HELLSING WITCH HUNTER: 1616
DIANAPRINCE31
Ch. 28: These are no ordinary Book Worms
Disclaimer: I do not own Hellsing
She was a Hellraiser and they were not afraid of anything; that was what Mara told herself as she and 14 other Hellraisers stared into the deep black hole. Months ago she was a skinny girl in the small village of Braddock that made light bulbs as its biggest commodity. Her parents had wanted her to get married, hopefully to someone above their station, but it was not to happen. The Red Hook gang had ridden through the town and ransacked it, killing most of the men grabbing as many women and children they could to sell into slavery or prostitution. But they had been saved by Integra Hellsing and Mara had decided that she would join Sir Hellsing in the pursuit of cleansing England of witches and demons. Mara had trained vigorously for many months. It had paid off, now she had to take the final test and that was to survive her first demon hunt. Mara was hoping for something easy, like a rabbit demon. But here she was in the middle of Kent, looking for whatever made the giant chasm. "The people said that they felt a rumble before what looked like a giant snake came out and ate several people," said one Hellraiser named Will. As he had finished speaking, the ground began to shake again, startling the people and causing some of the horses to flee, then a long apricot-colored worm shot up from the hole, the bullets, and bolts that the Hellraisers bounced off its tough hide. The giant insect opened up a mouth full of jagged brown teeth and gave a glass shattering roar before descending back into the hole.
"Well that was gross," said Sam in a bored voice.
"It's called a sandworm or a wriggler" replied Mara.
"You know anything else about it, Sprout?"
Mara cringed at the nickname, she hated being called that, "Don't call me that, Sam."
"Lighten up, Sprout. Just because you fawn over Integra doesn't mean you get to act like her. Besides, it's a pretty poor imitation anyway."
"I don't fawn over Sir Hellsing."
"Yes you are, you're trying too hard."
"Just shut up and leave me alone."
Integra approached the two women as they were arguing, "Sam stop pestering your betters."
"I think you got that wrong, Sweet Cheeks."
"I'm sure I didn't." Turning her back on Sam, Integra said to Mara, "I hear you know about these beasts." Sam scowled at their backs as they walked off, there was no way some noob Hellraiser was better than her! Integra called back, "Instead of standing there making faces you might as well come along and try to learn something." The three entered a large tent that had been pitched. On the table located in the middle was a large map of the town, with several red X's that marked where the giant worms were seen. The captain of the Hellraisers was a large man with a chiseled square jaw, a thick neck, muscular build, and flashing grey eyes called Michael Trench. He had a pile of dark curls on the top of his head, while the sides and the back were closely shaven. Trench wore the typical armor of the Hellraisers but with twice the material seeing as he was as twice as big as any man around. One of his large hands ran through his thick black beard as he surveyed the map, but he saluted when Integra walked in. His gaze softened when he saw Mara and the girl surprised Integra when she wrapped the captain in a hug. Sam quirked an eyebrow as she said, "What do we have here? Sleeping with the boss?" Mara scowled at her and Trench bellowed, "SLAG, APOLOGIZE AT ONCE FOR SUCH SLANDER!"
"Slag? Do you know who I am?"
"OF COURSE! SAMIELLE MCCLAREN, HUNTER MERELY BECAUSE THE BLOODY SWORD RAN OUT OF OPTIONS!"
Integra chuckled, "And I thought I made enemies where ever I went. You two can kill each other when we are done here."
"Fine" snarled Sam.
"If His Majesty doesn't mind being down one Hunter, so be it" growled Trench. Sam decided to ignore him and asked Integra, "Where's Seras?"
"Worry about her later, we have things to do. Now if you don't mind Mara, tell us what you know about these worms."
"The sandworms usually stay deep underground, they can live their entire lives without ever coming to the surface. It is rare to see one above ground." Looking at the maps Mara said, "If they are on the surface this frequently, it is likely that someone or something is disturbing them. We don't have anything that can go as deep as the sandworms so my best guess is that it is some kind of earth witch that may have riled them up." Integra and Trench looked at each other, it sounded plausible. Turning to the young woman, Trench asked earnestly, "There is a way to kill it, right?" Mara nodded slowly, "It is kind of difficult, but there is a soft spot at the base of its neck behind the jaw. That's the spot that needs to be attacked."
"Have the men bring the metal ballista at once" ordered Integra.
"It's not as simple as getting behind it, Sir. The worms are aware of its weak spot and will protect it. It rarely lowers its head in a fight unless they are sure they will succeed with their attack."
"I've never heard of smart worms before," said Integra.
"We are in quite a bind aren't we?" stated Trench rubbing his beard again.
