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
Curiosity
Blaze had woken half an hour ago but she lay in bed still. She was happy just to be in Walter's arms. She was confused as to why her brushes with death plagued her dreams last night. She did not find those memories disturbing and frightening, it was simply her life. It was the nightmare she had awoken from. Again she saw it played out in her mind, Walter's death. She saw her love pierced through his chest with an odd silver bladed weapon of some kind. She screamed and reached for him; then she saw him become ash. She heard an insane laugh through it all. Blaze clung to Walter now. She felt his hand come up and stroke her hair, when she looked up at his face she realized he was acting in his sleep. Blaze smiled and kissed his chest then got up quietly. Dumpling had already begun to draw her bath.
/Good morning Countess./ Dumpling smiled. /A milk bath this morning?/
/No, just my usual thank you Dumpling. You do realize I know how to draw my own bath./ Blaze smiled.
/I am sure you do My Green Eyed Countess. It is my pleasure to draw it for you now. I am after all your Dumpling and you are a Pri… Countess./ Dumpling quickly swallowed the word princess. /It is a little thing I can do./ She smiled at Blaze as any doting older family member would. She also prayed that her Green Eyed Princess would not have caught the mistake.
/I suppose so Dumpling, thank you./ Blaze hated that it was so easy for Dumpling to make the switch from Countess to Princess. /My Little Dragons?/ Blaze asked as she shed her nightgown.
/They are at breakfast./ Dumpling said as she gathered Blaze's discarded gown. /They know they are to return to school today./
/My Little Dragons./ Blaze sighed as she sunk into the warm water of her bath. /They suffer because of me Dumpling. I do not like that. I need to make their world safer./ Blaze shook her head. /Yet it seems to becoming more and more dangerous./
/Then My Little Green Eyes, it would seem you need to remove those who make it dangerous for them./ Dumpling smiled as she went to the door. /Will you have your usual breakfast?/
/Yes thank you Dumpling. Please tell My Little Dragons I will take them back to school myself. Tell Jolene as well please./ Blaze said then picked up her shampoo. I intend them to be there for their second if not their first class./
/As you wish My Countess./ Dumpling said and left the room. It seems so wrong to call her My Countess, she is after all My Princess. Then I am to call My Prince as merely a Lord. Dumpling shook her head. This west is so odd. But I have my Prince and his family to serve. I should arrange suitable servants for my Prince and His Lady Wife. Dumpling found it curious there was none that served them specifically. She resolved to speak with her Prince on that soon.
"Ahhh Mala. How are you doing?" DeMorte smiled down at her seemingly lifeless desiccated form. "I would offer you refreshment but that could begin some unpleasant things for me." He wanted to laugh, here laid Mala was one of the most ancient and powerful vampires on earth and yet she was so easily caught. "I have a confession to make." DeMorte grinned. "I never had your precious little Ashi." He snickered. "I think I may have a look for her again; not that it matters, I have you caught and at my mercy now." He gloated.
So it is as I thought. You never had her DeMorte. It was worth this imprisonment to be sure. I am glad though to know for sure that you are as yet safe from him Little One. However I wonder; how long is he likely to be safe from you if you were to find out about his actions? I must keep you two apart. If he were to realize who you are it could become much more dangerous. Mala reflected as DeMorte annoyed her. She was bored with this forced rest now since it served no point. She was growing stronger. DeMorte coming for a visit had forced her to stop her escape plan.
"The chips are doing quite well now. The manufactures of them are entirely pleased with themselves. They congratulate each other on their cleverness." DeMorte laughed again. "Fools do not even suspect I am still controlling things. But then they did lose that magnificent weapon they created against my wishes. My son Michael is tracking it down still. I had planned to use it to destroy Vlad; I may not have to though." DeMorte continued to pace around the table Mala was bound to. "He seems to be coming back to his senses. Those idiot von Helsings do not have control of him. Some Countess is said to. Ah my dear Countess Mystery. I will have to get you away from that island so I can meet you. I am amazed that the little bit of fun I had sending Incognito for Vlad to play with did yield a few unexpected benefits."
Dragon you are coming to your senses? This is good; I wonder if this means you and Zsophia have finally crossed paths? I hope so. DeMorte you are insufferable, I will see you into your final death. Mala promised herself. Perhaps I will enslave you within me, I will have to ask your sire on this, it would be rude not to.
"Perhaps our Vlad Dragon would wish to join me. He has actually mated. Shocking no? It is a beautiful young Police Girl. He made her when he was still under the thumb of the Helsings. Integra was never really properly trained for her position. I almost had control of Hellsing" DeMorte said as he continued to circle the table. "That old queen put that curious Countess in charge." Something seemed different with Mala but he could not pin it down. "He made his 'Angel of Death' a Midian as well; that I expected him to do fifty years ago. Ah yes someone uncovered that bit of mischief I created. I think that 'The Angel of Death' nearly met his namesake." DeMorte leaned against the table. What is so different Mala? I can sense something is different I just can't quite put my finger on it. "Well old girl, I need to go and hunt. I'd offer to bring you something back… then perhaps I will." He smiled in a cold way then left making sure to it the seals were in place.
You have no intention of giving me any sustenance and we both know it DeMorte. Mala sighed bored with him. You make so many plans, so many contingencies that slowly things escape you. Mentally Mala shook her head. You did have such promise. Sadly you seem to have been overcome with the same madness that claims so many of our kind. I think it has gone too far for you to be guided or changed now. Your influence has gone too far and you have created an abomination against all the races in this world. Mala rested and gathered to herself those bits of energy that DeMorte had shed without realizing it. With her age came knowledge. Her body needed blood to act. Her mind needed only those three small drops of blood to become clearer. Her spirit, her will could use the energy she could absorb to do magic. She would only have one chance to use the energy DeMorte shed. It would even be better to do what she needed while DeMorte was here so she could use more of his energy. It bore thought and reflection. Could the reward outweigh the risk?
