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
Mala
Blood erupted with each clap of mechanical thunder the scent perfumed the air with the unmistakable sweet, coppery, thick scent of blood; the bitter, warm scent of gunpowder; and the varied flavors of the emotions of the men as they were slaughtered. Mala smiled as her fangs grew and she began to feed. It was fresh blood spiced with battle, fear, and anger amongst other innumerable emotions of these men that would so soon die. Soon the first six men she and Alucard had encountered were dead and drained of their blood, feeding Mala. Then it was the next three and the next five and the next five, each group died and fed Mala as well as Alucard.
"That feels much better Dragon. Thank you." Mala smiled at Alucard as her hair now glistened in a golden river from her head and over her shoulders and down her body tipped in the red of the dead men's blood. Now they began to walk calmly down the hall as they made their way out of the compound. "So you say your new Master is far more realistic. Whom may I ask is your new Master?" Mala asked as they turned the corner of the hallway. She smiled and turned her head as she heard the running feet of more solders coming from the corridor to their right. With a flick of her wrist the shadows erupted in hands as they moved into the kill zone she had created. Those hands caught the six man team as they brought their weapons to bear on the pair of Midians. "My turn." Mala seemed to purr as she made a gripping motion with her hand. Soon the men were being ripped apart by the shadowy hands that held them. The blood from the pieces of the men began to flow to Mala as the shadow hands flung the bloody pieces towards her, Mala smiled as she began to wade into it. "Ahhh this is much, much nicer than my recent state of being."
"I am quite sure it is." Alucard nodded and smiled as he watched her go. In his mind's eye he could imagine it was Seras standing amongst this small bit of carnage caused, soaking up the blood. It was so sensual a sight Alucard was lost in it for some few moments. Then Alucard blinked himself back to the moment and remembered her question "As to who my new Master is Lady Mala, she is someone we both know. It is the one who was so very, extremely upset by seeing you as you were attached to the table."
"Really?" Mala's eyes opened wide. "She is your new Master?" Well then Dragon you are ever safe from the control of others. More men began to fire on them from down another corridor. Mala sighed and shook her head. "Why do so many like those noisy smelly guns? Even you seem to favor them now. Swords are far more elegant." Mala despaired as bullets began to puncture her flesh. "You humans are annoying and rude. We were having a conversation." She scolded the men who had stopped firing seeing their bullets seemingly had no effect on the man and woman they had indeed shot. "Is it just me or do these humans keep popping out of places like so many cockroaches?"
"Yes these humans are. You describe them so perfectly Lady." Alucard laughed harder as the men looked at them with wide eyes. "I do rather like my guns I'll admit; but if they annoy you Lady I will refrain from their use, at least for now. I just wish you had said something earlier." Alucard said gallantly and put away his guns. "It would seem that I will have to tend you lot by rending you limb from limb by hand as I am currently without another weapon." Alucard shrugged then looked at Mala. "Will you join me Lady or are you still not quite up for it?"
"I would be most pleased to join you Dragon. I will have the two on the right if you do not mind." Mala smiled at the looks of abject confusion on the faces of the men they faced.
"I do not mind in the least I will have the two on the left then." Alucard grinned unpleasantly then was suddenly standing between the two on the left. "Good bye meat." He growled and began to rip them apart and feed as he went along.
"It really is a joy to see him in action. You men should count yourselves lucky to see The Dragon at work, though you will not live long enough to tell any about it." Mala purred, smiled and ripped the head from the first man; she was bathed in arterial spray as his heart beat its last. "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, and eight; well he was frightened." She counted each fountain of blood with a curious smile. The other one froze in a horrified fear and fascination watching the actions of Alucard and Mala, he knew they would die, but somehow he could do nothing but watch.
Walter lay his lady down in their bed. "Darling, Zsophia open your beautiful green eyes for me." Walter said; then smiled as Blaze sleepily opened them. "Hello love, I have you in our bed. I wish to feed you some before Doc arrives with an IV for you."
"Good I am feeling a bit low just now, last time I checked I was not anemic." Blaze joked weakly and smiled up at Walter.
"No you are not. I intend to tell you how foolish you were to do all of this when you are better, but for now darling, drink." Walter said as he removed his tie, opened his shirt collar, cut himself then held Blaze to his neck. He gasped and smiled as she drank some from him. It was no more than a few mouthfuls. Walter did not care to have Doc see what he was doing; it likely would upset him. "There Darling, that will help you." Walter whispered in his lady's ear as he held her in his arms.
"Walter, I will be just fine. Doc and I know the IV drill. I bet he will be through that door in three, two, one."
"What the Hell did you do this time?" Doc asked as he came through the door to the bedchamber.
"That was along the lines of creepy." Walter shook his head. "How do you do that?"
"She has been through this sort of thing with me on more than a few occasions. She knows how quickly I will get here." Doc grumbled. "Life had become so nice and quiet on this front. I haven't had to do this sort of thing for a bit. I was hoping that you were through this part of your life." He groused. "Kindly roll up her sleeve or remove her shirt while I get this ready please. Shirt off will be best in case I need to go further up the arm, which I will do if you have lost too much blood. Thank God you heal fast."
"Well I do rather enjoy undressing you." Walter smiled at Blaze wolfishly.
"I've always enjoyed it myself." Blaze whispered back.
"Hush, no more from you now. You are paler then Alucard at the moment. Let Doc get some blood in you." Walter said as he removed her top then lay her back onto the bed gently.
"Sir what do you need me to do?" Dumpling asked concerned.
"Bed clothes for my lady please. Once this is done she'll need them." Walter looked at Dumpling. "Also Dumpling anything you can think of to help keep her calm and not fight being treated."
