will befall them so long as our meeting remains civil."

I didn't believe him in the slightest, but I had a feeling a refusal would spell disaster for the young recruit and the still-struggling pilot. "Fine."

He clapped his hands together. "Excellent! Seras, dear, will you watch over our guests? Do make sure they don't get themselves into trouble."

The draculina took a step forward, confused at the request. "But, you promised we would speak to her together."

Mitica's answering smile was a bit too reassuring. "No need to fret, my dear. You will get your chance soon enough."

My eyes narrowed in suspicion at the exchange. Though Mitica's emotions were harder to decipher, Seras's were written all over her cherubic face. Something wasn't adding up with those two.

Clasping a handle in the floor, he hoisted up a small trapdoor. "Here we are. This way, please." He began descending into the darkness…and I had to force myself to follow. The musty smell of mold and old dirt reached my nostrils as he took us down, lower than I expected.

I suppose he could still be luring me into a trap. And if that was the case, I was ready to deal with him as needed. Old vampire or not, all could be killed. In such an enclosed space, my aspect would char him before he could even have a chance to cry out.

That was my plan, until we finally stepped into the basement, and I blanched.

The walls were lined with coffins of varying styles and sizes. Spider legs raced madly over my skin, and I had to physically fight the urge to run back up the stairs. There had to be twenty in this room alone. Our contact had seriously miscalculated.

Other than the coffins, the room was sparsely decorated…with only a metal table and a few chairs scattered around it. Kegs lined the back walls, and I swallowed back bile as I recognized the thick red substance dripping from them.

Mitica pulled a chair out for me. "Please sit."

What is he playing at? Trying to be a gentleman to appeal to me? My aspect fluttered as I debated his motivations. "I'd rather stand."

The vampire hummed in the back of his throat and cocked his head at me. "Very well. I suppose this must be uncomfortable for you, no? Slayers and their sixth senses…"

I blinked in shock at his observation. "How do you know about that?"

Turning the chair so that it faced me, he seated himself and steepled his hands under his chin. "I suppose there is no hiding it. I once hunted slayers with a voracious appetite. It was a challenge for me. Boredom is a very dangerous state of mind for a vampire of my age."

I couldn't help the look of revulsion that crossed my face. "You're sick."

"Yes, well…I was soon captured by new interests. A new activity has taken up much of my time, though I haven't forgotten my last target." His black eyes, dark as a moonless night, flickered as he appraised me. "You were to be my ultimate challenge. And now it seems you have the means to help me."

The hairs on the back of my neck rose at his lewd appraisal. I didn't have to wonder what was going through his head at that moment. "Why would I help you? You were responsible for killing those women, weren't you? Why?"

He shrugged. "To draw you out. As I said, you interested me long before I realized how precious you are."

My nostrils flared at his cryptic attitude, and I shook my head before I could entertain my own curiosity. "Where are the things I came for?"

Mitica sighed as if the topic bored him. "Very well." Rising from his seat, he disappeared into a small adjoining room before returning with a bundle in his hands. My heart leapt as I recognized the crimson and ebony cape wrapped around the claymore. The light played off the blade in fantastic patterns. With an odd reverence, he laid the items down before pulling something silver out of his coat.

The Casull.

With a methodical flourish, he pulled out the magazine and emptied it. The bullets rained down on the table with a series of loud pings. "As promised." He gestured to the items and bowed. "Now, may we speak of the true reason I have drawn you here?"

Once again, I stood rooted to the floor. It was tempting to just take the items and make a run for it, but the curious side of me wanted to know the truth. Why go to all that trouble only to give everything back to me? "Alright, I'll bite."

"Wonderful." Mitica smiled as if I'd just given him a fantastic gift. "It did not pass my notice that you were interested in my runes. You seem to very knowledgeable on the subject."

Crossing my arms over my chest, I decided to play my cards close to my chest. "I know enough."

"As I thought. The Hellsings have always been skilled in alchemy. I am pleased to hear that you are no different."

"Knowing and executing are two totally different things. But, why are you interested in it?" I needed to keep him talking. He seemed full of himself…perhaps he'd give everything away if he thought I was interested.

At this, the vampire's smile broadened. "Do you believe in the natural balance, Hellsing?"

I deliberated for a moment. "What exactly do you mean?"

He sat back and rubbed a small patch of facial hair on his chin. "Let's see…how to describe it to you in a way you will understand." Mitica hummed to himself for a few moments before his thoughts seemed to settle. "Think of many of the opposing forces: dark and light, good and evil, sun and moon, negative and positive. Though these forces can be viewed as opposing one another, they can also complement the other. The same could be said of you."

My brows drew together in confusion. "But, I don't have a counterpart." At least, not one that I could think of.