As much as Father Anderson usually loathed traveling, just now it suited him well. He and his Lamb were on their way back to the orphanage. He had a few things to give to young Timothy. "Lass, are ye awake?" Anderson asked as he stared out the window watching the lush green fields pass by quickly from the bus.
"Yes Father Anderson I am." Sister Joan blinked open her eyes. "I was in meditation on a part of scripture I had read this morning."
"Ah which passage would tat be my Lamb?" Anderson asked as he turned his head from the window to look as Sister Joan.
"I was looking for guidance in our work, how to keep ourselves well protected." Sister Joan said looking off a bit.
"An' what did ye find my lamb?" Anderson asked curiously. "It is good to hear the thoughts of another on passages of tae Good Book. We all take away from it different things."
"I found many passages referring to the armor of God." Sister Joan said with a smile as she shifted her eyes back to Anderson. "We need to be sure to put on the full armor of God." She said warming to the subject. "Romans 13:12 speaks on the 'armor of light', 2 Corinthians 6:7 offers the 'power of God through the Armor of righteousness, and we are of course counseled to 'put on the whole armor of God'. I found it instructive and something for me to ponder on more. I would hate to be a weak link in our work."
"Lass ye have a purity tat is a good shield against tae temptions of tae evil we face. I dinna think ye have anything ta worry on." Anderson smiled at her even as he thought on his own failings.
"I am glad I can be of help." Sister Joan smiled. "You should try and sleep Father. I can tell you did not sleep well at all last night. You look tired. Was it the odd conversation we had last night?"
"Tell her Whipping Boy; tell your precious little nun there that you spent all night wanting me." His Temptress's voice echoed in his mind. "Aye lass." Anderson said and coughed and looked away from Sister Joan. "Aye tat conversation was very disquieting." He nodded. How can I tell ye My Pure Lamb? Dear Lord take her voice from my mind! Anderson prayed. "I marked you mine Priest!" The delusion of Seras growled at him. "Remember so long as I wear your mark you will wear mine!" She seemed to taunt him. Anderson saw her face reflected in the window her red eyes glowing. Anderson was sure he was losing his mind. He had stopped having these visions of Seras when Sister Joan came to him. The dreams had stopped She had stopped taunting and haunting him. Well Dark Temptress of men. If ye still haunt me I will exorcise ye and send ye and yer hellish mate into tae reward ye deserve. Anderson promised himself again.
"Now what is it you wanted to say before I disturbed you?" Sister Joan asked curiously with a smile.
"I am a thinkin' we should transfer young Timothy ta another place." Anderson said pushing the thoughts of Seras from his mind as best as he could. "I am thinking it may just be in tae lad's best interest."
"You are likely correct." Sister Joan nodded. "But perhaps it is best to wait until we return. If he has formed a close bond then might not moving him cause more trauma?"
"Ah Sister." Anderson smiled "Ye are quite correct. I was a thinkin' only with tat part of me tat serves tae Lord in tae fight. I am glad an' many are lucky ta have ye ta remind me of other things." He said as he shook his head.
"Oi Ashton!" Derrick Irons yelled across the court yard. "Come on Richardson." He said to his other cohort.
"I'm with you." James Richardson nodded as they went over to the Spawn.
"Hello" "gents." The Spawn smiled. It was odd for them to realize that they were actually glad to be back at school.
"Hey is everything all right?" Derrick asked quietly when they were close. "I heard there was some excitement the night you two left."
"Indeed there was." "We had to go to Buckingham." They confirmed to their friends quietly. They then looked about and said together. "We will explain more on it later."
"Understood." James and Derrick said in unison. They looked at one another and laughed.
"We didn't realize you two" "had your brains fused." The Spawn smiled.
"Very funny." James shook his head and rolled his eyes. "You two are not the 4only ones with a story."
"Oh?" The Spawn said looking between their friends curious as to the news.
"There is something afoot." Derrick nodded.
"Lords Ashton, Lord Irons, Lord Richardson kindly make your way to your classes now." One of the professors said sharply.
"Yes Sir Professor Grey." The four said in unison and walked quickly to class satchels in hand.
"Those four bear special attention." Professor Grey muttered to himself watching them go. "If any were to cause trouble it will be them. I expect we will have to be sure to deal with them first."
"That prig is the most annoying cocksucker I have ever had to deal with!" Blaze exploded in her office.
"So the headmaster was in rare form I take it." Jolene said eyes wide. Wow big mistake asking about him. Will I never learn to wait to ask? She wondered.
"Yes he was." Blaze growled. "I swear today he was trying to provoke me." When the door to her office opened she glared at the newcomer.
"Ummm I am sorry." Thirteen said and took a step back.
"Who are you?" Blaze asked calmly.
"Blaze this is Thirteen. She is working as the Confidential Aide to Commander Seras Victoria. I thought it a good thing for you two to meet." Jolene said looking at Blaze. "For future reference Thirteen when Boss has had to deal with the Headmaster of The Spawn's school it is best to approach her with a Tranq gun and raw steak." Jolene said cheerfully.
"I am sorry I growled at you Officer Harris." Blaze smiled apologetically. "I see you have already been given a call. How do you like being the Jolene for Seras?" She asked lightly.
"Pardon?" Thirteen asked confused.