"What about its mouth?" asked Sam and without waiting for anyone to answer, the assassin continued, "Split the Hellraisers into two, one to attack its mouth and the second group to flank the worm while it's distracted." Everyone turned to Sam, who said, "Didn't think I know anything? The sword only picked me because there was no one else left? Well fuck all of you, enjoy your damn worms." With that, the Hunter stormed out of the tent. "You were saying, Mara," said Integra as if nothing happened. The young Hellraiser looked nervously between Integra and Trench, then said, "Sam's plan sounds…well sound." Trench nodded his agreement. Integra shrugged, "We'll go with that plan since it's our only option at the moment. In the meanwhile, I know someone who can help." When the occupants in the tent heard Integra ride off someone asked, "You think she's going after Sam?"
"I doubt it" answered Mara, picking up her sword, "Sam went east, Sir Hellsing is headed north. She's most likely going to get the Wild Geese to be the live bait." Within the hour as they waited for the worms, Integra returned with a glum-looking group of the Wild Geese. The leader Pip was trying to convince her that his band of men didn't kill worms.
"Instead you rob defenseless people? It's time you fought something that can defend itself" responded the Hunter.
"We rob rich people, they travel with armed guards, so they are not completely defenseless" retorted Pip.
"That's beside the point, fight the worms or hang."
"You know hanging is beginning to sound tempting."
Unsheathing her sword, Integra sighed, "Fine by me."
"You just kill me, that's murder!"
"Actually as the King's Hunter, I have the power to execute you and your band of merry jokers, Bernadotte. So no, it's not murder, but a formal execution."
"You're taking advantage…." The rumbling of the ground and the bellow of the worm interrupted the Frenchman's rant. The scream of a poor fellow as he was being eaten could be heard. "Positions! Now!" shouted Trench. The Wild Geese had the honor of being live bait as Mara had predicted. They fired exploding crossbow bolts and incendiary bullets at the worm. The colossal beast lunged at them scattering horses and tossing men about. No one knew how big this worm was as more of its body came out of the tunnel. The worm gave another roar, this time in pain as some of the explosives burned its tongue. Though its only attack was lunging at its attackers, the worm proved to be quite smart, being able to turn in mid lunge catching some of the Wild Geese. The Hellraisers rushed in from behind but the worm was out of range and the projectiles were useless, they needed it to come closer. When it did, the worm felt the tickle of ballista bolts on its armor-like hide; it spun around, whipping its tail leveling several buildings in the process, sending civilians scrambling from their crumbling homes. Facing such a ferocious and intelligent beast the Hellraisers were beginning to feel as if they were in over their heads. As the worm charged at them again, some of them froze and thought for a moment they were going to die, however, it smacked into a giant green barrier. Confused the worm charged again and Integra yelled; "Don't just stand there, fight!" as the worm smashed into her barrier again. A large spiked cannonball was hurled towards it, which the worm chomped on like chewing gum. The Hellraisers rushed towards the worm's rear when it started to shake its head as if it was trying to dislodge something. Will looked up and shouted, "Is that Mara?" Everyone could see the brunette had managed to climb on the worm's back and plunge her sword into the fleshy of the worm. While hanging onto the sword, the young woman fired her pistol into the beast over and over. "How the bloody hell did she get up there? said a bewildered Trench. Integra saw that one of the houses closest to the worm, the door was open. She had climbed the stairs to the highest floor, climbed out a window and jumped onto the worm, while it was distracted by the Wild Geese and Hellraisers. "Sir, we have next ballista ready! said another Hellraiser, "Just tell us when to fire!" Integra looked up the worm, it was still trying to dislodge the pest known as Mara. The large steel spear would be enough now that it was aimed at the right spot, to take the worm out- along with Mara. The heiress gave the signal and one of the Hellraisers flipped the switch of the electric ballista and the large metal bolt began to slowly move into the nocking position. Integra spurred her stallion towards the worm and up the length of its body. Something in her mind asked, So where are you going to land? The worm was about as tall as a six-story building and jumping off would kill the Hunter, horse, and girl. "I'm going to need to start thinking these ridiculous ideas through," the Hunter thought as she grabbed Mara who was stilling stabbing the worm. The loud whistling sound told Integra that the bolt had been released and was making its way toward the worm. As the bolt bore through the worm, it gave a violent shudder as it plunged to the earth dead. Horse, Hunter, and Hellraiser rode the dying insect down as it crashed to earth and were thrown when it landed.
As Mara was trying to blink clear the stars that were in her eyes, through ringing ears she could hear shouts and the footsteps of several people as they rushed over to her. She suddenly sat up, which made her head spin. "Where's….where's Sir Hellsing?" she asked groggily as she was helped to her feet. All Mara could see was the dead worm and the rubble of destroyed buildings. Fellow Hellraisers tried to lead her away and she shook them off but regretted it when she began to wobble. Will caught her and said, "Sir Hellsing is fine, just a dislocated shoulder- which is a miracle."
