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.
Together
Integra looked at the list she was compiling of those who sat at the Round Table. "Lord Sir Richardson." She said thinking. "His is an odd family, but loyal to a fault." Integra knew they occasionally did 'special projects' for crown and country. They were extremely protective of their family, and it was a large one. On their family crest there was a wolf. No one knew quite why but it was there. "He, his wife and children family just returned from some time in Saudi. I know they have ties to a powerful and very wealthy tribe there." Integra mused over tea. "But it is a tribe that is old and never has even been suspected of any ties to terrorists, aside from possibly eradicating them." So far she had not unearthed any specific reason or person she could declare 'traitor'. It frustrated her to no end.
Picking up the second of the four volumes of information and protocols of this new organization that Hellsing was a part of Integra had to admit she was surprised how well put together it was. It was massive and yet it was truly secret. The security protocols alone were enough to impress and even intimidate her. Integra had at first skipped to the last volume where it spoke of Hellsing but then she gave up and began again from the beginning. She learned the hard way that this information was best taken in the prescribed order. Integra had taken to having the first volume handy so she could refer back.
"I think the Valentine brothers would have a harder time of it breaching her place." She shook her head. "All those men died on that one day." Integra sat back in her chair. The memory of having to go through and shoot each of the surviving men herself was terrible. It was one memory she had worked to ignore. She found it becoming harder and harder to ignore. It had begun to haunt her dreams. Integra thought on the first volume one of the first sections of information. "Non Nobis Domine." She whispered for the men who died. She remembered the funeral she had attended for Walter, hearing all of those people singing. She had felt like an outsider, she was an outsider. "I think I do want things to be different."
"I had gotten that impression Sir Integra." Thomas said as he set fresh tea down on her desk. He could see that she was reliving something unpleasant. "Even with your cigars, you now have a few to choose from." Thomas said wanting to distract her.
"Yes I do." Integra smiled and looked at her butler. "Thomas, tell me; are you as lethal a butler as Walter was?"
"Yes Sir Integra. While I have no gloves that spew forth shiny silver wires I am still quite lethal. I have gone through all the levels of training so as to be able to protect you no matter the situation." He said with a nod. Thomas then opened his jacket to reveal a gun and extra clips. "This was made for me by Commander Dornez." He buttoned his jacket. Integra once again was amazed at Walter's ability. His designs for holsters had become even more refined for concealment. "The armed and unarmed combat training was quite extensive and required of me by both Commander Dornez and Countess Ashton if I wished the position of your butler, and I did request and want this position."
"They use smaller teams I see." Integra said as she had again glanced over the information before her. Then she stopped and looked at her butler surprised that Thomas wanted the position. "You requested this position as my butler?"
"Yes Sir Integra. I did. I wished to have this position. I knew that to be handpicked by the Commander would be an honor as he was extremely particular. He was the one who had the final word on who filled the position as your butler." He allowed a small smile and a look of pride to show on his face. "The smaller teams began as a necessity; the first members of the teams were Hellsing troops and some of the crew from sites handpicked by Boss." Thomas agreed.
"It is amazing." Integra said speaking of his request, Walters care and also the teams. "Do all of the people there just accept Seras and Alucard?" She was even more comfortable with Thomas now; she was touched that Walter cared so much.
"Yes Sir Integra. If you choose to fear them, that is up to you. Disrespect is not an option. Frankly any who do disrespect them are left to their own devices. The men there, especially on the Hellsing side of things, are perfectly happy to have Alucard or Seras tend to the men who show disrespect." Thomas said with a shrug. "If you are assigned to the Estate you know them and eventually what they are. Their pranks are kept to a minimum with the new people who come through. But seeing Alucard pacing the house on the ceilings is enough to remind people."
"I am sure it is. He did have a knack for startling the staff. Though wandering through the house in his Hell hound form just plain scared them." Integra sighed but now she smiled as well. In hindsight she could see the humor in it.
"I am sure." Thomas said and nodded not sure he could well handle the sight. "I do not think he does that on the Ashton estate."
"Really?" Integra asked surprised.
"Really. If he were to seriously frighten any of the children he would catch thirty shades of hell from the Countess. I hear she has threatened to hang, draw and quarter him at least once. All agree that she would likely do it to him."
"Ha! That is a sight I would like to see." Integra shook her head and sipped her tea. "Thomas I think I would like one of those Cubans I bought, one with the lighter colored wrap."
"Of course Sir Integra." Thomas said.
Alucard, Seras, Dumpling and The Spawn left Walter and Blaze and went into Alucard's apartment each one lost in their own thoughts.
Now it will never happen. I will respect their mating. It would seem tonight I may have My No-Life-Queen in my bed as well. Alucard smiled. He knew Walter had advised Seras to go to Alucard's bed before the Blood Moon. Alucard agreed with Walter's reasoning. Once the Blood Moon arrived, the wild, the primal nature would come out. Seras was already showing signs of being affected by it. He smiled as he thought of her decking him. She was becoming more physical in her reactions. She really did seem to more and more enjoy being Midian.