"Jolene is a term used to denote a Personal Assistant or Confidential Aide. It is a term adopted in honor of my assistant, the original Jolene." Blaze said pleasantly. She knew it annoyed Jolene to no end about her name becoming a title. Blaze wanted to make a point though, and she saw the opportunity to do so. "It is a very important and exclusive position, Thirteen. Jolene is given unparalled access to the top people in this organization. Jolene's orders are assumed to come from me and are not questioned. There is very little that I do or I am aware of that she is not. She knows damn near everything about me, she makes not just my job but my existence easier. Jolene is one person in my life I really could not do without now. I know that Bullet and now Jeff are either the same or becoming so in their respective areas for Walter."
"Oh I see." Thirteen said quickly catching on to the energy in the room. Thirteen wanted to choose her words carefully. "I am enjoying my new position Countess. Or do I call you Boss? The etiquettes are something to get used to."
"Indeed they can be." Blaze agreed. "What I am called here at times like this is unimportant. Where it matters the most is when we are on assignment off site. Then I am only called Boss. My identity as well as all of our identities must remain secret. It would cause a great deal of trouble if the existence of Hellsing were to come out, again. I am sure you are aware of what happened before."
"Yes Countess I am." Thirteen nodded.
"Good then please remember when on assignment or when referring to or about any of us on assignment only use our calls." Blaze said with a nod.
"I will remember." Thirteen promised.
"Good. Since you are still here I expect Seras has taken to you at least a bit. Do you want this position still?" Blaze asked she still felt bad for luring Tabby the way she had. She wanted to give Thirteen a way out if she wanted to take it. "It was on probation to see how everyone took to the situation. I want to know how you feel honestly. Please feel free to be blunt I am accustomed to the parlance of the construction industry I am not easily shocked." Blaze smiled.
"Bluntly then Countess, I like my position and have no intention of giving it up without a fight." Thirteen said strongly. "I like and respect Commander Victoria. I am becoming accustomed to the more … unique qualities of the organization and whom I am the aide of, I believe I am learning quickly, and I feel it is a good place for me to be."
"Good, I am glad to hear it." Blaze smiled. "We will likely be working with and around one another. For now I have a few things to deal with. I will talk to you soon I expect. Go and get some sleep you will be more active at nights to begin with. Do remember to use your day's off and I am serious about family needs leave and time off. Got it?"
"Yes Ladyship." Thirteen said with a nod. "I will be about if you need." Thirteen said then left. Wow, I guess the position is mine. Thirteen smiled and went to her rooms to sleep.
"I like her." Blaze nodded after Thirteen was gone.
"I thought you would. She and Seras seem to get on well. I know Thirteen has already been helping her with some project or another." Jolene said as she pulled out Blaze's calendar. She was stunned by Blaze's words of praise and the blunt explanation of her importance to Blaze. "Anything new for this?" Was all she could think to say or do.
"Yes. I need to meet with the top people in the Terror division." Blaze nodded. She knew she had gotten through to Jolene. It was important to Blaze for Jolene to understand. Blaze knew she was going to need to sit down with Jolene and explain what had been going on in her life as of late.
"Getting ready for the official hand off?" Jolene asked as she made notes.
"Likely I need to talk to Integra first. Need to see if she has anything new on those traitors." Blaze said as she sat back in her chair and rubbed her eyes. "Jolene it strikes me that you said there was something new that was in?"
"Yes there is and I have people on it already. There is not much to go on just yet; more a matter of observing still." Jolene said. She knew that there was a great deal going on in Blaze's life and Jolene had no intention of adding to it until it was absolutely necessary.
"Ok let me know when there is more to go on. So where is the mountain of things I need to tend to?"
"The files are all sitting over there on the big 'I want to spread everything out' table." Jolene smiled.
"Good, well you know where I'll be until my first meeting which is when?"
"Two hours. It will be with Jazz." Jolene said with a smile. "First file on the left."
"Good, until then no disturbances please." Blaze said as she stood.
"The only disturbance will be when Dumpling brings in your lunch." Jolene said and left Blaze to her reading. Jolene was curious something just seemed a bit off.
Rick watched Timothy as he readied himself to have a go with the cricket bat. He had not liked Timothy when he first got there. The younger boy had seemed weak and weird. "Oi you got 'im Tim! Knock it down 'is throat!" Rick yelled in support. Rick had learned that Timothy was anything but weak. He was still weird.
"Now lad is tat any way fer a young man ta speak?" Father Anderson asked from behind Rick. He smiled as he saw Rick cringe.
"No, sorry Father Anderson." Rick said He didn't turn his head though he kept his eyes glued on Timothy. With a crack of the bat Rick was on his feet with a cheer. "I knew you could do it!" He shouted.
"Indeed he did." Father Anderson said with a smile. "So lad ye don't wish ta see young Timothy sent away now?"
"No Father Anderson I don't." Rick said as he looked up at the priest. "Thank you for teaming me up with him actually. Tim and I get on well."
"Well lad I am glad ta hear it."Anderson smiled brightly. "See what happens when ye listen ta tae prompting from God?" Rick nodded. "Good. When tae match is over kindly bring Timothy ta my office will ye? I brought him a few things."
"Are they from his house?" Rick asked curious.
"Aye thay are at tat."
"I will Father." Rick smiled then turned his head back to cheer the team on.
"Well lass I think young Timothy will be stayin." Anderson said as he walked into the kitchen. "I think Rick would be very upset if he were ta leave now."
"Well that is a good thing Father Anderson." Sister Joan smiled. "I have sorted the mail for you and it waits on you in your office."