"I believe for that Sir we would need a what-do-you-call-it … a tranq gun?" Dumpling asked as she went to get out a nightgown. Walter and Doc both looked at Dumpling then at Blaze and smirked.
"See they all gang up on me when I am even a bit weaker than normal." Blaze laughed. "Ah ha here is a gallant gent; tell me you are here to save me." Blaze smiled at Jeff who had just walked in.
"Forgive me Countess but I am not fool enough to get on the wrong side of all three of them." Jeff said studiously not looking at the half dressed Countess. He was fairly certain even glancing at her would tend to upset Sir Dornez. That was one thing he did not want. "Especially when I know Miss Jolene, Lady Seras and Lord Alucard feel the same. I am here to bring blood to Sir Dornez and to let him know there are some documents that will need his attention tonight." Jeff smiled with a bow.
"Figures." Blaze grumped. "Love, go and tend the documents. I am fine and will be fine I will be good and not give Doc trouble. Frankly I am not up to it currently. Once this treatment is over Doc will tell you." Blaze smiled up at Walter.
"Very well I will go into the sitting room and deal with things. Do I need to ask Jolene to have a condensed version of anything for you?" Walter asked as he stood and retrieved his tie.
"No all my major business was wrapped up earlier, aside from calling the Queen." Blaze said as she pushed a bit further back onto her pillows.
"Darling just how long have you been avoiding that phone call?" Walter asked rubbing his forehead, his half finished tie forgotten.
"It has been long enough that I will put in a personal appearance tomorrow about tea time looking contrite. I promise Walter I will speak with her tomorrow. Oh if Tabby is up to it ask her about tomorrow evening's festivities." Blaze whispered.
"I will do that. For now you need to rest." Walter said and leaned over and kissed Blaze then went out into the sitting room. "Jeff,…" Walter began as he tended his tie.
"I will go and speak with Miss Jolene now to see what needs to be done regarding the Queen. I will also see where Miss Tabitha is and ask if she is up to coming here to speak with you. If I see Lady Seras along the way I will also ask her to pop in as well Sir Dornez." Jeff said with a bow, as he watched Walter sit down in his usual place to go over things.
"Thank you Jeff." Walter said as he accepted the documents from Jeff. "As my personal aide cum butler you may address me as Sir Walter you know." Walter said looking at the young man. It was an easy decision to make now to accept Jeff into that position. "Please consult further with Dumpling so neither of you is overworking. I expect you to take your days off and not let your familial duties falter. My Lady and I are capable of tending our own things. I appreciate you help and willingness to take this position. You will need to be refitted for weapons and have some of your training upgraded. We will talk on that further later." Walter looked into the young man's eyes. "I believe you know where my and therefore your priorities lie."
"Yes Sir Walter." Jeff nodded. "You Lady and you sons come before all else. Anything after that can be negotiated depending on the current situation." Jeff said as he poured another goblet of blood. "However;" Jeff continued, "Countess Zsophia and the Lords Spawn safety and well being are first and foremost you must understand that with the position I am in you also rank that high with me Sir Walter. I know that Countess, Dumpling, Lord Alucard, Lady Seras and Miss Jolene not to mention your sons feel the same."
"Understood, and I appreciate it Jeff. Damn, also speak to Bullet about Ruger. I will need to work on him tonight still." Walter shook his head. "Tabitha will be traumatized otherwise." he chuckled. "Oh Jeff you need to know Tabitha is one person who may pop in and out in at least two forms I can think of, she enjoys mine and Zsophia's trust. She also seems to have a certain amount of familiarity with My Lady."
"I see Sir Walter then I will find her first and tell her that the Countess is doing well." Jeff bowed and went out into the hall. Well then, it would seem I just got the job. He smiled. Jeff knew that he would call his father in a bit to tell him the news; he also knew his father would be proud.
Merlin, Dirk and Morrigan sat in the closed and darkened tea shop. "You knew who she was all along didn't you Dirk?" Merlin asked.
"Ayup." Dirk nodded. "The first time I laid eyes on the Countess I knew she was the Ashi. She came in here after closing. I just felt her appear. She brought Tabby in." Dirk said and sat back in his chair. "Tabby had been attacked by some magic bashing types. The Countess rescued her and I doubt those bashers still live." Dirk shrugged. "She just stood there in the shadows cradling Tabby in her arms. 'She is one of yours I think. I have healed her, she needs after care. I know you will see to it.' That was all that was said as she set Tabby down on a couch and walked out." Dirk took a sip of his tea. "I didn't know she was the Countess then. The next time I met her she walked in again, this time it was at the start of lunch. She sat down in simple clothes and smiled at me. 'I hear you have the best Sheppard's pie in the whole country. May I order one please?' Her voice was different; everything was different except those eyes." Dirk shook his head. "So I served her the Sheppard's pie. After that she would come in at least two or three times a week for tea, lunch or something. After that is when things began to become a bit safer around here. Then Tabby was here one day when The Countess walked in. I almost fell over in worry when Tabby jumped up and called out: 'Z! it's about time you got here!' she ran over to the Countess and threw her arms around her and the Countess hugged her back they began to chat like old friends and that was when I was introduced to her. Then she was Z to me as well. I guess she had been in country for a few months at that point."
"So why Z? Because her name is Zsophia I guess." Morrigan said as she stirred rose water into her tea.
"Nope." Dirk laughed. "It was because it was the last thing anyone would think to call her, Z being the last of the Alphabet."
"Tabby must have come up with that." Morrigan laughed.