Finally things are decided. Walter and Zsophia are together. Soon Alucard and I will be. Perhaps I should offer the Spawn and this 'Dumpling' my apartment for their use tonight? Seras thought. Unconsciously she sought out her chair, her 'throne' once inside Alucard's apartment. She looked at the fire as Alucard turned it on. She felt more at peace here now then she did in her own apartment. Is it odd or is it the way of things? I know I am still me, but me has changed to accept and like what I am. I guess in some way Alucard has won. I feel as if I have won as well. Seras thought to herself. She looked at him, Alucard, the one who had given her this life and frowned a bit. /Alucard, do you want some of your Bloodwine? Or should I just go to the stores and get you some blood?/
/The Bloodwine sounds divine. The blood is likely what I should have first though./ It made Alucard smile to see her seek out and claim her throne. It seemed to him with this simple act she laid claim to her new nature, to the inheritance of being Midian. Soon he would teach her how to control the wolves as he did. /We should have enough of the blood and Bloodwine for us both./ Alucard said as he put up his coat, hat, guns and shades. /We may need it tonight./ If it was left up to him the blood would be more than welcome. Alucard smiled at Seras as his eyes began to undress her. It was easy, he had seen her naked before.
/Eeeeeeewwwwww!/ The Spawn complained together looking between their Aunt and Uncle. They rolled their eyes dramatically.
/It is not for you to drink Spawn. So why the complaint?/ Alucard asked with his eyebrow cocked they had witnessed he, Seras and even Walter drinking their meals from goblets before.
/Because of/ /how you and/ /Auntie Seras are looking/ /at each other Uncle Alucard./ They said and shook their heads.
They call him Uncle and her Aunt, they have no fear of him, do they know? Could you not of taught them of our Prince, Little Green Eyes? Dumpling mused in wonder of this strange situation. She knew it would be a big transition for her, she had much to learn. But she knew would learn it. Her Little Green Eyes needed her as did her Little Dragons.
/And how is that?/ Seras asked bemused.
/Like the Stable Master/ /and Sherrie look at/ /one another before/ /they disappear./ /Often into/ /one of the stalls./ They said with a shrug. /They are obviously/ /having sex by/ /the sounds they/ /are making./ /We are not sure/ /any of our horses like it./
/Then their little rendezvous in the stables will have to end. I will not have our horses upset by their rutting./ Alucard said and shook his head.
/Also Zsophia would have their heads for disappearing in front of the Spawn like that. Unless they have every reason to believe the two of you are well and gone when they do that?/ Seras said with a raised eyebrow.
/They could/ /have reasonable/ /expectation we/ /are not around./ The Spawn said carefully.
/Then you deserve the education you are likely getting./ Alucard smirked. They were like other boys in some ways. /I will tend to the Stable Master and Sherrie. Do not worry you Lady Mother over it./
/Well it would seem you two like to spy on people./ Dumpling said with raised eyebrow.
/Sometimes/ /we do./ The Spawn answered nonpulsed.
/What does your Lady Mother think of that?/ Dumpling asked.
/She taught them./ Alucard answered. He nearly laughed out loud as Dumpling looked surprised at him.
/It is true./ Seras said as she stood. /I'll go and get the refreshments. Maybe some hot chocolate for you two even./
/Ace!/ The Spawn said in unison.
/That is something you will have to become accustomed to./ Seras laughed. /They do speak like that all the time. We only worry when they do not./ Seras stood and Alucard did as well.
"Alucard we are in my bedchamber for the night. The Spawn may sleep in their own beds." Walter's thought came in loud and clear to Alucard.
"I understand Walter. Have a most enjoyable night." Alucard smirked as he thought back to Walter.
/It is not so odd of twins to speak as these two do where I am from Lady Seras./ Dumpling said with a shrug.
/Obviously Shrugging is common as well./ Seras said as she shook her head.
/My Dark Rose, allow the staff to do their job and bring it to us./ Alucard said to Seras. He wanted to have her begin to behave royally—she was His Lady now. She would be called Princess in the Village when he took her there. She would be known as the Wife or Mate of the Dragon. Yes My Seras you deserve a ring worthy of royalty.
/Alucard they have had their hands full recently. Besides I can stop by Jolene's apartment and let her know what is going on. And I'll bring Natty back with me to introduce Dumpling to her. In the mean time you could begin to teach Dumpling English. Save us all some time./ Seras said with a 'come hither' smile and eyes that promised everything.
/True./ Alucard said. He did go hither and kissed her passionately. Alucard had every intention of collecting on those promises tonight. /Do not be too long./
/I won't./ Seras said with flashing eyes as she went out the door. The Spawn rolled their eyes again and flopped down on the couch.
/Uncle Alucard,/ The Spawn looked at him with curious expressions. /Why are you/ /and Auntie Seras/ /acting odd?/
/Well for one it is not odd between men and women when they share passion for one another. For two it is not odd between male and female Midians when the Blood Moon is coming. It brings out the more primal sides in out nature./ He smiled thinking on the last Blood Moon, the time he and Blaze had together. He still remembered the blood dripping off of her and the look of joyful release on her face. /It does for some humans as well./ Alucard had a thought. He looked at the Spawn carefully. /Tell me Spawn, are there nights when you feel more violent, when you almost crave a fight?/ He could read them quite well now. He could tell his words hit home.
/Yes Uncle/ /Alucard, there are./ They nodded. /There are times/ /when we go out/ /into the night./ /It can be very/ /hard to not just bloody/ /the blighters that we dislike./ /Especially those/ /we find insulting./ Their faces showed the same fierceness that their mum's did on occasion.
