"Take my Hand."
Hellsing.
Song: "Stinkfist"-Tool.
It was a week or maybe two, since the night of eternal damnation had occurred. The twisted Nosferatu by the title of Incognito had been finally silenced. Though the land of the British Isles had been severely damaged. Seth, god of chaos, was resurrected in that time period and the Deities wrath pummeled the well-populated city. That is, until 'He who will not die' had revived himself and took care of the demon-spawned vampire. But this wasn't a story about wasn't about the organizations, the flaws within the British Hierarchy. It was about a certain girl, who was stuck amongst these problems since they had entered their last chapter. Ceras Victoria had never thought this was going to happen to her. She had lived a somewhat normal life until age eighteen where she enrolled in her deceased fathers police force. When she was nineteen, her life came to an abrupt halt, literally. Though in body she was dead, her soul and mind was uplifted to a new existence, one that coveted in the shade of night. But that was beside the point now, the past was the past, and there was nothing to be done about it. Though this girl couldn't help but look back and what was said and done. Having heard news of the dish ambled Hellsing Organization, the girl had come to a sudden realization; " I'm on my own again." Her voice was quiet and filled with a naivety that would surpass all. An English accent she had, considering she lived in this area for so long. Though where was she going to live now? Surely, getting a job was out of the question. Day light hours weren't exactly convenient nor did she have much work experience. Besides, what would one say under their resume of hunting the troublesome undead? Ceras in the meanwhile had accomplished two things in the past week or so. She had safely escaped any form of persecution of the Queen's court and she had safely given Sir Integral Wingates Hellsing to the right care. Though only if she knew that the twenty three year old politician was sooner to be locked in a cold cell then given proper treatment for any wounds she might have had. If Ceras had known of this before hand, she would have brought Integral to her old apartment. Speaking of her old apartment, she was still there now. Brooding while she looked quietly over a small stack of pictures at the foot of her bed.
" Something has to change.
Un-deniable dilemma.
Boredom's not a burden anyone should bear."
" I've checked these over three times already. Why am I still looking at them?" It was an apparent question that spoke out from the girl's trance not long after she had completed her third repetition of rotating photographs in her hands.
The pictures were then haphazardly tossed to the side, scattering in a wild display of color and black and white. She never was a photographer, unless it required some sort of documentary work. But in the ones she just passed away were all a mixture of herself and several other people she knew. Some were from her distant past and some from more recent events. Yet there still there were a few people she knew that were missing from this collection.
Her head rolled back and touched the soft material of the hanging comforter on her bed, where large chestnut eyes of crimson fell half lidded while a mixture of wild orange-blonde tinted hair fell along her delicate features. She never had an alluring look to her, more like a child who could never grow up. Though she did have beauty, it was in her blood now.
".I haven't been able to see anyone recently." A well thought out statement was sounded as she forced her head to tilt into one direction at a faintly dusty phone on an equally faded nightstand. Maybe the connection was disconnected, though she never tried calling anyone yet. Perhaps it was the fact that there were no numbers she could dial to reach anyone. That or maybe they had better things to do.
"Constant over stimulation numbs me.
But I would not want you any other way."
After the recent disaster in London, Ceras didn't really blame anyone for not even looking out for her now. Walter was probably dealing with gargantuan lawsuits while Integral was probably trying to slip her way from the Queen's punishment. Everyone else was dead, other then.
"Master.."
The title came out in a small whisper, her tone even more innocent. It was true she had developed a small bit of an obsession for her sire. Then again, she thought to herself that who wouldn't if put into her situation. Of course he was a bit trigger-happy and had a tendency to make fun out of anyone's faults. Though she saw him as a high ranked second-generation vampire, whose powers could surpass anyone else. He was tall, thin, and had a pale clean complexion. Lengthy black and almond shaped bloody eyes.
" I wonder.. if he's okay." She spoke out a small token of concern then, her head picking up from its rag-doll position only to slowly crawl up onto the bed itself. Her hands tugged at the comforter and soon enough she was cocooned within the soft folds of wool.
The last time Ceras had seen the elder vampire was after a turn for the worse. It had happened in an upper story tower within the depths of London's more architecturally advanced buildings. Her own personal battle just passed, and thankfully, she was the one that had won as well. Though she did not know where to go next, intuition had left her gathering up what was left her ammunition and had raced onwards. Stairs among stairs, ghoul after ghoul, but she had reached the place her instinct had told her to go. Her reward for this was tragic however.
She was struck by only the gods would know, but it was something that hurt. So much that blood flowed from everywhere, eyes went blurry, and made her crumple to her knees. Ceras didn't realize what she was doing was so hasty, and yet all she wanted was to give off the clip of bullets to her master. What did she see next?
Death.
Arucard had attempted a silencing on Incognito and had failed, only getting his own body ripped and shredded apart to a point where only his head remained in a massive pool of blood. Ceras panicked, gathering up what little strength she had to the withered corpse. She caressed his head and hugged it close, even licking a small bit of a kiss at the corner of his bloodied mouth. It was only then that everything went black. There wasn't a time on how many hours she laid there, bleeding and slowly dying. Though she was started awake by a force she couldn't possibly know, and when her eyes cracked open. There stood the elder vampire looking smug with himself. His hair was down to his waist and a vicious grin was playing on his features.