"Indeed she did." Dirk nodded. "To be serious though The Countess has been the one who has done all that work to keep us all safer. I am glad you and your circle will help her now."
"We are glad to help. She is nothing like I would have ever expected." Merlin said with a shrug. "I am curious why we should have five of our circle join in the mission tomorrow night?"
"They work in five man teams. Your five will be partnered with five of Tabby's 'playgroup'. It will just make things easier." Dirk nodded then all three of them went suddenly quiet. They looked at one another then walked to the door of the tea shop. The three of them looked out the front window and searched the area much as they could see without actually leaving the safety of the shop in any manner.
It took some work but she found a new place where the barrier between the realms was much weaker. She smiled as she walked to the brighter spot, through the weak area and put her nose to the wind. It was night in this foreign land, this land of the living. Her own realm was so beautifully dark like the obsidian knives so often the priests of the past used. Soon her mouth opened into something that could be considered a smile if it were not so disturbing to look on. There was ka out of balance here; there was one close that needed to be eaten. She went back to all four feet on the ground and began to follow the scent of her prey. The razor sharp claws of her feet clacked on the street and the brightness of the moon and artificial lights offended her eyes. Devouring tainted hearts and the ka they carried was her duty, her right, and her pleasure. For this she would stray out of her realms into this one. It was not even a proper city; this land was cold and very wet. So few believed anymore and at times it made the pickings scarce. But then that female of magic had opened up the barrier for her. It was not always open now, there needed to be a befouled soul near where she was for her to be able to move through. With each rotten heart and ka she ate she became stronger, her need to rely on one on the other side of the barrier between the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead diminished. By opening the barrier the female of magic was safe from her, as foul as the woman's ka was. Ammut the Devouress was one who respected such aid. Of course once other ka were devoured and she grew stronger that could and likely would change. Once again she thought she could catch the scent of one of the other Gods here. Ammut could tell that Set was not here now, but he had been recently. Not that this bothered her any; the hearts she devoured now were free game. None could find a rotten heart with its ka out of balance to the side of dark as quickly as her.
"Oi Jerry, wait up!" One young woman called out.
"Move faster you little tart! If you cannot keep up with an old bloke like me then wear shorter heels and longer skirts! You need more modest clothing!" The elderly man sneered back. "You dress like a whore! Your grandmother would be ashamed to see you. If she was not already with the angels you would put her in her grave!" He barked at her.
"Oh shove off then! I am old enough to make my own decisions! I dress like other girls! You are just an old dried out fossil!" The girl shrieked up the street at her grandfather. "I am not a …" She stopped dead and gurgled.
"Now what is it with you?" There was a scraping sound that made the old man look back. He held his heart in horror of what he saw. "Ye get away from my grandchild ye beastie!" He did not know what that thing was that was eating his grandchild was but if he had his way of it, it was dead. "She may not be much but she is still my flesh and blood!" The old man began to advance with his cane raised up.
"Good and brave man; this ka is rotten and therefore mine. You are an honorable man who will be in balance at your time of weighing. She sealed her fate. It is done." Ammut spoke to the man's mind. Then she turned and went back into the dark alley.
"Blessed Lord!" The old man crossed himself. "Dear God! What demon was that?" He whispered. He looked around at the darkened windows of his neighbors. He walked up to the Sorren's door and began to pound on it. "Help! Help call the Bobbies my Amy has been eaten by something evil!" He hollered as he pounded on their door.
"Dirk what was that?" Merlin asked in a whisper. "It is old, powerful and happily it has taken its leave." He asked as he turned to his friend.
"I do not know." Dirk shook his head. "It has showed up a few times as of late. I was going to speak with the Countess about it but it has been gone. I think after these things are done tomorrow I will speak to her about it. No one else but me has sensed it before you two."
"It must just be in London. If it were to show up in other places we would have heard of it." Morrigan said with a shudder.
"Why speak to the Countess about it at all?" Merlin asked. "It is within our bailiwick." He looked at Dirk and arched his eyebrow.
"We take it to her because she is the representative of the Crown and government in our bailiwick Merlin. It no longer has to be us versus them. She sits the Round Table." Dirk smiled at the open looks of shock on the faces of his long time friends. "Yes on of us is once again sitting there and not just whispering in the ear of the Monarch. She has her own voice and she is considered the expert and the one responsible for those of the supernatural in this kingdom. So yes I will tell her." Dirk went and sat back at the table and summoned a fresh pot of tea. He looked at the couple and waited until they sat again. "I suggest she be introduced to the heads of the various orders and circles. Those of us that live full time in London know to trust her. She is content to let us deal with our own. She will step in when things affect the 'innocent masses' as they are called, though she calls them the 'ignorant masses' more often." Dirk smiled. "Think on this; the Countess and her people at Hellsing are the ones who found that sick bit of work underground. None of us have found it or even had a clue about it for at least fifty years. It is her arse on the line with the big boys at the Table and the Queen herself. Even so she is rather hands off don't you think? Tabby is the one in charge; the Countess is mainly leaving it to us. We can finally have representation on the Round Table and protection within the government. The Bobbies have a group of specialists who understand more than most; they are being trained by her at Hellsing to keep all of us being painted as cults or Satanists."
"Dirk old man, you realize how odd all of this is for us don't you?" Merlin asked as he sipped his tea then reached into his jacket and pulled out an old silver flask. "The idea of trusting Hellsing is for many insane. If more people realized who she is it would only make them more wary." He finished stirring some liquor or another into his tea and put the flask back in his jacket.