Mitica chuckled. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, but I suppose you think otherwise?" I raised an eyebrow at him, aware that I was being sucked into his stupid little game.

"You're correct. I've been watching you for some time, Elizabeth. And now I know with a certainty there is but one being that balances you. Can you guess who it is?" He goaded me, grinning at my obvious confusion.

Glossing over the fact that this creep has been watching me…what on earth is he talking about? Balance me? As if I'm something to be controlled?

Wait…control?

I gaped at him. "You can't be serious?"

"Oh, but I am." If possible, the grin that Mitica now sported looked liable to split his face in two. "You see, for the past 13 years I have been attempting the impossible. And only recently have I come to the conclusion that you are the key to my success. The key to begin my glorious purpose and bring balance to yourself. I seek to resurrect the No Life King. The vampire Alucard!"

Electricity hummed along the chest plate of my armor as the shock rooted me in place. In retrospect, the news shouldn't have surprised me. After all, every time I got my footing the big man upstairs would pull the rug out from under my feet again…and laugh about it. But this? This was beyond humor. I had none left to spare. I suppose in another life, if I hadn't been the one to usher him into the afterlife, I would have thought it funny. Yet, despite this, a hysterical laugh bubbled to my lips. "You're mad. That's impossible. No one has been able to resurrect the dead through Alchemy!"

"Be careful what you call impossible, my dear. For you achieved the impossible yourself, did you not?" Mitica pointed a sharp-nailed finger at me. "They told you he could not be killed, and yet, here you stand!"

"That's…that's different!" I spluttered, shocked by the level of lunacy in this vampire. Running gauntleted fingers through my braid, I shook my head. Everything I've done…and he seeks to what…undo it all? I oscillated between uncontrollable rage and gut-wrenching desire. "What makes you think I'm your 'key'?"

"Simple. Your blood holds many secrets. Not the least of which is a part of the Count himself. You do not think he left you completely alone, do you? No, for you have been bitten…marked. He claimed you in the only way our kind understands." The mad vampire stood with a gleam in his eye and feathered a caress over the tattered robe draped over the table.

I couldn't accept this. "If you're going by that logic, I'm sure Seras would have been happy to help you."

"You seem to be under the impression I haven't already tried that route." Mitica sighed wistfully. "Surely, that would have been much simpler. But alas, nothing."

My hands shook violently as the reality of the situation began to slowly sink in. Here stood a vampire…no…a master alchemist that was well-within his means to attempt something incredibly dangerous. And not only that, his persuasiveness was beginning to make me think he was right. Sickened to my core, I shook my head violently. "Even if you were to succeed- which I doubt you would- it doesn't work like that!" I'd laid awake plenty of nights after reading about the horrific effects of attempted resurrection alchemy. It was a taboo art for a reason. One particular tale had always stood out to me…the tale of Linwe and Elenwyn. Linwe was a master alchemist who lost her sister to an animal attack. Desperate to get her back, Linwe turned to the more sinister forms of alchemy. In her attempt, she was able to bring Elenwyn back…but it wasn't the fairytale she envisioned. Within hours of her resurrection, Elenwyn flew into a blind animalistic fury. Linwe was unable to calm her, and was eventually killed. Her friends were forced to put down the haunting creature that wore Elenwyn's face.

The fact that Mitica had already likely made several attempts at this made me sick to my very core. What, did he think I would understand? That the risk would be worth it?

Isn't it? What if he's right? Can I afford to let this slip by? The intrusive thought had me gritting my teeth in frustration. No! He wouldn't want this! I cannot allow this to happen. "What exactly do you gain from all of this?"

"Fulfillment. If I can indeed summon back the honored dead, then nothing is out of my reach. All imbalances could be corrected…allow nature to run its intended course once more." He explained rapidly, his rushed words indicating his excitement. "And, of course, the return of our King…unshackled by humanity."

And…there it was. The reason I had gone to such lengths to ensure his death in the first place. Because it all boiled down to trust…and at the time, I'd had none. But now, after so many years to sit and stew on my mistake…I couldn't be certain. However, one thing I could be certain of was that this would be just another mistake.

Blowing out a heavy sigh, I crossed the room and gathered up the sword and cloak. I hesitated briefly at the Casull, hating how my hand shook before I gathered it as well, tucking it into my jacket. "You make a tempting offer…but I cannot in good faith drag him back here. It wouldn't be fair. And you're wrong about me. I'm complete, and I don't need anyone else to 'balance' me. The least you should do is be truthful to Seras, though. She needs to know that this could end poorly. I'm sorry, but I'm taking my friends, and I'm going." Standing at my fullest height, I let a few sparks fly from my fists. "Know that I'll be coming back for you. Think of it as payback for those women you killed just to have this worthless conversation with me."