"And Baskerville?"
"He's fine as well." Will pointed in the direction where Integra was standing with Trench who looked ready to pull his beard out. Mara walked over to them but was stopped when Trench turned to her, "You, young lady are supposed to stay within rank, not do something so foolhardy. We can't have Sir Hellsing nearly killing herself for you!"
"I'm sorry Sir. I'll do better next time."
Captain Trench was about to answer, but Integra stopped him and smiled at Mara, "We just have to do that about fifty more times." Mara and Trench looked astounded, "What?!"
"Who knows how many worms will attack" Integra chuckled at the looks on the two's faces.
"Please tell me you're joking, Sir" sighed Trench.
"If you don't want a repeat of what just happened, we are going to have to find whoever is controlling these things." The heiress snapped her shoulder back into place and gave it a couple of test rotations. There had been no sighting of any other worms during the fight and there was no news of any new attacks. So the Wild Geese got a worm-witch lookout duty, "That formal execution is starting to look good" mumbled Pip.
Hellsing Estate
The killing of witches and demons had always been done by humans. Sure the Hunters had the demon swords, but the humans did most of the heavy lifting. That was why Integra made it a point that if a witch or monster could be killed by strategy or human ingenuity, she wouldn't have to use the demon blade as often. It didn't help that there were stories of formers Hunters relying on the swords so much that some of them went insane. The Hunters journals and letters didn't tell the whole stories, and Integra was not going to ask the demons anything about their former masters. They would not tell her the truth and trusting a demon's word was not a good idea. They were trapped in swords for a reason; to be used as a tool, nothing more. Because of this, training was a daily regime for Integra, like religion and at times, she wished that Sam and Seras would be more serious in it. Just because they now were Hunters, that didn't mean that they could forego training. Besides just because the demons were trapped in swords, that didn't mean they liked it. They were merely biding their time, waiting for a slip up in mentality. They were constantly testing the seals, especially Alucard. Walter had warned Integra of this and the Hunter took this warning to heart.
That night Alucard had been particularly restless, which made Integra wonder is Byakko and Bahamut did the same. "You might as well stop struggling those seals are not coming off anytime soon," said Integra in a bored voice.
"Set me free and we can rule together, my master" purred Alucard.
"I have no use of ruling the world or being your queen, slave."
"If you set me free, you could be free from the shackles you call your duty to your country."
"I would rather destroy you first than set you free"
Alucard laughed loudly, "There has been no human that can destroy me, they can merely trap us in these swords- for a time."
"The last time I checked swords don't talk, so shut up."
"Yes, my queen."
"Don't call me that."
Alucard sighed as he watched Integra leave the office if anyone could find a way to destroy him, she would and for some reason, he wasn't bothered by it.
The next day a report came in of another wriggler that could be seen chasing after one of the new railroad trains. Because this was the train's maiden voyage, it was packed with passengers. All seats on the 30-car train would be enough to make a satisfying meal to a brainwashed sandworm. As the Hellraisers rode after the train, one of them asked, "Where's Hunter Sam and Hunter Seras?" At first, Integra said nothing, preferring that they focus on the worm that was moving at an alarming speed. But the heiress answered, "Seras is in the middle of a mental crisis and Sam gives her regards of 'Fuck you all' and 'enjoy your worms'".
"So useless" growled Captain Trench, Integra just nodded.
Flashback to the Hellsing Estate-Just after the news of the worn attack
As Integra was strapping on her sword belt, she saw that Sam was still casually sitting in her chair as if she didn't hear the recent report. "Aren't you going to get ready?" asked the blond Hunter. Sam gave her a bored look and said in a voice that matched her face, "Oh, I sure your Hellraisers and you can handle it without me. After all, my sword didn't have many options to choose from, right? So what use am I?" As the assassin stormed the door, Integra said, "You bought that on yourself." Sam whirled around and snarled, "What did you say?"
After insinuating that one of my officers is sleeping with her superior, what the hell did you expect? To spread such a slanderous rumor would lower the morale of the soldiers. And their sex lives are none of your business, so I'd appreciate it if you kept your bloody mouth shut."
"And if it's true?" Sam glared at Integra, whose turn it was to give a disinterested look, "Don't ask, don't tell."
"That's it?"
"Would you want me to tell everyone your nightly business? Visiting of brothels? Dallying with whichever maid catches your eye? Which by the way, I'd like it if you didn't fuck the help. And if those are not an option, pleasuring yourself with whatever ridiculous toy you bought?" Integra glanced over to the door, where Walter had just entered. "Oh dear, I wonder how much Walter heard. So, Sam which one should I entertain my officers with?" Now the two women were inches apart.
"You wouldn't" growled Sam, clenching her fists.