"Dirk she was the one who killed my younger sister and her husband." Morrigan said in a whisper. "She was kind in a way in that neither of them knew what hit them. There has never been evidence that they suffered, in fact the evidence says that she respected our ways enough to be sure they were free of their bodies and this world." Morrigan swallowed. "The fact remains she is the one who killed them. How do we know that she won't turn on us?"
"Morrigan, we do it because she is no longer the assassin called Ashi. She is The Countess Zsophia Ashton; soon to be the Countess Zsophia Ashton Dornez. If I did not trust her would I let her anywhere near my Tabby?" Dirk said quietly respecting the pain his friend was in.
"We will see how she handles things Dirk from there we will make our decision. If it truly is how you say then I will back her and all you say she is trying to do." Merlin said as he put his arm around his wife.
"That is all I can ask for." Dirk said as he nodded and sat back in his chair.
"Bullet!" Seras called out to him as she ran down the hall. "Hey Bullet I got a project for you. I need you to finish something that Walter started." Seras said as she caught up with him.
"I haven't seen Angel at the workshop in the last couple of nights. What project?" Bullet asked confused.
"Follow me and you'll see." Seras smiled and led the way back to Blaze's office. "It is something he started this evening but got disturbed before he could finish."
"Did something hit the fan?" Bullet asked hoping to a small extent it had and that Jolene was not waiting for him.
"You could say that." Seras nodded. "Perfect timing Natty!" Seras smiled as they reached the office.
"I am glad for that Lady Seras. What may I do to help you? Is The Countess in her office?" Natty asked as she followed them in. "My word who slaughtered the teddy bear?"
"Oh hell that is the project?" Bullet moaned. "I can work on the gun mechanism but that is it. The Plushy part I am completely outta my depth on."
"Crud it is the plushy part that matters most right now." Seras sighed.
"Lady Seras I can fix the plushy part." Natty offered. "Oh my is that the one I had helped Sir Walter on earlier?"
"Probably. He has been christened Ruger by Tabby. Have you met her yet?"
"No I haven't but I was wondering when she and others would like dinner and where?" Natty said as she gathered the bits of Ruger.
"Well Tabby should be in my and Vlad's apartment just now. Tabby is ready to eat anytime. Blaze is with Doc and not likely eating just yet. I think it would be his call. Tabby is going to need a room for the night and I bet Zsophia would like her to have an apartment here. I know give her my old one since Vlad and I share one now. Or Walter's old one. It will keep her close." Seras said as she ticked things off on her fingers. "Ok did I forget anything?"
"Lady Seras what is wrong with the Countess?" Natty asked worried.
"She is at least a quart low. Doc is giving her an IV." Seras said with a nod. "Nothing to worry about."
"Which means Sir Walter is rather upset. Well Jeff is a sensible young man and I am sure will be able to see to Sir Walter. Dumpling will be helping with The Countess and with Sir Walter. You said Tabby is in your apartment so I will have dinner brought up to her immediately. I will begin to fix Ruger as well. Do you need blood brought up for you and Lord Alucard?" Natty asked as she put things together in her mind.
"For me please and a bottle of blood wine as well. Vlad is on assignment. Please ask Thirteen to find me and bring what needs my attention there please Natty." Seras smiled and nodded. "Bullet, after Tabby is done eating if she isn't too tired will you come and begin fitting her for gun and holster?"
"Well …." Bullet hesitated.
"Ah you and Jolene have plans." Bullet nodded. "Blame me for your lateness; give me the gun bits, and go. I'll put them in the shop." Seras took the parts and waved Bullet off. "Shoo, shoo you!"
"Thanks Commander." Bullet smiled and ran out the door and down the hall.
"I will see to the things you asked of me Lady Seras." Natty smiled and curtsied then she left.
"One of these nights I'll get used to being called Lady Seras." Seras thought aloud then shadow walked to Walter's shop where she lay down the gun bits on the work table then Seras shadow walked to her apartment. "Heya Tabby I see you found it with no problem." Seras smiled then smirked as Tabby squealed in surprise. "Sorry! I am just used to shadow walking here."
"It's ok." Tabby said as she sat down on the overstuffed blood red velvet couch. "I'll get used to things … I think. I had help getting here. A nice Bloke named Jeff found me. He said Z was doing well and I was not to worry also if I would please go and talk to Sir Walter and you on the festivities for tomorrow night."
"Ummmm what festivities Tabby?" Seras asked.
"Yep can I wait and tell you and Sir Walter together?"
"Sure thing." Seras nodded. "So I was wondering if after you eat you wanted to look at my old apartment and Walter's old one. You may like one of them for the time being." Seras said and shrugged as she went and answered the light knock on the door.
"I have Miss Tabitha's dinner Lady Seras." The maid said and stepped into the apartment.
"Perfect! Please set it on the table by the patio door." Seras pointed to it.
"Of course Lady Seras." The young woman walked over and began to set the table for Tabby's dinner. "Lady Seras Miss Natty asked me to remind you that you need to pick a Lady's maid. Also if you like Miss Tabitha I will be your maid while you are here." She smiled. "My name is Anne."
"Ummm I need a Lady's maid?" Seras asked. "I need to talk that over with Vlad. He can be very picky about who is about in here and who gets near personal things. Besides who says I need a Lady's maid?"
"Dumpling mentioned it to Natty who agreed." Anne said with a smile.
"Pardon me Anne, why would I need a maid?" Tabby asked more confused than Seras.
"I would be around to aid you with things Miss Tabitha; for example to help you find where you need to go, and things of that nature. Dumpling mentioned you are a special friend and guest of Our Countess." Anne smiled. "Also I would be the one who tended your apartment and the things left here Miss Tabitha."