/I see, and I am not surprised./ Alucard nodded. He liked the looks on the Spawn but he also realized the trouble it could bring. His own temper had brought trouble when he was their age. /Spawn come here./ He said as he sat in his throne. /I know your Lady Mother is like this so it does not surprise me that you are as well. You are her Fierce Little Dragons./ He smiled and the Spawn smiled back. /We will figure out a way to deal with this. But for the next few nights you may need to be more careful of your tempers understood?/ I know that Zsophia has drunk much of Midian blood. It is in the diet of those in the tribe. I wonder what it could do for the Spawn. Alucard decided he would speak to Blaze about it later.
/Yes sir./ /we understand./ They nodded to Alucard.
/I will help with that as I can Little Dragons./ Dumpling promised. It was odd for her to see her Prince acting thus with these boys. But it also seemed right as well.
/Ah yes Dumpling./ Alucard smiled at her. /You have been well and I see you are as brave as I hoped you would be for the sake of Your Lady and her Sons./
/Thank you M… Lord Alucard./ She said barely keeping from calling him Prince. /As I said I will not fail her. Nor will I fail her family./
/I believe that./ Alucard nodded. /Now I need you to do something./ Alucard said as he stood and walked over to her. /Open your mind to me so I may quickly teach you the language of these lands./
Seras knocked on Jolene's door. She thought she heard something odd so she listened more carefully for a moment then the door opened.
"Yes what is it?" Jolene asked looking mussed.
"I wanted to tell you that Boss has turned the corner and that not to worry, Walter is with her just now." Seras smirked.
"That is great news Seras." Jolene said and put her hand on Seras' shoulder. Jolene was very relieved to know that Blaze was back. "Thank you so much for coming by to tell me yourself."
"No problem Jolene." Seras said smiling. "I need to go get some blood for myself and Alucard."
"Of course. I am sure this is a weight of his mind as well. Well have a good night." Jolene said closing the door.
"Thanks Jolene. Oh and Congratulations Bullet!" Seras said with a wide grin. "Bout damn time you got up the nerve!" She snickered at Jolene's blush. "You and he are about as well a kept secret as Boss and Walter. Nice ring by the way." She smiled and waved as she walked down the hall. She had heard Bullet's groan and 'oh gods he is going to be unlivable.'
"Well I would say it is well past time for Boss and Walter and you and Alucard as well." Jolene shot back and closed the door with a smile.
"Luv you know she will make you pay for that." Bullet said as Jolene went back to bed.
"Probably, but the back of her neck was an amazing shade of red." Jolene smirked as she rejoined him with a giggle.
It had been a shock to them both. Neither had expected the Holy Father to have an opening that evening. For the young Sister Joan it was overwhelming to be in his presence for the first time; she knew she would never forget it. When he had prayed with her and Father Anderson she had felt tears in her eyes and knew that the Countess Ashton had to get better now. Then he called her to him and laid his sacred hands on her head as she knelt before him. He blessed her. He blessed her and the work she would do with Father Anderson. He himself declared that she was henceforth Sister Joan and declared her vision a miracle, a message from God, and that which would guide her. He said that he knew that Saint Joan would always be with her. She was still somewhat in a daze.
Father Anderson smiled; renewed faith and strength flowed through him. He smiled at the young nun that sat next to him. "Lass, it was tae most glorious thing ta be in His presence was it not?"
"Yes Father Anderson, it truly was." She nodded.
"Ye are still glowing. I am so very glad we were able ta go ta Him before yer first hunt." He had been shocked to find out that she had such an aptitude with crossbows. "Tae bolts he blessed will do much damage ta tae demons we face tonight."
"Yes I know they will." She carefully, reverently touched the crossbow. Her father had taught her. It seemed providence that now with this Father she would put the sporting skill into deadly practice. Then she touched what was now her prized position. "I cannot believe that he gave me Her sword." Sister Joan whispered.
"Aye lass tat was a surprise." Anderson nodded. "But think on this, it already knows tae blood of heathens. It will happily spill tae blood of demons. It will sail through their necks ta remove tae heads of tae poor unfortunate souls tat have been taken by tae damned."
"You are quite right Father. I will remember that and pray to be the instrument of His vengeance."
Seras knew Jolene was right. It was well beyond time for them to have this straightened out. Seras did understand some of the reasons. How the timing of things worked out. She was thinking on this as she walked to the Blood and Bloodwine Stores she was engrossed enough that she did not realize she went through the walls it was second nature to her now. Blaze had set a section of the wine cellar set aside for the Midian stores.
As Seras thought on it she realized that Alucard was right. Both of them were basically free. They were allowed to live as they pleased. They worked for the Hellsing side of things but did occasionally float over to the other areas. They were not hidden in the basement like some dirty secret—they had apartments as their private areas that were respected. In their free time they could do as they pleased. Seras was encouraged to do investigations. The other thing was they had friends.
Seras and Alucard always knew that their needs and wishes were looked on as being as important as anyone else's, in all honesty in some ways as being more important than some others. Seras pulled out a bottle of blood and one of bloodwine. She realized that while she might refer to the blood from the stores as a bag meal she had not drunk from a bag in quite some time. When she drank blood from here it was always served in a bottle with goblets to drink from.
"The staff here does refer to me as Lady Seras. Lady Emily wants for us to go out and shop together next week." Seras looked at the bottles in her hands. "If it were not for the changes Zsophia made in how I am treated and how I live, I doubt I would be so comfortable being who and what I am. I would be less useful and less powerful. I just accept what I am, I really do like it. " Seras smiled. She knew that Alucard must love it as he had been on her to relish being Midian, now she did.