I had expected the vampire to look at least a little perturbed at my threats, but he merely smiled serenely. "Ah, I was hoping you wouldn't say that…"

Stiffening as I made my way out, I pivoted to face him. "What do you mean?"

Mitica sighed deeply as if he were vexed by my stubbornness. "I was prepared to give you the chance to make your decision on your own. After all, your cooperation is important to me. However, I see now that reason will not sway you. But perhaps my true intent will."

"Stop playing games with me!" I bellowed, sure that Elis and Hope could hear me at this point. "There is no reason on earth that could justify what you are trying to do!"

"I see." The vampire finally frowned, his void-like eyes narrowing slightly. "Then, there is little point of lying to you…even if they were going to be lies of omission. You see, there is another reason why I have summoned you here." He began to pace like a wild tiger in front of me. "As I have told you, balance is incredibly important to me. But my observations have turned up startling evidence that your kind- slayers- have disrupted nature."

"What exactly have we disrupted? If we didn't intervene, people would die." I argued, becoming increasingly annoyed by him with every minute that passed in his presence.

"But what gave your kind the right to interfere with nature's natural course? Vampires hunt humans. While unfortunate for the weaker of your kind, we thin the herd so to speak." His thumb tapped the patch of hair under his lips as he sighed. "And what difference does it make? Humans kill their own kind in droves, and not one of you bats an eyelid. But when a vampire kills, it is considered a monstrous act? Tell me you aren't that shortsighted, Elizabeth. Slayers prolong that which is inevitable for your kind. You yourself are unnatural, are you not?" He gestured to me with a contemplative look. "Immortal…yet still human. Surely you understand that this state of being for your people is unnatural. It is as simple as the predator and prey relationship. You are preventing the natural order of things."

"We're stopping your filth from wiping us all out." I hissed, momentarily forgetting about my plan to make a swift exit. "And don't spew that crap at me! I can't remember the last time I ran into a vampire killing people just to feed. At least when a jaguar hunts, it hunts to sustain itself. Your kind hunt us for sport."

"As do you, slayer. You will find there is little difference between us. I do not seek to eradicate humanity, as they are part of the balance. But, you must understand that your efforts to destroy us will only bring destruction to you." Holding his arms out, he smiled. "I seek to bring your salvation…through destruction."

It clicked into place then what he really wanted from me. "Slayers upset the balance…so you want us gone…for good."

"And with the No Life King at my side, it will be a dream made reality." The vampire clapped his hands together with a gleeful smile. "How wonderful, eh? Az fashioned you into the perfect slayer…and you will be the one to watch your brothers and sisters fall one by one."

"Yea, keep dreaming!" I snarled, dropping my bundle before I could set the whole thing on fire. "I'm partially hoping he does come back…so he can show you how incredibly stupid you are!"

Mitica's ebony eyes glittered with mirth. "And so the aspect comes out. Impressive. Well, don't use up all of your strength, Phoenix. I plan to make use of it very soon."

Electricity zipped through my veins like acid, and my lips curled into a smile. "I think I've heard enough. I'll have your soul now." Pointing two fingers forward, I pushed my aspect up and out.

BANG! Energy burst from my fingertips and arched to the smiling vampire. However, when the bolt connected, I felt the shift in power immediately. Suddenly, it wasn't me looking at the other end of the bolt. Before I could blink, the electricity turned and arched crazily back in my face.

It didn't take more than a split second for me to hit the ground. Heat so intense bubbled within me as my body jerked and spasmed. It felt like a million little insects were flitting around in my chest cavity, trying desperately to sting their way out of my body. A scream bubbled to my lips, but the violent jerking of my body silenced it. My heart stuttered so violently that it felt like it was being ripped from my chest. It felt like hours before my body finally stopped jittering, but I was having trouble remembering why I was on the floor in the first place.

An ethereal weight had settled on my chest, making it difficult to breathe. As I lay there sucking at the air like a fish out of water, the vampire looked down upon me piteously. "This was your choice, Elizabeth. I hope in the future you will be more cooperative." Looking up, the vampire nodded to someone I couldn't see. "Seize the girl…kill the man…I have no use for him."

Some part of me conjured the faces of Hope and Elis, and panic seized me. I tried to protest, but my lips weren't cooperating with my brain. In fact, I couldn't move anything. Fear sunk its insidious talons in my chest as I watched smoke curl outwards from my body.

The intensity of the burning pain gripped me once again, and for once, the blackness that tried to take over was welcomed with open arms. And as I slipped away, I felt myself being lifted up off the ground and carried away.

AN:

My sincerest apologies for the ridiculously long chapter. Couldn't find a good place to stop. I swear, I looked up last night from editing this chapter to find that it was well-past my bedtime. I'm too old to stay up as late as I did, folks...too damn old. In any case, thanks a million for all the support so far. Ya'll know I appreciate it. Reviews keep me motivated!