"Is this one of those 'because we are on a big estate' things?" Anne and Seras both nodded. "Well then, thank you Anne I would be pleased to have you be my maid while I am here. Which apartment would you recommend between the former one of Seras and the former one of Walter?" Tabby asked trying to sound like this was all very normal for her.
"Looking at your mode of dress Miss Tabitha I believe you would prefer the former apartment of Commander Dornez." Anne smiled. She knew the girl she had been assigned to was trying to behave as she believed she ought, so Anne would help her.
"Thank you I will go with your recommendation." Tabby said with a smile.
"I will go and see to it now Miss Tabitha." Anne smiled. "Miss Natty wished me to tell you that she is currently sewing up Ruger and she will bring him to you quick as she may."
"Oh wow! That rocks! Thank Anne, I'm going to tuck into dinner now." Tabby said as she sat down at the table and accepted the napkin from Anne. She waved to Anne as she left. "Umm Seras is this all stuff I am really going to have to get used to?"
"Pretty much. You are the head of the … Wizarding or Witching or Magic Specific Department of Hellsing. It is some of the perks. It is not likely to be an easy job so Anne and others are here to help you. I know Anne and she is very nice. Having her for your personal maid is a lucky break. She is used to helping girls from the other side of town get used to things here. I know she helped me a lot." Seras smiled and sat with Tabby. "Umm will it bother you if I have some dinner as well? It is in a goblet and not too obvious or smelly to a human."
"Sure thing Seras." Tabby smiled as Seras reached for one of two bottles with red ribbons on their necks. "I don't mind. Let me guess any bottle I see with the ribbon I want to not drink from." Seras smiled and nodded. "Ok I will so not forget that!" Tabby shook her head and rolled her eyes. Seras laughed. "So Seras you weren't brought up here?"
"No I wasn't at all why?" Seras asked curious.
"Because you seem very comfortable with all of this and it looks like you belong here. You sound right and you move right and you don't look out of place." Tabby said and took another bite of her dinner.
"I do?" Seras asked as she set down her goblet of blood in shock. When Tabby nodded Seras blinked. "Wow, I would have never thought that."
"Well this is quite satisfying Dragon." Mala smiled as the blood flowed and splattered the walls of the room they gone into. "It is lovely to slaughter humans on occasion." She smiled with her fangs elongated. "It is nice to have such numbers to play with." Her hand reached out and grabbed the head off a man as he came through the door.
"Indeed Lady Mala it is at that." Alucard smiled; he had removed his hat, glasses and over coat three rooms back, he was in danger of forgetting his mission and he knew it. The complete release was more than mildly seductive for him. He reached out to Blaze knowing it would ground him some. /Little One I wish you were here with us./
/As do I my Dragon take care though, those men had something that could harm and hold Mala if anything were to happen to you…/ Blaze winced as Doc put a new IV needle in her hand.
/Little One what is wrong?/ Alucard stopped a moment he felt her worry for him and then her wince of pain.
/I am fine My Dragon. Do not worry on me. Worry on Seras and what she will do to you if you are late or hurt. She may literally rip your head off./
/Indeed, Little One./ Alucard nodded.
"Is there something amiss?" Mala asked as she thrust her hand into the bowls of a man and pulled his intestines out. She was no longer hungry, now it was a matter of revenge for her treatment at their hands and sport.
"I am unsure Lady Mala. Do you wish to utterly destroy these men and this site?" Alucard asked as he released his demon hounds behind him to remove those men that were shooting at him. Then Alucard turned his head and growled, his eyes glowing a malevolent red as he barred his teeth and devoured the men with his demons. He was no longer in the mood for sport.
"No I am well with my revenge for now. Let us step away from here, not too far though." Mala said knowing Alucard was likely to have questions for her. "Shall we?"
"Yes indeed." Alucard nodded. "I will follow you." The inky blackness that was the shadows was a welcome sensation; they had caused more than a few fires to begin in the building they were in. As Alucard stepped out of the shadow he saw Mala standing in a lush green jungle. "It is a lovely spot."
"Thank you, I rather like it is beautiful and quite private." Mala smiled at Alucard. "You have questions for me I believe."
"Indeed, are you likely to answer many?" Alucard asked as he cleaned his glases. He knew that many of those Midians most ancient were unlikely to give all the information they possessed on any subject. He needed to know ahead of time how far he was likely to get.
"I doubt I will answer as many as you would like to ask. I would indeed take care in the questions you ask. If I were you I would ask the ones that are the most pressing and important to you." Mala smiled. You have grown and matured in your understanding of our ways. You are no longer the battle and blood hungry childe with no thought to those you deal with. Mala was pleased to see the maturity in him. I can still tell you love the battle and blood but then we all do. As he had created himself there was no master or sire to take him in hand and teach him the ways of the Midian he had discovered their ways himself and in truth in areas redefined what it was to be Midian.
"I see, very well." Alucard nodded. "Do you know of the relationship between the one you call Ashi and myself?"
"Indeed I do. I am aware that she is more than your new master, she is your daughter." Mala nodded. It would seem you still remember the ways of court. I suspect you will take over the court where you are if you have not already done so.
"Will you tell me how long have you had knowledge of this?" Alucard was curious but careful. He was indeed more powerful than Mala and both knew it. Alucard however was well aware that she was more ancient than he and that she had information he needed. "I would also like to know how it is you discovered her linage." These ancients always placed much importance of protocols and matters of respect and hospitality in the front of their minds during any interaction. The discourtesy of humans was often a death sentence, while courtesy and respect of them would be rewarded with more than keeping their lives, often it would reap rich rewards. Politeness was the best way to deal with this situation. Besides his daughter was fond of Mala and Alucard had no desire to upset her.