"Who is in here?" A sharp voice asked. "Oh Lady Seras." Natty said as she walked into the room. "I was going to check over a few things and heard a noise in this section. There are few who are allowed in here."
"It is ok Natty, saves me a trip." Seras said with a smile. "Natty will you tell me something?"
"If I may, I will m'Lady." Natty said with a smile.
"How is it that everyone here on the house staff is so comfortable with Alucard, myself and now Walter too? It seems to me you should be, I dunno, weirded out?"
"Lady Seras," Natty said as she retrieved two goblets. "Before you and Lord Alucard arrived our Countess sat down with the heads of the various areas of the staff. She explained to us all what Midians are, how you are different than us but no less worthy of respect, no less worthy of kindness and courtesy." She smiled at Seras. "When you first arrived, I do not know if you remember but you retrieved a teddy bear from a tree for a young girl, that girl had just lost both of her parents. That teddy you rescued was the last gift they gave her. The older boys you scolded had thrown it up there. You were so kind and caring to the child I knew you were a good person. You have played with the children; you have helped out where you could. You have treated us all with respect. You have defended our Countess. Yes my dear you are different, but you are good. Why should I be 'weirded out' as you say." She walked over to Seras with the goblets on a tray.
"Natty what happened to the girl?" Seras asked quietly. "What is her name?"
"Her name is Dana and she still lives here. The Countess insisted. She is one child among many who live here. The only difference is that she does not have just one set of parents, Dana is cared for by all of us on the staff. We were glad to not send her away." Natty said with a smile. "In many ways each child here belongs to, is loved as and cared for by all of us. Why do you ask Lady Seras?"
"I lost my parents when I was a child as well. I know how she must feel, except I was sent to an orphanage I was alone. I am glad she is here. If she needs anything at all please let me know." Seras said earnestly.
"Dana is well cared for and has no needs as per the Countess' command. I am sure though she would like to talk to you. You will understand her in a way few others could. I am sure it would help her." Natty smiled and patted Seras' hand like a matronly aunt. "Now Lady Seras, what trip did I save you from?" Natty asked as she took the bottled from Seras and set them on the tray.
"Oh right. Well for one Zsophia has turned the corner. Walter is with her."
"I am so glad she has returned." She smiled at Seras' surprised look. "Did you honestly think you could fool me?" Natty asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I should have known better." Seras admitted. "Forgive me?"
"Of course dear. What is the second thing?"
"Second, Marie has been replaced. We want you to meet the replacement. She is called Dumpling."
Sister Joan sat back as she had been told to do by Father Anderson. It was much like target shooting with her father back home on the military base only then she had been in trousers not a skirt like now. She remembered her father's lessons on how to wait for the shot, how to take it quickly, how to discern what a viable target was, how to always lead a moving target. She was so happy with Father Anderson's praise for her skills. Now he sat next to her in the perch he had chosen for them.
"Remember Lass, remember what I taught ye about how to tell the demons from tae humans." He whispered. "I will be here with ye ta start so I can spot them for ye. But then I will go down in tae fight if there is ta be one."
"I know Fa… Sir." She whispered back. She had to remember not to use his name until after the fight was joined. She had been told that his name struck fear in the hearts of those they hunted now. Dear Father in heaven guide my hands so I may be on target. She was several people pass by until she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Tae one in the red jacket Lass." He whispered. The man stopped and seemed to be listening for something.
"Amen." Sister Joan whispered and let fly her crossbow bolt. She gasped as the man's chest exploded in a crimson cloud as the bolt went through. First it looked like blood then it was ash. "Oh my Lord." She said unsteady.
"T'was an excellent shot lass. Ye got him clean through tae heart, tat is what ended him." Anderson said approvingly. "Now watch." They both did. Soon a couple came out of a building.
"Hey where did that idiot go?" The teenaged looking boy said irritated his eyes flashing red.
"I dunno Vince let's go and hunt, better than waiting." A youngish woman said as she smiled at the male she was with and ran her hands over herself. Her smile was punctuated by fangs.
Sister Joan made a face at the lewdness of her act yet her eyes were riveted to them as he smiled and ran his hands over her and she sighed. She tore her eyes from the couple and looked over her shoulder at Father Anderson who simply nodded. Sister Joan took her aim carefully if they turned a bit she was sure she could get them both with one bolt with as tightly they pressed into one another.
"Come on Vince, I feel like priest for dinner." She smiled wickedly as she backed away from her partner.
"Sounds delicious." He smiled flashing his fangs.
"Blasphemers!" Sister Joan hissed offended by the thought of one of those creatures feeding from a member of the clergy. Enraged Sister Joan let two bolts fly both hitting her targets, again a crimson spray erupted as the bolts sailed one in each of the vampires knocking them to the ground.
"Indeed lass, they are tat." Anderson said. He would never admit to this pure woman by his side the bliss he had enjoyed while the Red Devil's Whore had fed from him or how alluring he found her. It only made his shame at his reaction greater and his hate for Seras run deeper.
The blood flowed from the vampires in an unceasing red fountain. His blood flowed from his shoulder, that arm would be useless he knew. The female had been shot in the side; her sheer white blouse was now a bright red with her blood staining it. When the vampires blinked to their senses they knew they had to remove the bolts, something about them hurt like nothing had ever hurt them before. "Vince?" the female asked still somewhat in shock.