"Thank ye lass. Ye are a marvel. Is there anything of interest?"
"There is a letter that looks personal from a parish just outside London. Perhaps they know the Countess?"
"I dinna know. I knew a priest out there. He served in an orphanage there. He is a good man. Nae a catholic, but a very good man all tae same. I'll have a look at tat one first. Is tat my tea?"
"Of course it is." Sister Joan said and shook her head handing the hot mug to him.
"Thank ye again." Anderson said as he took the mug and went into his office to read his mail. He was curious about the letter.
Tabby got off the bus and headed to work. She knew Walter and the rest of them would likely yell if they knew she was on public transport now but she didn't know who to call. Besides who would expect her, a teen girl dressed as a goth, carrying a teddy bear purse to be the head of a department of magic in a super secret organization in the British government. The very thought made Tabby giggle which earned her a dark look from an old woman. Tabby stuck out her tongue at her then turned and walked away flouncing in her skull and crossbones speckled dress.
"Well I never!" The woman said shocked and disgusted to her the woman next to her.
"Neither have I but I don't flaunt my virginity!" Tabby retorted. She loved the several shades of red the elderly woman and her friend turned. "At least I know the blokes like me." Tabby snorted. She heard the woman gasp at her audacity. Then she heard the howls of laughter from the construction crew. Unable to stop herself Tabby turned to the crew and curtsied in a very prim and proper way.
"Get on to work!" One of the men laughed. "Ya got a busy one ahead of ya!" He nodded then winked at Tabby.
"Will do!" She waved at the friendly man. It was two blocks before she realized she knew him. She had seen him with Blaze. Bloody hell that's right she owns a construction company. Tabby shook her head and kept walking. Tabby whistled as she walked on to the site, her site as everyone called it. "Afternoon Jim!" She smiled and waved at the man.
"Afternoon Tabitha; had a late one last night." He smiled back, then laughed as Tabby nodded and rolled her eyes. "Tabitha may I speak with you a moment?"
"Sure thing! Walk with me?" She waved Jim over as she went to her desk which was nothing more than a board atop and fastened to two saw horses. "What can I do your for?"
"Well you can let me become one of your bookends." Jim said. Tabby reminded him of his younger sister who was often in trouble until she straightened out.
"Huh?" Tabby replied.
"Jolene said that you were to be assigned some bookends. I volunteered for the position." Jim smiled at the look on Tabby's face.
"Wow Wal… Angel was serious about that?" Tabby blinked.
"Yes he is, especially after last night." Jim nodded. "I promise not to snitch on you getting her without transport from The Office." He smiled.
"Well ok, I mean yes. If I gotta have bookends full time; I like the idea of you being one." Tabby smiled. "Thanks for not snitching on me. Honestly I do not feel in danger and besides I didn't have a Scooby who to call." Tabby shrugged. "Got any ideas of who should be the other?"
"I sure do. Her call is Raven. She'll be able to go places I just can't and she and I work well together." Jim nodded.
"Ok sold. Thanks Jim. Now I gotta get down to work." Tabby smiled and looked at the new pictures and information on her 'desk'.
"I'll call for Raven." Jim smiled. "Please remember I need to keep you in sight at all times. I actually need to keep you within action distance. It will take some getting used to I know but please let me do my job."
"I will Jim. I won't be as big a pain in the butt as Boss is." Tabby smiled at him knowing full well that was exactly what he was worried on. "Most of the day will be spent right here I think. I have a lot of information to go through. I need to be on base as the sun falls. I have a meeting there." Tabby thought some more. "There will be a few from the circle that will be arriving within ten to fifteen minutes." She nodded. "Merlin and Morrigan, Glinda, Taz, Djinn, and Sam. That should be all of them. I think you know them all. Is that the type of information I need to give you?"
"That is perfect Tabitha, thank you." Jim smiled and thanked God she was going to be an easy one to work with.
"Cool." Tabitha smiled and sat down with the fourth spiral note book she had for this site. The thing she liked was she was learning many new things about magic. What she didn't like was the flavor of the magic. This blood magic is strong enough I think they were using something more than human blood. It looks like these barriers were mainly meant to keep supernatural and magical types blind and deaf to this place. Tabby shook her head and continued to piece together what she could. "Jim when Raven gets here I need to go and have a look at each of the entrances to the chop shop we have found."
"Got it Tabitha will do." He nodded and relayed the information to Raven. "So get yourself here quick like." Was all Tabby heard as she went back to her books and photos.
"I swear it looks like they had different entrances for different people, each entrance is just a shade different than the others." Tabby whispered and compared the pictures of each of the four entrances. She had realized earlier that the stair was never meant to be used by anyone. It was a trap pure and simple. "I wonder how many fell for that trap?" Tabby wondered aloud as she shook her head.
"Probably more than we want to know about kiddo." Jim said walking over to her. "What is different about each of the other 'real' entrances?"
"Oh the symbols. See here, here, and there." Tabby pointed to the differences. "It just seems odd to have them be warded so differently. I mean why do it like that? Doing it for different people does not make any sense at all. It would be too hard to do and a serious waste of energy. Did the one we get have any ink?"
"Ink?" Jim asked.
"Tattoos."
"I do not know. Call to the Undertakers they should be able to tell you." Jim nodded. "Have you met any of them?"
"I don't think so. We have undertakers?" Tabby looked surprised and perhaps nervous.
"Yes we do. We do not have many bodies to deal with usually but the odd ones we do get need to be dealt with." Jim nodded. "Would you like me to call and ask?"