"I told you before I know everything that goes on under this roof. And no, I would never stoop so low as to tell my soldiers any of your business because I'm not you and I thank God for that. You would do well not to spread tales and tawdry gossip because it will come back to bite you in your masochistic ass. You seem to enjoy pain as well." At this point, Sam really would enjoy punching the smirk off her fellow Hunter's face but chose not to and she stalked out, slamming the door behind her. Walter asked softly, "Are you sure that it's wise to antagonize Sam like that?"
"The truth is often an ugly thing and we can't have her marring Captain Trench or Mara's reputation for her amusement."
Fast Forward back to the Worm Hunt
Integra knew that Seras had spent the last couple of days at the Hunter Lodge, evidently she couldn't stomach a bit of torture. What the hell did the swords find in those two? The Huntress shook her head, she had no time for this. At the moment the worm decided to lunge at the train, taking a chunk out of it, along with a couple of passengers. The plan was to get the panicked people to the last several cars, it would be cramped, but once the couplers were cut the worm would have no victims. Besides a couple of people stumbling the first part of the plan went rather smoothly. Now it was time to kill the worm. Will said, "Doesn't that thing seem a bit larger than the last?"
"That must be their queen" answered Mara.
Another Hellraiser, Lowen cried, "They have a queen?'
"And it being controlled by another dirt-witch," said Integra. Imbedded in the worms forehead (do worms even have foreheads?) was the witch cackling madly.
"So it was you fools who keep killing my pets. Well, now you will pay!" The witch hurled a barrage of dirt spikes at the remaining car of the train, which served as cover for the soldiers. The worm took another bite of the train, ripping a number of the cars, shaking it like it was a toy before tossing it.
"You know where the worm's weak spot is! You know what to do" yelled Trench.
"That won't work again!" cried the witch gleefully. "I bought a couple of friends." Numerous more worms rose out of the snapping up whatever unlucky soul nearest to them. But the Hellraisers were not out of options, a fleet of airships swooped into battle spraying bullets in the preoccupied insects.
"NOOO! That's cheating! NO FAIR!" screamed the witch as she threw rock spikes at the airships, some nimbly zipped out of the way, while others were protected by seals that deflected the projectiles. "You're killing my babies!" Then the witch heard a voice that sent chills through her dirt ridden body: "Releasing Cromwell Restriction…Level 3….Dark Mesmerism…." The remaining worms turned towards the queen and attacked her viciously. They then turned on each other with such ferocity, ripping chunks out of each other and spraying blood everywhere. The witch detached herself from the queen, leaving her to her fate. "You will pay for that Hunter bitch!" The Hellraisers began to fire at her, but the dirt barrier she threw up blocked the bullets. The witch then put up another barrier, this time around her and Integra. "We don't what your pet dogs to cut in or is it you can't fight your own battles?"
"Trying to appeal to my ego isn't going to work, you filthy witch!" said Integra as she threw her black bladed sword at the witch, who laughed at it sailed harmlessly past her and stuck fast into the rock wall. "You missed, how pitiful. Now it's time for me to show you why shouldn't crossed me." The ground around Integra's feet began to swirl around and it dragged the Huntress and pulled her until only her head was above ground. The dirt than began to slowly squeeze the breath out of Integra. "Some Hunter you are, so easily defeated. Now it's just a matter of how I kill you. But first, we need an audience. The rock barrier dissolved and Integra could see that the dirt had shackled the Hellraisers feet to the ground so that they were incapacitated. Ropes made of earth were looped around each of their bodies so that they couldn't use their weapons. "So who to kill first? I could kill your soldiers one at a time while you watch in despair. Or I could kill you first and have them watch" drawled the witch. "And don't even think about using those damn airship, unless you don't mind your soldiers being human shields. Your choice, Hunter."
"You…talk too…much" gasped Integra through airless lungs. The discarded sword began to rise in the air and the demon Alucard materialized and clutching the witch's face, he said in a soft hypnotic voice, "You will let my master go". With a blank look and a faraway voice, the witch intoned, "I will let your master go." Integra was released from her dirt prison and was not too happy about the dirt in her hair. She showed her displeasure by shoving Casull into the witch's black heart, "Not….fair" sputtered the witch as she died, which after the sword glowed crimson as the blood was absorbed into it. "I will never get used to that sword," said Trench as he dusted the dirt off of himself. Soon another train came along to collect the victims of the attack.
Mara knew that death was a part of being a Hellraiser, but that didn't make the uneasiness of going to funerals any less. The lavish funerals for the fallen soldiers made her glad that Hellsing family didn't see them as expendable. Each life was honored and each name would be displayed on a plaque in the main barrack and one at the Estate's front gate so that anyone who passed through would see the names of those who sacrificed their lives to protect their country.
Chapter End
Author's Note: There's not much for me to say. We'll see what happens to poor Seras and the Whitehalls are back. Ok, see ya in the next chapter.