"Now Lass watch." Anderson jumped down from their perch and drew two bayonets. "Tae blood of those ye have slaughtered cries out for vengeance from tae ground. I am tae weapon of tae Most High God sent to reap tat vengeance." He sliced their heads cleanly from their bodies. The blood sprayed even more freely as their heads flew into the air then tumbled down. They were so much dust before the heads landed on the sidewalk.
"Here we are." Seras said coming into the apartment. "Blood and bloodwine for Alucard and I, chocolate for the rest." She smiled.
"Thank you Lady Seras." Dumpling said. Her English was heavily accented but still sounded good.
"Wow that was fast!" Seras smiled. "Dumpling this is Natty she is the head of the house staff here on the Ashton estate."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Natty." Dumpling said.
"Well it is nice to meet you too Dumpling." Natty said and went and hugged the new woman. "Lady Seras said you have come from the home village of our Countess. We are pleased as punch to have you." Natty smiled at the startled Dumpling. "I will be happy to teach you about the area. I expect your duties will be to see to the Countess and the Lords Ashton."
"Yes it is my honor and duty to tend them and their needs." Dumpling said after a moment.
"Thank you" "for the hot chocolate" "Auntie Seras and Natty." The Spawn said politely as they took their mugs.
"For you My No-Life-King." Seras said as she handed a goblet of blood to Alucard.
"Thank you My No-Life-Queen." He smiled and looked deep into her eyes.
"Oh thank you Miss Natty." Dumpling said surprised she was being served this chocolate as well as she looked at Seras and Alucard curious and somewhat surprised by how they addressed one another.
"Will you stay with me tonight My-No-Life-Queen?" Alucard asked Seras as he let her feel the passion he felt for her. "Shall I show you the pleasures that can be shared between men and women?"
"Yes, I will stay tonight. Tonight I will be not just in your bed, but I will give myself to you." Seras thought back.
"I am so glad." Alucard smiled as he drank his goblet of blood. He could feel the excitement and trepidation Seras felt. He could sense her thoughts running quickly and in so many directions. He put his arm around her as they stood next to one another and she drank her blood wine. He had no intention of allowing her to escape him now. They listened to the Spawn talking excitedly to Dumpling.
"Our horses" "are named" "Demon" "and Devil." They proclaimed. "Uncle Alucard's horse" "is called Dragon." "Aunt Seras" "horse is Desire." "Mum's horse is Djinn," "Fathers horse is" "Death, since" "Father's call is" "The Angel of Death." They grinned.
"Your father's call?" Dumpling asked confused.
"Yes Dumpling. It is what he is called in his profession. His moniker, just as I am called Alucard while my name is Vlad. His proper name is Sir Walter C. Dornez. Though I suspect it will be Count Walter C. Dornez before long." Alucard smirked. "More bloodwine Seras?" Alucard asked and trailed his fingers around her waist to her back. "Lady Seras is called Vic in the field; the Countess is called Blaze or Boss."
"No thank you. I fed earlier tonight." Seras smiled feeling his fingers go around her body made her shiver. Alucard poured more blood for himself.
"Well my Little Dragons, perhaps you will show me around with the help of Miss Natty?" Dumpling said noticing Alucard and Seras. She knew the stories of the passion shared between him and his first wife. It was always a mystery why they had no children.
"I think that is a capital idea Dumpling." Natty nodded. "Lady Seras, Lord Alucard do you think it may be a good idea to use a different suite for this evening?"
"It is unnecessary." Alucard smiled. "Walter has taken the Countess to his Bedchamber."
"I see." Dumpling smiled. She understood both the symbolic as well as the practical reasons for his action. "This is good as I left my clothing the usual chamber for the Lords Ashton. I am sure all of yours are in your room as well."
"Yes" "they are." The Spawn nodded.
"Well then let us go there then." Dumpling said.
"I will show you your room within the apartment Dumpling." Natty said as they left Alucard's apartment.
"Good night Spawn." Alucard said as he looked at Seras. One hand held the goblet of blood the other began to run into her hair.
"Good night Uncle Alucard, Auntie Seras." The Spawn said and fairly ran from the room.
Alucard smiled and sighed "Very lucky, very lucky indeed."
"What is that?" Seras questioned as she looked up at Alucard.
Alucard looked down at Seras and smiled surprised but glad she was staying with him here tonight. "Walter has…how shall I say… Made Zsophia his own. He was concerned about Bloodlust earlier when he fed from her. He wanted me to be ready in case." He smiled and shook his head. "I had no worries; he loves her too much to lose control like that. That feeding is, I'm sure, one of the sweetest."
"Which, Zsophia?" Seras looked at Alucard slightly annoyed.
This amused Alucard. "No Seras when you make one another your own, when you mate. If she were a Midian as well she would feed from him, she could still; we know Midian blood does her no harm. I wonder if I should tell him to do so."
"My love, how are you?" Walter whispered to Zsophia running his fingers up her arm as she lay with her head on his chest.
"Wonderful." She whispered back. She did not notice he had no heartbeat; she had stopped noticing it after they had fallen asleep together a few times. "Why are we whispering?" She smiled and giggled.
"I haven't a clue. I doubt the Lads are here in the apartment. Not as if we were silent earlier." He laughed out loud.
"I have never felt so good my love. I feel so free, and you feel so good up against me." She smiled at Walter.
"I am glad you think so." He smiled at her. He wanted to ask her about the new wounds he had discovered as he had undressed her earlier. "Are you hungry?" He asked wanting to make sure she was well first.