"Please do! If the bloke … or should I say corpse … has any ink I will need pictures of it. A unique tat could be one way to figure out which entrance a person could use." Tabby explained.
"Like a magical bar code." Jim shook his head. "I'll make the call." Jim said and walked off a few paces and dialed.
"Yeah I guess it would be like a magical bar code." Tabby agreed.
"What would be like a magical bar code?" A woman asked.
"Hum? Oh hi Morrigan, Merlin. Ink. A unique tattoo could be one way that they could regulate who was able to go through each door. Just a thought."
"It is a good thought young lady." The white haired man called Merlin said with a smile. "We heard there was some unpleasantness last night; are you ok?"
"Yep I am fine. I think Ruger got the worst of it." Tabby shrugged.
"Tabitha dear isn't this all getting a bit too dangerous for you?" The willowy white haired Morrigan asked concerned.
"No, I'm ok. Besides I have been assigned 'bookends' Jim is one the other will be a woman called Raven. This is important work. This shite has likely been affecting our community longer than the others. I'd bet my left tit they used witch and warlock blood for many of these barriers. Some of the jewelry we have pictures of looks like stuff our lot would wear." Tabby said and reached for a file. "These pictures are of jewelry. This other one here is of ink."
"Ink?" Merlin asked confused.
"Good I'm not the only one confused by the term." Jim said as he walked over. "I'm Jim short for Slim Jim." Jim said as he offered his hand to Merlin.
"A pleasure Mr. Jim." Merlin nodded. "I am Merlin and this is my wife Morrigan."
"My pleasure." Jim shook Merlin's hand then kissed Morrigan's hand, stealing a page from Walter and Alucard's book. It seemed the thing to do with the rich dress of the couple. "Lady it is a pleasure. "Apparently Ink is the newest slang for tattoos and please it is just Jim."
"You are most charming Jim." Morrigan smiled at him it was the last action she would have expected from this soldier. "Tattoos have a long tradition amongst our people and others." Morrigan looked at her husband. "I'll look at the jewelry and you may have the … ink file." She smiled at him.
"Very well." He nodded then looked over his shoulder. "Tabitha, are we expecting any vampires?"
"No, but it could be Vic or Alucard." She shrugged. "Not likely Angel he won't be letting Boss out of his sight any time soon."
"Check for Vic and Alucard." Jim said as he tapped his ear com as stepped closer to Tabby. He listened then nodded. "Both are supposed to still be at base." All of them turned and looked at the door.
"Whoever it was they appear to have been scouting. They have moved on." Merlin said with a nod.
"I agree." Morrigan said.
"Ok Tabitha, honestly do I need to evacuate you?" Jim looked down at her.
"Nope. It is daylight. They will be weaker. Most of their magic will not work or it will be severely weakened. Our magic will be much stronger. That and I know you are loaded for a supernatural bear. We will be fine." Tabby smiled up at him.
"Ok." Jim nodded. "I'll be closer than I planned to be then. Once Raven gets here it will be either her or I at least getting underfoot. Anything happens to you and Boss will have our hides. She is a shade protective of you."
"Well that is a comfort." Merlin said. "Having her protection is to be very …. Oh no." He shook his head.
"What is it Love?" Morrigan asked looking over his shoulder. "Oh no." She shook her head.
"Ok we get it is bad. What is it?" Tabby asked.
"We know who this tattoo belonged to." Merlin said as he put down a picture to show them. "It was my brother. He disappeared twenty years ago. We thought Hellsing got him."
"Wow. So that arm has been down there for twenty years." Tabby shook her head. "Merlin I am so sorry about your brother."
"They got her too." Morrigan said quietly putting down a picture of a ring and one of a necklace. "Those were family heirlooms I believe."
"Indeed they are." Merlin nodded. "They have powerful magic within them. They should be yours now my love. They would pass to me and so be yours to wear and wield." He shook his head. "Tabitha we need to get in there. I care not that they have their bodies. But I need to be sure their souls are free."
"I understand and we will." Tabby promised. "The Necklace and Ring will be in your hands very soon I promise."
"I think we will need to be very through as we look through these." Morrigan murmured. "If we held Hellsing responsible for this I wonder how many others they have stood accused of harming but are in truth innocent of?"
"Dunnno, probably more people than we ever would have suspected from our community. So this place has been up and running for at least twenty years." Tabitha shook her head. "I know Z said Hellsing had narrowed their view to mainly vamps. She had found very little evidence of them researching or going after anything else unless they were mixed up with vamps." She shrugged.
"I guess Hellsing went from boogey men to monster under the bed." Merlin said with a shake of his head. "Oh no offense intended to you Jeff."
"None taken. I don't know much about how it was before. I came in with Boss. From what I have heard of how it was in the past though it sounds about right." Jeff nodded. "Heya Raven." He smiled at the woman who had just walked in.
"Hi Jeff, hi Tabby, hi Gram and Gramp." Raven smiled and sighed.
"Raven?" Morrigan looked at the woman. "You are called Raven with them? Child you are working within Hellsing?"
"Yes I am. I was working with Boss before. When she transferred over so did I. And this is why I never said anything to you about it." Raven sighed as she walked around the table and stood next to Tabby.
"Well this is a shock." Merlin said with a blink. "At least we can know Tabitha will be well guarded and that you are working in the interests of our community. Anything else is unimportant now. Though I do hope you might change your mind about learning the ways of magic young lady. Morrigan my love things are as they are. Now I think this tattoo could place this … chop shop as you call it as being older than twenty years unfortunately. If I am correct it was on a Druid from the Oxford area. We lost contact with him, what thirty years ago? It would seem that in some areas the old Hellsing was completely useless."