"Yes Dragon, I will." She nodded. Mala was pleased Alucard now knew how to play the cat and mouse game of attaining information, he asked the correct question in a better manner. "I suspected nearly from the moment I saw her. When I heard her speak I grew more suspicious. It was when I saw the magic she has within her that I was certain. It was a great dark dragon that I saw within her magic, she had a streak of viciousness with a battle and blood lust that was more than unusual for one so young, her mastery of a knife and low tolerance for mockery reminded me of another young one I had met. Also perhaps most reveling was that though she looked like nothing more than a half starved street mouse she comported herself as if she was royalty, her noble blood as more than obvious to me and some others." Mala smiled. "It was why I took charge of her as quickly as I could. Unfortunately one of my enemies realized my interest in her, though not why. It was then that he caught her in his web of deceit. I am truly sorry for that. I have however done all I can since to protect her. I helped her to escape desert" Mala looked clearly upset.
"It is well Lady Mala." Alucard assured her. "You did this because of your promise to a one that was more boy than man. I thank you for it."
"Indeed it is why I began to do what I could for her. I have however grown fond of her." Mala smiled.
"Lady Mala have you confided in any the nature of my relationship with," Alucard smiled, "my daughter?"
"No I have never told anyone in an overt or covert manner, this I promise. Why do you ask?" Mala questioned Alucard curious.
"I prefer to not say anything just now Lady." Alucard inclined his head towards Mala. "Can you tell me how it is that my daughter came to be? Also do you know why she will not accept that she is the child of Elizabetha and I?"
"I have my suspicions on both of those questions, like you I prefer not to say just now." Mala said with an incline of her head to Alucard. "Before I will speak to those questions I need to gather more information. To give incorrect information could prove to be … problematic."
"I understand your discretion in the matter." Alucard said even as inside he wanted to throttle Mala until she told him what he wished to know.
"I have made a decision De la Rosa." DeMorte said as he sat back on the couch and smiled at the young man's façade of composure.
"Yes sir?" De la Rosa asked as he worked to not be ill seeing the bodies of the men and women he had been working with up till this last blood soaked hour. Fear and disgust were tearing at his mind but pride would not let him succumb to it.
"Yes I have. You will become the new head of security for the new facility. Soon the blood bath will be done there and people can be sent in to mop up." DeMorte said as if bored. He watched the young De la Rosa carefully. He could of course taste the fear in the room but he was more interested in how the young man dealt with it. "In that capacity you would be my eyes and ears. You would watch all the people there, you would report only to me or my son, Michael." Now DeMorte smiled a bit wickedly. "You would literally have the power of life and death. Those who betray us or who think they can 'get one over on us' will generally die. It would be your responsibility to find traitors, expose them to myself and/ or Michael and deal with them in a manner we choose. " DeMorte was sure he was correct in his estimation of this young man. Like so many others he coveted power and the wealth the one generally associated with it.
"I see sir." De la Rosa said and nodded beginning to take the bait.
"You would have free reign here. The Organization my son and I run has many interests and facets, the rewards can be most gratifying. Wealth, women, power are all part of what I am offering you. Just remember on the flip side of all of this; betray me or my son in even the slightest manner and what I did to these people will seem like an eternity of pleasure compared to what will happen to you. I can see you have interest; I can see your top most thoughts. That lovely young lady will be yours. Your rival for her affections can die so many ways, or she can simply disappear to where you want and he can be put in prison for harming the one you love. Imagine him being tortured for information he does not have. It will be so easy." DeMorte smiled as he used voice manipulation on De la Rosa. You are so very easy; your mind is by far weaker than my sons. With Michael it took so much more to bring him to my side, you would sell out the woman you love to be my dog now. DeMorte sneered in his mind. "Michael my son I am reminded yet again what a treasure you are." DeMorte thought to his son.
"Why thank you father." Michael said smoothly as he walked in the room with a smile. "I see that there were indeed traitors amongst those here." Michael commented as he looked around at the bodies and blood. "Did project Eve go badly?"
"Oh ho! My son you have surprised me!" DeMorte laughed. "You really do grow so much. I am well pleased with you." He smiled as he stood and embraced his son. "Why are you here though? I have you tasked to finding that weapon."
"I am in fact on its trail. I was becoming irked with the lack of cooperation over the phone in this area so I took the liberty of traveling to persuade people to be more … helpful. I wanted your advice on how best to proceed."
"Ah I see. Well I think I will leave it up to you on how you proceed. The decisions will be yours I will offer advice, information and guidance. It will be good for you to learn. I am pleased you have chosen to take a more hands on approach to things now." DeMorte nodded. "First allow me to introduce you to the new head of overall security for this area; he is called De la Rosa." DeMorte said as he gestured to him.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. LeBlanc." De la Rosa said working to not seem over nervous as he was introduced to the son of the man who had just slaughtered and apparently fed on the blood of these people.
"The pleasure is all mine." Michael said with a smile enjoying De la Rosa's discomfort amongst the carnage created by his father. "Father how important is De la Rosa, or rather how important is his freewill?" Michael asked DeMorte mentally.
"I take it you have an idea. Go ahead, I hope it is a good one, he could be very useful."
DeMorte thought back to Michael.
"I know this must all be a bit disquieting to you De la Rosa." Michael said as he walked over to De la Rosa. "It was a shade odd for me as well at first." Michael patted De la Rosa on the back. "Hum a touch of blood here on your collar. I'll take care of that." Michael smiled as he pressed a chip into the back of De la Rosa's neck.