"Maybe just a bit hungry." She smiled at Walter then looked more solemn as her mind spun with things she felt she needed to say. "Walter you know that there are still things from my past…" He put his fingers on her lips.
"I know you love me and we are together. From what I have gleaned of your past you have every right to each secret I hope someday that I will learn them all." He kissed her ear.
"Even if I'm not who or what you think I am?" She asked worried.
"That could not happen. You are the woman I love and My Mate, and soon you will also be My Wife." Walter assured her verbally then he kissed her and pulled her body tightly to his to assure her in other ways as well.
Blood splattered her habit and onto her face as she removed the head of one of the unfortunate soul who had been turned into a ghoul. "God Bless thee." She whispered even as she drew back the sword to hit another. "Will they never end?" Sister Joan gasped swinging the sword again and again. The blood of those she and he slew had become a new coating of paint on the walls of this abandoned flat. The sword was becoming so heavy. They had stumbled into a batch of ghouls and an unknown number of vampires with human retainers. The rooms were too close to use her crossbow.
"Aye Lass thay will tat is our job!" Anderson said with a feral smile on his lips. "We will slay these abominations and sent tae Devils tat created them ta tae Hell fires where thay belong!" He growled as he decapitated one and stabbed bayonet through the neck of another. Anderson thought of Seras kneeling on the floor with the bayonet piercing her neck and throat, her life's blood bubbling from the wound. The fond memory only made him smile more.
"Yes we will." Sister Joan said with resolve. She knew for her to even survive this fight she must do these things. It was so hard though—the ghouls seemed endless. It was also such a shock to see her kind, loving, caring Father Anderson who was so good with the boys in the orphanage, behaving like this. His eyes were hard and full of hate. Worst of all she would almost swear he was enjoying this. She put it out of her mind.
"I will feed on your little nun!" A dark voice came from behind her.
"Nay ye shall not even touch her pure hair!" Anderson growled as he threw the bayonet. Sister Joan would swear that unseen hands pulled her to the side as the bayonet flew past her. It lodged in the head of the vampire that had just threatened her knocking him to the ground. "Good Lass!" Anderson called out.
"Thank you Father. Behind you!" She screamed. Then Sister Joan felt a hand on her leg.
Father Anderson spun with bayonet in hand and removed the head of the one coming up behind him. "Die ye spawn of hell!" He yelled, but not before feeling an unyielding pain down his back as it was opened by powerful claws. He growled from the pain as his own blood was spilled.
Sister Joan turned her head and saw the bayonet of father Anderson coated in blood still lodged through the head of a vampire. The vampire smiled obscenely up at her and licked his lips. She saw his fangs and his glowing red eyes that were filled with a hunger for blood. She fell into his eyes for a moment then without realizing she had even raised her sword she brought it down on the head of the vampire who looked as if her were going to consume her blood, body, and soul. His head cleaved in two sprayed her with even more blood. It flew into her eyes for a momentarily blinding her. With a quick upstroke she removed his head from him.
Suddenly all was quiet. There were none standing any longer. Both priest and nun panted and gasped for air.
"They are all gone." She said in wonder looking around her.
"Aye Lass, once ye kill tae master vampire tae ghouls all die. It is his infernal magic an corrupt blood tat keeps them moving."
"I see Father. I will remember this." She nodded. As she looked up there was a shaft of moonlight that played across her and she saw herself in a floor to ceiling wall mirror. She was shocked and somewhat horrified. What most caught her attention was the blood that dripped from the cross she wore around her neck.
"Now lass let us get back to the church. This was more than enough for one night. Ye have done very well for yer first hunt." His smiled at Sister Joan. As she looked at him it was almost frightening.
"Seras there are many things I want, need for you to understand." Alucard as he looked deeply into the eyes of his chosen mate. "I have never mated as a Midian. The so called 'brides' I have had in the past were only sweet revenge on their men." She saw a vicious smile, Seras liked it. "I have wanted my mate, My No-Life-Queen; happily she no longer makes me wait." Alucard took the goblet from Seras and set it down with his. Now his hands began to lightly explore Seras. "I know part of you worried that I would simply take you as my mate. You needed never be concerned Seras; I would never have forced mating on you. It cannot be done mating can only happen with the free will of both Midians; even if it could have been forced I would never. I am glad we will be able to mate with this coming full Blood Moon since you are ready." Alucard smiled to Seras.
"Yes Alucard I am ready." She smiled back and touched the side of his face.
"Seras, when we are here, when we are alone like this if at no other time call me Vlad, call me Dragon, call me your No-Life-King, anything than by that damned moniker given me by that thrice cursed von Helsing. It is my call, not my name. My name is Vlad Dracul my beautiful Seras Victoria. Know that it is not just desire physically for your body that makes me want to be with you, to mate with you, though that would be reason enough. I want this because I love you."
Seras was shocked by the words. She had hoped he loved her, she knew she had fallen in love with him, that it was more than just the pull to him because he is powerful and that they are both Midian. Midians, all Midians are attracted to power she knew. /Vlad./ She whispered. She had wanted to call him by his name for some time now.
Alucard was surprised and seduced by her saying his name. Her voice was a caress as she said his name right, she said it in his home tongue, not in the way most English speakers did. "Oh my beautiful Seras." He said and kissed her passionately with a hunger that was nearly overwhelming. She returned the kiss in the same way. When it ended Alucard looked at Seras with eyes glowing brightly and stroked his fingers through her hair. "I wish one thing about tonight would be different."