"Ding, ding, ding." Blaze said as she saw Integra open the door to her office. Blaze had resisted the urge to be sitting behind the desk. To Integra's credit she didn't startle much.
"Ding, ding, ding? I am afraid I do not get it Countess Ashton." Integra said as she walked around the desk and sat in her chair.
"Mmm think of it as belling the cat." Blaze smiled. "How are you doing?"
"Well enough thank you. Would you care for tea?" Integra offered. Both women had chosen to bury the hatchet so both knew what etiquettes to follow.
"No thank you Sir Integra, I appreciate the offer. I was hoping to have this be a quick visit." Blaze smiled. Inside of her something began to rage. Your accursed blood line enslaved my Father! Blaze blinked and shoved that dangerous idea down. "I am sorry this may sound rude as hell but do you need to get your jackets retailored? I have someone I can recommend. His work is quite good and he has become expert at hiding weapons."
"It is well Countess Ashton. I take no offense." Integra smiled. "I expect it is the same Tailor Sir Irons recommended to me?"
"Yes it likely is." Blaze nodded.
"I have stepped up my training here as much as I am able. It has had some positive effect I think." Integra explained.
"Indeed. Sir Integra would you like me to send some men here to help you train? I would be happy to do so." Blaze offered.
"Yes, thank you I would like that." Integra nodded. "It would be nice to have someone new to spar and train with."
"I will send someone tomorrow then. They can work with you to see where you may want or need more work." Blaze said making a mental note to tell Jolene.
"Thank you Countess. Now I suspect you did not come here to discuss fashion or my training. Shall we get to it?" Integra asked as she reached for her drawer for the work she had done.
"I need two major questions answered." Blaze smiled. She wanted to get out of there as quickly as she could. Blaze never expected to have such a strong reaction to seeing Integra. "First who is the knight really in charge of the anti-terrorist activities and do we know which side he is on?"
"Sir Thomas Dixon is the one who appears to heads things in that area. Currently he checks out as clean. Sir Addams has definitely checked out clean and he is the one who is really in charge of that area." Integra said somewhat surprised at the question. "We have one who is prime suspect material now. Both Sir Irons and I agree he is one to watch very carefully."
"Very well who is it?"
"Sir Darby." Integra said and pulled up the file she had complied.
"Very well, any suggestions on how to deal with him currently?" Blaze asked.
"Personally I would continue to watch him for now and do what I could to keep the important things from him. If he does have a partner in crime it will be easier to find him that way." Integra recommended. She was somewhat surprised at how the Countess was acting.
"Very well, I agree." Blaze nodded. "I will be meeting with Sir Addams soon on the transfer of the Terror division to his control. Would you recommend telling him what is going on just yet?"
"No …" Integra though hard a moment. "No I would not recommend it. He is a good man but he can be a shade odd. I think that the more who know, the easier it will be for the wrong people to find out what is going on. In the end I believe he will understand the secrecy."
"Very well Sir Integra." Blaze nodded. "I will follow your advice on this matter." Blaze smiled and stood. "As I said I need for this to be a quick meeting. I believe you have the number to reach Jolene if not here it is." Blaze held out a card to Integra who stood and took it. "Please pardon me if this abruptness is rude but I must be going."
"Not at all Countess, I understand you are quite busy." Integra said with a slight smile. "If you need you can call me instead of popping over."
"I appreciate that Sir Integra; I may have to do that. I do not want you to think that you are being completely marginalized. Have you heard anything on your trial date?"
"No but I am expecting to be called to appear very soon. My barrister has been keeping me informed." Integra was glad for her training after Blaze's words. "I do not feel marginalized Countess Ashton."
"Good I am glad to hear that. If you need to give me information or if I can be of aid in things please call. Now I must be going." Blaze said and went out of Integra's office.
She didn't ask for the file. She is just taking my word on the cases of Addams and Darby? I am so confused by that woman. Integra rubbed at her head.
"Do you need an aspirin Sir Integra?"
"Yes please." Integra nodded as she sat. "There should be someone coming from The Ashton Estate to help me figure out some things with my training tomorrow."
"Very well, we will be on the lookout from them."
"Do you have any idea why The Countess would simply accept my recommendations on the Round Table knights?" Integra asked looking up at her butler curious.
"Do you have any idea why she would not accept your recommendations? You have been asked to do the job." He replied. "If she did not trust you to do this she would have never asked you to begin. She has no intention of redoing anybodies work; it is why she has them do it in the first place. Likely a written report will be appreciated so there is a hard copy file for future reference."
"I see." Integra nodded. "Well then I will tend the report. Please get in touch with the tailor Sir Irons suggested, I really do need to get my suits tended to. I will not need that aspirin thank you."
"As you wish Sir Integra." Thomas bowed and left the room. Well Boss you are moving right along with things. I am glad to see you placing trust in Sir Integra. Thomas thought as he went to make the call to Tailor.
DeMorte sat over his kill and thought. "I know something is different with that dried out bitch. Now what the heck is it?" DeMorte threw the drained body into a culvert. He was unconcerned if the body was found there, many bodies were dumped there and the usual explanation was an odd cult that the authorities had never been able to discover or infiltrate. It was simply accepted as being a part of life in this area and it had been for many years. DeMorte smiled as he thought of how easy it really was to lead the humans around by the nose. "They do love their superstitions and mysteries." He laughed as he walked away from the body. He was amused with how many murders had been covered up by throwing the bodies here. As his cell phone began to vibrate he answered it licking the last of the blood from his lips. "Yes?"