"What did you do?" De la Rosa gasped as he felt a pinch on his neck.
"I just wiped away some blood." Michael smirked and licked the blood from his finger. "For a human you do not taste bad. I still prefer my father's blood. Not that you will remember hearing me say that. In fact you will remember only what you are told to."
"What?" De la Rosa croaked out as there was a ripping sensation that echoed across his mind, body and soul. The chip Michael pressed into his flesh began to dig further and further in. Soon it attached it's self into De la Rosa's spinal column and from there into his nervous system. A monofilament wire slid up through the core of his spine until it made contact with his brain there it wove its way until it touched both hemispheres.
"What have you done to him?" DeMorte asked curiously as he watched De la Rosa twitch on the floor.
"It is the newest chip father."
"Then you have made him a freak as they have dubbed them in Hellsing?"
"Well yes and no. He will have many of the attributes but only on our command. We will see through his eyes, hear through his ears and he will be none the wiser. When we need or want to we can command him. Until that point he will not be in the least bit aware." Michael smiled as De la Rosa stopped twitching. "Stand up like a good fellow. Straighten yourself up then forget what has happened since I touched you."
"Yes sir." De la Rosa said thickly as he stood and straightened up then he blinked and shook his head. "I admit it will take a bit of getting used to Mr. LeBlanc."
"We understand don't we father." Michael smiled at DeMorte.
"Indeed we do, I sometimes forget it is odd for others." DeMorte smiled broadly as he did a quick scan of De la Rosa's mind and could not sense it. "I am very pleased Michael very pleased indeed."
"I hope you will forgive my sudden intrusion father as I have not found the weapon I have been tasked to find but I am sure I have found another very useful one." Michael smiled as he poured drinks. "Are you a Brandy man De la Rosa?"
"It may be a serotype but I do prefer Tequila." He smiled feeling slightly more comfortable with Michael.
"I do understand I'll pour." Michael smiled and reached for the bottle.
"I take it this is a new one connected to my slaughter case." Inspector Patrick James sighed as he ducked under the Police tape. "It had been quiet so I had hoped it was over." Inspector James walked to the torn up body and shook his head. "Where is the grandfather?"
"On his way to Hospital sir, he is rather old and collapsed. He saw the attack but not the body. We tried to keep him from it…." The police woman said with a shake of her head.
"I see I will wait to go there then. I beat the Crime Scene blokes I see." Inspector James said as he looked around.
"Yes sir." She nodded.
"What did the gentleman have to say on what he saw?" Officer Webber asked as he came up. He was in a new suit having been given the promotion to Sergeant.
"Oh ho me boyo you look good in that suit." Inspector James said as he turned to look at his attached officer. "Congratulations, I knew you would make it. What was your percentage?" He asked as he held out his hand to shake to his new sergeant.
"Thank you sir." Sergeant Webber shook the Inspector's hand. "I scored ninety-seven percent sir."
"A good score." Inspector James said with a smile.
"Not as good as your perfect sweep sir." Sergeant Webber smiled.
"No it isn't but then I am on odd duck Webber." Inspector James laughed and winked. "So Officer what did the old man have to say?"
"He said he saw his granddaughter attacked and eaten by a demon sir and that it spoke into his mind."
"Is he known to be dotty, or is he a solid man?" Sergeant Webb asked making notes.
"A solid man sir fought overseas with honor, received several commendations and is well respected by his neighbors."
"That at least is good. It is a shame a John Bull like him had to deal with this in his older years." Sergeant Webb said as he looked up at the officer pleased to be called sir; it was the first time for him. "What did the neighbors have to say?" Web asked as he watched Inspector James look around the scene.
"All said they heard nothing until the Old gent was pounding on doors for help." The police woman said with a nod. "I spoke to several."
"Thank you Officer Lovett." Sergeant Webber nodded. "Please stay on scene."
"I will sir." She nodded and moved off happy to be away from the body.
"Looks same as the last one sir; long snout, lots of teeth, that bit is new though; it looks like claw marks on her." Webber commented.
"Indeed. Whatever did that to her did a number on the cobbles as well."
"I'd say bloody hell but that would be gratuitous I think." Webber said as he shook his head.
"Yes it would, but apt." Inspector James said as he shook his head. "Who are they I wonder." Inspector James asked his Sergeant quietly with a flick of his eyes to where two people stood. "I saw them at the last scene as well."
"I don't know for sure. I do know there are some new faces around. They are in a new department of a sort I think, liaisons or something like that." Sergeant Webb said equally as quietly. "They have all had some sort of special training. Don't know what type." Then he had an idea from a flash of memory. "Let me make a phone call sir? I know someone who was put on a special detail after speaking to the one on the right."
"Do it. I want to know who they are and why they are interested in this case. I have no intention of turning it over." Inspector James said with a nod.
"Yes sir." Sergeant Webber said in a normal voice as he pulled out his phone. "I'll have them do a quick check on that." He dialed a mobile number he had been looking forward to dialing.
"See all better." Blaze smiled as she left the bedchamber dressed in Walter's favorite negligee and robe.
"That is entirely unfair and you know it." Walter said with something resembling a growl in his voice. "Especially as we both know you need to eat. Dumping if you would please…"
"I have already called down to the kitchen Sir Walter." She smiled and brought a lap blanket for Blaze.
"Is everyone ok in here?" Tabby asked as she lightly knocked on the door.
"Yep all better Tabby. No worries." Blaze smiled as Tabby walked in clutching Ruger. "Well that was a quick fix Walter."
"I had nothing to do with it." Walter laughed. "I have been sitting right here dealing with paperwork." He nodded to Blaze.