"What is that?" Seras asked barely caring. Her eyes glowed as well and she wanted him now more than she had ever wanted anyone or anything. While she need only breathe to speak she still felt breathless.
"I would take away the pain that comes with this first time we are together." He said looking at her. "I promise I will bring the fires of desire to the fullest I can before I must cause your pain. I will make sure you are so aroused you do not care to stop." By then I will not be able to stop myself. "Even then the pain will be only for a short time then it will be the sweetest pleasure you could ever feel." Alucard said as he traced her lips with a finger of one hand as the other began to explore her more fully.
"I know that it will happen. I do not fear that pain." Seras said as she kissed and nearly nipped at the finger that traced her lips. "Vlad My Dragon, I want this, I want to be fully with you." Seras said as she pulled one end of his tie and undid it. "I love you as well."
"Then my Dark Rose let us to bed." Alucard said pulling her with him into his bedchamber.
"So how do ye feel now my lamb?" Anderson asked Sister Joan carefully. It was only her first hunt, many a brave soul never made it quite this far. He had seen heartier men go mad after a fight like the one they had just been through. It worried him, her silence worried him more.
"I am not sure Father Anderson." She said quietly as she sipped her tea. She had been grateful for the hot shower. It sickened her as she saw how much blood was washed down the drain, how much that had been on her. She had realized into the battle that some that they killed were not undead. Some were the damned souls of humans corrupted to serve the demons.
"Lass if ye are having second thoughts it would be natural." Anderson had seen the way she had looked at him during the fight. At first he had assumed it was her reaction to that which they fought and so he did not care. Now he realized her reaction was to him.
"I do not think it is that." She frowned. "It is that I am having a hard time reconciling the teachings of Christ and the work we do." She looked up at Father Anderson hoping somewhere in those clear blue eyes she would find her answer. Now he was the man she had come to know. He was careful, gentle, and so very kind even making their tea.
"Aye Lass." He said as he reached over and took her hand. "Tat can be a problem." He nodded. "Think of it this way, it may help. We are tae instrument of His wrath and tae tool of His punishment. We worship and strive for a world tat out Holy Savior can walk in. Ta do tat we must not forget tae teachings of tae Old Testament."
"I think I understand what you are saying Father Anderson." Sister Joan nodded. "I think I will go and pray on this." She was still confused; it was so hard to think of him as both of the men she had seen now. It reminded her of the classic tale of the doctor that had gone too far to find his other side.
"Ye do tat Lass." Anderson smiled warmly at her. "Perhaps ye will pray for me as well." He whispered as she stood and went to the chapel. "Lord have I made a mistake in allowing her ta do these things?" Anderson asked as he stared at her tea cup. She had vocalized a question he was sure he had asked at some point in his past. He just could not remember when. "Lord what have I become? What did tat pure lass see in me ta cause such a reaction?"
"She is pure Father Anderson; it makes her ideally suited for you." Maxwell said as he walked into the kitchen. "It will take her some time to adjust. I take it she did well?"
"Aye tat she did. Her shots were excellent. The sword was sure in her hands as she slew the abominations." Anderson said and nodded. "I wonder if she is really right for this work."
"Anderson, The Holy Father himself has blessed this partnership. It is her purity that will be her greatest weapon and shield." He smiled at Anderson. "Would you doubt the judgment of The Pope?"
"Certainly not!" Anderson said. "I will remember tat, if He sees this as being for tae best then I will believe in it and help her as I can."
"Good I am so glad to hear that." Maxwell said smoothly with a smile.
"These electric lights are amazing." Dumpling shook her head. This English was odd to hear, but she had been admonished to speak in it only for the next two days, even when alone with others who spoke her native tongue so it would be better set in her mind. "They are as magic."
"We guess" "so Dumpling." The Spawn shrugged in unison.
"What is it My Little Dragons?" She asked as she watched them get into bed.
"We miss mum" "we love our father" "but we missed her too." They groused.
"Ah I understand." Dumpling smiled. "They are new lovers yes?" She asked as she tucked them in.
"Yes" "they are." The Spawn said surprised to not receive the 'when you are 16 excuse'.
"Well when men and women are new lovers they tend to spend much time alone together. It is natural." She smiled at them. "I can tell you though; you were first on your mothers mind. When she was in the castle, she was asleep and called out to you." She nodded as they looked at her surprised.
"We are" "glad to know" "know this." "Was she" "hurt very" "badly?" They asked.
"Yes she was but she healed faster than I would have ever expected. It was when she was healing that she called out to you, she sounded worried for you. Her Little Dragons was in part what gave her the strength to survive and heal." She smiled.
"We are" "glad to" "be able" "to help her" "even when" "we are" "not there." The Spawn were glad to be even in part what gave their mother her strength.
"As to women and understanding the behavior of your father and mother, or your Uncle, and Aunt; when you are older you will understand at least when you find the right woman. A man's thoughts at times go directly and only to the woman he loves. There is nothing to be done." Dumpling smiled remembering the times in her past with her now dead husband. "Your parents have been apart. He must be with her. They must lay together and connect on the level only they can." She looked at them and laughed. "I know you do not understand. Someday you will. Just know it is right and good that your mother and father are this way together."