"Mr. LeBlanc this is Annis." She said sounding a bit frantic.
"Annis, my dear what is wrong?" DeMorte asked sounding concerned but with a wicked smile painting his face.
"Oh Mr. LeBlanc. It is my mother. She has died." Annis was trying not to sob over the phone.
"My Dear Annis, I will be back to the hotel in a moment. Call the Jet and tell them to be ready to fly as soon as possible." DeMorte was wondering how much longer it was going to take for the old woman to die.
"Oh Mr. LeBlanc, it is not necessary. I wanted to tell you that I must fly back…."
"Nonsense Annis. You will use the jet. I am afraid I do need to tend a few things here still but there is no need for you to not make full use of the company's resources. Now just wait a few minutes and I will be there. I am so very sorry for your loss Annis." DeMorte hung up not giving her the chance to disagree with him further. "Honestly my dear Annis the timing could not be better for me. Not having you underfoot will make it easier to see what is going on with Mala." DeMorte muttered still wondering about things as he stepped into a shadow.
"So Tabitha where are we with things?" Blaze asked as she walked into the warehouse. "Heya Jim, Raven and people I have never met." She smiled at the rest.
"Boss you seem to be travling light …" Jim said looking over Blaze's shoulder.
"They don't ride bikes as well as I do." Blaze shrugged with a smirk Alucard would be proud of. "I am in my work clothes. I am following the rules."
"Oh boy. Angel is gonna light!" Tabby laughed.
"Only if people tattle on me." Blaze laughed. "So do I get introductions?"
"Of course." Tabby smiled slightly wickedly. "Boss this is one of my Bookends, Jim this is the other…" Tabby squealed as Blaze reached over the make shift desk for her. "Sic her bookends!"
"Sorry Tabitha you are so on your own on this one." Raven laughed. "I have seen Boss in action and have no desire to be on the receiving end."
"See she is one of the smart ones." Blaze winked. "Ok cheekiness aside who do we have here?" Blaze looked at Merlin and Morrigan. Blaze did not know them and they were on one of her sites and physically close to her people. The magic energy the flowed off them also had Blaze's attention.
"Boss these are my grandparents Merlin and Morrigan." Raven said knowing full well the familial relationship would go a long way to making Blaze more comfortable.
"Well it is very nice to meet you both." Blaze smiled and offered her hand.
"The pleasure is ours, … Boss." Morrigan smiled and shook Blaze's hand. It confirmed her suspicions this woman was using magic to disguise herself.
"Indeed we have heard some about you." Merlin said as he kissed Blaze's hand. "Not to worry it was all complimentary." He smiled trying to place the type of magic he felt off the woman his granddaughter called Boss.
"Wow if it is all complimentary you both must be suspicious as heck." Blaze smiled. "Well no worries I am no saint. I really do respect your granddaughter though. When she isn't volunteering for Bookend duty she is one of my Ground Commanders. Once she decides where to put more of her energy into for specializations she will be on the fast track to becoming a Specialist. I look forward to it. She is an excellent leader." Blaze nodded.
"Thank you, … Boss." Merlin said surprised. He could tell by the way Blaze spoke she was being honest without embellishing the details to give undue praise to his granddaughter. "We are very proud of the woman she has become. Perhaps she will contemplate the use of magic in her specialization."
"That will be up to her entirely." Blaze smiled. "So is everyone else gone already?"
"Pretty much. There was not much to do so I sent them home the place gives most the willies." Tabby said with a nod. "I am almost beginning to worry because I do not much notice it anymore." Tabby shrugged.
"Tabitha be completely honest with me." Blaze said as she looked at Tabby. Her voice was as serious as any there had heard it. "Is it that you are not noticing it, or is it that the energy has begun to influence you? Think hard."
"Wha?" Tabby asked then thought hard. "It is that I do not allow it to bother me. The work and the magic here is just as icky but since I have a job to do I am ignoring it." Tabby said carefully as she evaluated herself. "I can honestly say it is not influencing me." She blinked then looked up at Blaze. "Really Z, I am ok. I promise."
"Ok." Blaze nodded. "Tabitha if you ever think that this place is beginning to influence you; promise me you will evacuate the site. I will raze this place and pour a concrete slab over it if I need to in order to keep people safe. Got it?"
"I gotta choice?" Tabby smiled at Blaze.
"No you do not." Blaze's voice held the finality of true death. "If you think any one who is working here is being influenced you get them off site. We will do everything we can to help them."
"I am glad to see you take this all so seriously, … may I call you Z? Boss just seems odd." Merlin smiled at Blaze.
"Sure Z is fine. It's not like I could break a certain witch's habit now anyway." Blaze laughed.
"Indeed." Merlin nodded. "I wanted to offer our help in this matter and in the matter of if any become overly influenced in the work. We should be able to help them."
"Any help for my people will be much appreciated sir. I do not want to have people harmed if I can do anything to prevent it. If I can't keep them from harm then I want to provide the best care and aid I can get." Blaze said looking very serious. "I know most are loathe to put a price on aid but if you have need in any way let me know, please."
"I will." Merlin said and again took Blaze's hand to shake on the deal and them to kiss her hand. He was amazed how quickly he was won over by her but it was her honesty and concern for her men. "I am sure we will be able to work something out."
"I am glad to hear it." Blaze smiled then again turned herself to Tabby. "So the question remains what do we know?"
"The door with the stair was never intended to be used at all. It is just one giant trap." Tabby shrugged.
"Ducky. So how did they get in and how do we get in?" Blaze sighed.
"We have found several entrances and we thing we may be able to make our first attempts to go in today."