"Yep it was Natty." Tabby smiled. "Ruger is good as new and it feels like he has been slimming."
"I bet. No gun in there now." Seras laughed and sat in another chair. "Nearly a full house; now Tabby can explain about the festivities tomorrow evening." She smiled. "Vlad are you well?"
"Yes My Dark Rose I am well. I will be back with you soon as I may. It will not be too much longer." Alucard smiled.
"Better not be." Seras said both to him mentally and under her breath.
"What was that?" Blaze asked.
"It was nothing; I was talking to Vlad telling him to hurry." Seras said brightly.
"I did warn him." Blaze smiled and shook her head.
"So what are the festivities for tomorrow night Abby?" Walter asked with a smile.
"We are going into the chop shop after dark so we have better cover and you all will be at full power." Tabby nodded.
"You mean after the funeral for Goldilocks right?" Seras asked.
"Oh bloody …. I forgot!" Tabby groaned.
"There will be plenty of time. Goldi is being buried in the morning; the after reception will run until early afternoon." Blaze nodded. "There are already people from other families with them this way they will know what to say and not to say to those who ask after their daughter." She sat back on the couch.
"Your dinner is here now Countess." Dumpling said as she carried the tray over. The 'you will eat it now; no questions or you will be in big trouble' was obvious in Dumplings tone of voice.
"Thank you Dumpling." Walter smiled. "Here you are darling." Walter's look said as much as Dumpling's tone of voice.
"What?" Blaze asked defensively. "I am hungry and have every intention of eating this fabulous dinner prepared for me." Blaze said as she put the napkin on her lap. "And people call me nutters!" She shook her head.
"So Dragon I take it your daughter meets with your approval?" Mala asked with a somewhat sly smile.
"Indeed she does." Alucard nodded. "But then you already knew that." He smiled. "Lady Mala what do you think needs be done about her refusal to accept?" Alucard shrugged and leaned on a tree. "It just seems odd to me. She seems to know it is true and yet she fights it." Alucard shook his head then laughed. "I am by far less patient than Walter is."
"Who is Walter Dragon?" Mala asked curious as to who this Walter was and his relationship.
"Walter Dornez also called 'The Angel of Death'. He is a recent childe of mine. Although he and I have worked together for years. There was some formula that was found that made him fifty years younger and enabled me to change him to Midian. Walter is Zsophia's mate and soon to be her husband. The Spawn already call him father." Alucard laughed.
"The Spawn are?" Mala asked again though fairly sure of the answer.
"They are my Grandsons." Alucard smiled. "You know them."
"I do. I helped create them." Mala nodded.
"Pardon?" Alucard asked looking over his glasses at Mala.
"Zsophia is barren. It took a great deal of magic for her to bear those sons of hers. They are barely genetically related to her first husband. I saw to that. I never liked him but he was her husband and therefore I could do nothing to him." Mala said and perched herself on a rock.
"My … she what?" Alucard asked shaking his head.
"You knew nothing of this I take it." Mala said then bit her lip. "I suspect Zsophia will be quite upset at me. She wanted to give that husband of hers sons, it was as she said 'the greatest gift a wife can give her husband; sons.' Those were her words. I could not deny her."
"Little one…." Alucard whispered and shook his head. "And that Rat Bastard….." Alucard growled allowing his absolute hate to grow and be given a face for the first time.
"Vlad, love … What is it? What the hell is wrong? Even Zsophia is looking worried." Seras sent to Alucard.
"Forgive me My Dark Rose. I heard news that angered me. I will return soon. We are out of the compound now and are talking." Alucard sent to Seras. "I need to be more careful I think. We need to find him if he still lives and quick. We plan to kill him."
"We who?" Mala asked as she settled herself. Seeing Alucard beginning to rage and give form to his anger had unsettled and even frightened her.
"Walter, my grandsons, and I will go and kill him. No my daughter does not know and I prefer to keep it that way. She would object but it is right that we kill him." Alucard said in a way that allowed for no disagreement.
"I see I have no intention of telling her." Mala promised. "Please tell her that I will see her soon."
"You will not return with me?" Alucard asked surprised though he did not show it. He knew he was not ordered to bring Mala back with him so he did not have to force the issue.
"No, I am still weak and to travel that far just now would not be good. I need to finish healing and I need to see if my suspicions are correct on a few things before I face her again. Tell her that I said you are her father and that she needs to practice her magic before it takes control of her." Mala said strongly
"What is the source of her magic?" Alucard asked.
"In part I believe it is from you, by being your daughter. I do not fully understand it but that is one of the things I intend to find out more about. I need to not face her just yet." Mala explained.
"I see Lady Mala." Alucard nodded. "I will deliver your messages to her." Alucard bowed. "For now I will take my leave."
"Take good care of her Dragon and know this, they have bound blood to blood. She cannot be severed from you now."
"I am glad to hear that." Alucard bowed and stepped back into the shadows. When he stepped out again he smiled at Seras. "Have I returned soon enough?"
"I suppose so." Seras shrugged.
"You really are a hell cat!" Alucard laughed.
"Love what did you discover that so upset you?" Seras asked.
"Where is Mala?" Blaze asked curious and concerned.
"She chose to remain where she was safely away from those who had her. She also had two specific messages to send to you. First you must practice your magic before it consumes you. Second, I am your father." Alucard said looking directly into Blazes eyes. "She said she has realized this before I asked her on it. Little One she knows."
"Wait wow he is your father?" Tabby asked wide eyed looking between Blaze and Alucard.
"Well that was nicely done Vlad." Walter said with a shake of his head.