"If you" "say so." They said somewhat appeased. The Spawn were glad to have their own Dumpling in the family now. Their mother had spoken of whom, what and the importance of a Dumpling to a family in her village and culture. It made them feel more connected to her, the roots and culture their mother wished them to be a part of.
"Good now lay down and close your eyes. I will hum for you the song your mother liked to have hummed to her as she fell asleep when she was a child." Dumpling said as she set a chair between the two beds.
"Thank you Dumpling" "we would" "like that" "very much." The Spawn curled up under their covers and soon fell asleep as Dumpling hummed.
She is everything we thought she would be and even more. You are fine and strong Little Dragons. My sister I think the child was right. I have seen them together. She has what I think is a good husband. Her sons are fine and strong Little Dragons. You would be so proud of her. Our princess would be as well.
"Darling ," Walter asked Zsophia as they lay cooling from their latest bout of lovemaking after she caught her breath "when did these happen?" Walter asked sounding more casual then he felt. His fingers lightly traced over the two newest wounds on his lady. "They look rather fresh, though they do seem to be healing nicely."
"They happened on my last job." Zsophia sighed. "I was careless." Walter looked into her eyes now. "If it had not been for my niece I would have lost my head, literally." Walter's eyes opened wider.
"Zsophia you must be more careful." Walter sighed. He had only just gotten her, made her his. He could not bear the idea of losing her to carelessness. "Promise me, please."
"I will love, I promise. I realized an important thing then, I knew I needed to stop the job there, after that target was killed. I could not focus on the work there properly." Zsophia giggled as Walter's fingers found a ticklish spot on her side. He smiled and kissed her cheek.
"You are cute when you giggle like that." Walter's hand began to trace patterns on her thigh. "What were you saying?" He smiled trying to get her to lose her train of thought.
"I was saying. I had trained my niece well." Zsophia said as she ran her fingers through Walter's longer hair. "She and Amun are partners now. I am sure they will marry within the year, if he can keep his hands off her that long." Zsophia smirked. "I doubt he will once he sees her dance. Once they share a bed it is all but certain they will marry"
"Oh really?" Walter said and kissed over the wounds. Zsophia sighed. "So my darling, do you dance in tribal styles as well?" His mind was filled with images now. Seeing her in that outfit before she fought Olman made them even more vivid, remembering her dancing at the club even more so. He didn't need to work on removing the man she had been with from the picture and put himself there instead; he had done that a while ago.
"Yes lover I do. Perhaps I will dance for you soon. Would you like that?" She smiled and pulled him up so she could kiss him.
"Very much so." Walter smiled and kissed her hungrily. Her kiss was just a hungry as his. "But for now you should eat. We did get distracted from that." Walter said with a smirk his eyes flashing. Food was not high on his priority list just now.
"Probably you are correct." Zsophia smiled and traced his ear.
"I do not want you to become exhausted for real now that I have you back." He smiled wolfishly at her. "I have many things in mind for us this evening that could do just that." Walter kissed her stomach before he left the bed to call down for some food for her and blood for him.
"I am sure you do lover, I am sure you do." Zsophia sighed and did a full body stretch as Walter dialed down stairs to have food sent up, he nearly hung up the phone as he watched her move.
"My Dark Rose?" Alucard said quietly to Seras he knew now was an important time for her. He put two fingers under her chin and tipped her head up to look in her eyes. "How fair you?"
"I am well my Dragon." Seras smiled. "I can see the worry in your eyes. There was not as much pain as I was expecting. I do not even remember feeling any." She said as she ran her fingers over his cheek then down his chest.
"I am so very glad." Alucard was relieved. "I was afraid you would not enjoy us." He knew some women did not, and then getting them to try again could take time and much coaxing. He knew he would not have the time for that with the Blood Moon within the next night or so. "Are you hungry?" He whispered in her ear. "The blood is close, just in the other room. If you feed from me it is even closer."
"I think I will take you up on your offer Vlad." Seras said as she moved, lay on top of him and sunk her fangs into his neck and feeding from him.
"Seras!" He moaned holding her closer than ever. He thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of her feeding from him as they were pressed skin to skin.
When she stopped her eyes glowed even more than before. She licked his wound closed and lightly licked the rest of the blood from his neck tickling him somewhat. He cared not at all as he still felt the bliss. "You taste so good." Seras sighed as she raised her head and licked the last of his blood from her lips and fangs.
Alucard watched her seduced by her movements again. She had become so much more than he had thought she would be when he first turned her. She was really a Midian now; she enjoyed more and more her nature. He pulled her down into another hungry kiss. "My turn." Alucard smiled as he rolled on top of her now. "Your blood will be different. I cannot wait to find out what spice our lovemaking adds to it."
"It will be different?" She asked and blinked her eyes. Alucard laughed.
"Yes my beautiful Hellcat. It will be different. Think on it did my blood taste the same as it had before?" He smirked amused by this turn of conversation. He loved the look on her face as she thought on it.
"Yes it did taste different now that I think on it. Not over much but it did, it seemed…I do not know." Seras frowned trying to puzzle it out.
"Probably less frustrated." Alucard laughed. "Seras feeding from one another is very stimulating. Surely you have realized this by now?"
"Yes I had noticed the effect it had on you." She smirked and yet blushed.
"I knew it had similar effect on you. I could smell it." Alucard smirked as he nuzzled into her neck. "This time I can do more than smell it. This time we can enjoy it." His fangs pierced her skin. Alucard enjoyed the new taste to her blood and the sound of her gasp then moan as he drank from her.