"No." Blaze shook her head.
"Why?" Tabby asked shocked. "We need to deal with all of this quick like right?"
"Yes but more important than speed, is safety." Blaze said and smiled. "You had a rough night last night I know. I would rather we wait until tomorrow evening after the sun goes down. We will then be able to have more back up; it will keep too many curious people away. If we know where you want to go in we can have more surveillance. I want to have Alucard, Angel and Vic here as well. Also you have an appointment with a certain weapons expert tonight I have been told. The sun drops in about twenty minutes. We need to get back to base." Blaze said then turned to Merlin and Morrigan. "Have I missed anything glaringly obvious?"
"Not at all." Morrigan smiled. "I know I would be more comfortable if there was time to have more magical support available."
"Good point." Blaze said with a nod then turned and looked at Tabby and smiled. She hoped Tabby would get the nudge.
"Well I suppose I could …" Tabby saw Blaze's eyebrow go up. That meant she was not thinking of something and Tabby knew it. She blinked then looked at Merlin and Morrigan. "I could ask Morrigan and Merlin if they would be good enough to see what support they could find for us since the majority of my own circle is younger and has less experience." Tabby finished.
"We would be pleased to do so for you." Merlin smiled.
"Would it be possible to do a buddy system with some of my circle so they would be able to learn?" Tabby asked thinking on her feet.
"I believe that could be arranged." Morrigan nodded with a smile.
"As the head of Hellsing's division of Magic Users I would appreciate the … opportunity to collaborate with you so we can learn more and keep people safe." Tabby said with a nod. Then she blinked. "Wow did I just say that?" She asked stunned.
"Yes you did and it was well done." Blaze beamed and laughed.
"Indeed." Merlin nodded. "It would seem that Dirk was correct when he said that this was a very good position for you and that you are growing into it." Merlin smiled. "With the new management and the policy of the Head of the Division of Magic Users for Hellsing for safety and collaboration; and with the apparent changes in the overall culture of Hellsing I believe we will be able to aid you in the dealing with those who practice the darker arts with a bend to doing evil."He said with the proper formality.
"For that We at Hellsing will be grateful. We cannot promise that none will be harmed if they are doing ill but I can promise that guilty until proven innocent will not happen. All will be given the chance, and those who do no harm have nothing to fear from us." Blaze nodded. "After all we have enough other real problems to deal with. No sense in going after those who are not causing trouble. Heck we only go after the troublesome vampires even." She smiled and winked.
"And if you two are late in getting back there will be three vampires that will likely become troublesome." Raven smirked. "You have been taking too many chances as of late Boss and everyone knows it. None of us want to have to deal with an irked Alucard or a worried Angel. So kindly be a nice little freaky Boss and go with us to the estate without purposefully losing your Bookends or I will tattle to Angel about all of this myself." Raven said with a smile.
"Yes mummy." Blaze said and rolled her eyes. "One would think that I could not tear the head of a Midian while fighting seven of his ghouls with the way they are." Blaze shrugged. "Well come on Mutt and Jeff; I promise to be nice." She laughed. "Nice to meet you Merlin, Morrgian; I'm sure I'll see you around." Blaze waved and went off.
"Raven she wasn't serious … was she?" Morrigan looked at Raven not believing what Blaze had said.
"Yes she is gram. I have seen her in a fight. I bet she could make Alucard hurt big time and not just because she is his master. Heck she is the Ange de Pitie." Raven shrugged. "What?" Ravenasked as she saw the looks on her grandparent's faces.
"That is the Ange de Pitie?" Merlin demanded.
"Yes she is, or she was in the past."
"Well that does paint her in a different light. Even in our community l'Ange de Pirie or as she has also been known earlier the Ashi was a name to bring respect. I never expected to lay eyes on her and live to tell the tail." Morrigan said in almost a whisper.
"What she was really is not as important as who she is now." Tabby said looking at Merlin and Morrigan. "Z is my friend and she has saved our community's hide. She is a good person who has had a hard past." Tabby closed her books. "If you can't deal with her as she is now then just say so." Tabby set her mouth. She would not tolerate anyone being hurtful to her friend.
"Peace Tabitha." Merlin said and held up his hand. "We know she is a good person now. We never said we thought her to be evil in her past. She was just very good at her job which was as an assassin amongst other things. We will be happy to work with you and her." Merlin smiled surprised at how Tabby defended Blaze and also knowing that the look on his granddaughters face said the same as Tabby's words. "We will also keep her secret and we would recommend never sharing that information with anyone again. She does have enemies who would happily make use of the information towards their own ends. Now you ladies and gentleman go to your meeting while Morrigan and I go and see to the preparations for tomorrow night."
"Ok Merlin, Morrigan." Tabby said with a nod. "I'll follow you out. It is my site and so I need to see every one off and see the security tended to. Ok?"
"We understand Tabitha. It is good to see you like this; you are beginning to measure up to your potential. We also do plan to be there for the funeral services for Goldilocks. It is the day after tomorrow yes?"
"Yes it is. We would have had it sooner but we wanted to collect as much as we could and then there were other considerations as well. She will be buried in her family plot." Tabby said as she saw them out. She locked the door and handed the key to the night guard. "I am not expecting anyone here tonight."
"Understood, if there is any activity I'll call it in to Head Quarters." The man nodded.
"Thanks Pete." Tabby smiled and waved at him as she got into the car with Raven and Jim. She waved again at Merlin and Morrigan as they left in their own car. "Ok to the estate we go I guess. At least I'll be able to get Ruger fixed now." Tabby said as she hugged her plushy purse-gun.