"It's a great night, isn't it?"
With a small droning laugh, the dark warrior faded from view between the stone settings of two blood-tinted windows. Ever since then, Ceras hasn't heard a word from him, nor even caught sight of the kindred. It seems that he had better things to do as well.
"Cause Its not enough.
I need more.
Nothing seems to satisfy.
I said..I don't want it.
I just need it.
To feel, to breathe, to know I'm alive"
It was starting into the evening. She should be looking for a place to get blood. Since it was no longer easily provided as it was in the organization, she's nearly fended herself off with small bits of animals that wandered within the apartment's area. She felt horrible about it, taking the life that knew nothing of what had killed it. Though it was either that or starve.
A wince was visible on the girl's features then, hands tightening on the blanket and suddenly pushing it off from her figure. Ceras needed blood now that she thought about it. Though feeding from a stray cat or dog wasn't her idea of a well-balanced meal. What if she. tried her first human victim? No, then she'd be just like those she used to hunt. A monster.
It wasn't long before Ceras had put on a pair of ankle high combat boots and straightened out her messy light-red hair by placing it under a small skiing hat. Her outfit was simple as well, consisting of a small ebony tank top and a pair of indigo trousers. She didn't have any reason to show off, or to show anybody. After slipping in a coat of patched suede, she was finally ready to go. Maybe she would find a blood bank and if she convinced the clerks enough they'd give her a packet or two before running off to call authorities. With a stunt like that, she'd be pressured out of town. Then she could try her luck with the next blood bank, and so on. It would be a troublesome life without any real concrete structure, but it was a plan. It was one that she needed to continue with her existence.
The door to the front of her apartment was creaked open and Ceras had poked her head out to look down the murky hallway that led out from her apartment complex. It was so dreary and miserable. It was the perfect spot to ambush her. She couldn't help but think that the Vatican or the Millennium group were still out there, waiting and willing to lash out the second she made a wrong move. Her footsteps paused while fingers lingered on the door's wide edge. It made her think back on the time where she had no real perception on whether the enemy was here or not.
"Damned Vatican." And especially damn that Judas Priest, Father Anderson.
" Finger deep within the borderline.
Show me that you love me and that we belong together.
Relax, turn around and take my..."
It was a time like this she couldn't help but think on the past again. Victoria needed to reach a point where she had to prove herself to the Hellsing organization. She had gotten past the part of being just like all the other vampires. However, she wasn't coping well with her new immortality. Forever has its perks, but you need to keep it that way. And the only way Ceras could do that was by feeding off blood packets. She didn't want them at the time; perhaps thinking about it sickened her. As a result of this, Ceras had grown weak. Yet she was still required to fulfill her role as a Hellsing agent.
That unparticular night was for her to eliminate what was known as a 'FREAK' vampire. These hypo-advanced human beings gained all characteristics regarding vampires; they had eyes of the predator, teeth of the monster, and the blood lust of a demon. Yet, they were not true Nosferatu. And by this time, Ceras was taught to shoot and not think twice about it. The best she could do for any ghoul or haphazard vampire was to grant them a quick death, and then their souls could be judged without her knowing.
This time was different, she had her target locked and a finger was about to pull the trigger. But it was then that all hell broke loose. Her captain, whom she was sworn to protect, had died. Though at the moment his reasons for death was unclear, as she saw a lengthy blade hanging from his back, and while she quickly rose to her feet to inspect further, a blinding source of blood had erupted into her sight. A similar sword-like concoction was slammed into her throat and had left her vision growing blurry again. But who was it that attacked her? Crimson eyes shook as they tried to focus in front of her, but all she saw was a blurred image of an Irish man. Blonde hair, tanned skin and scruffy chin. While one eyes was a serpentine green, the other was obscured in a lighted glare. If he had not introduced himself, Ceras would have considered Palladian Alexander Anderson the devil himself.
It was a time where the young vampire had thought that her endless existence would cease sooner then she had imagined. But when all hope was lost, her dark Knight had appeared. Clad in a red outfit that was still dated to the fifteen hundreds, yet still looked rather well on him. He himself was a demon, the 'No Life King'.
And did he come to protect her?
Well, that and perhaps to eliminate the 'catholic' as he so blandly made clear to the Priest before engaging in a quick battle that ended with Father Anderson with a deadly shot to the end. It seemed nearly too easy for it to just end like that. Surely most other people that fell at Arucard's hands died within seconds, but it was nearly expected for this 'Holy Knight' to put up more of a reasonable fight.
Regardless, why would she think on the fallen priest while her sire was slowly approaching? He had just pulled the one blade that was embedded into his side and yanked it out with a small tug.
"Weird toy of his actually hurt..." His voice was cold and malicious, something that made Ceras stare in a matter of small awe. It only broke however when the blessed blade clattered to the ground, leaving the girl blinking up at the tall kindred.
" That sort of weapon can be a real problem.even for us."
It was a rare occasion that Arucard put himself on the same level as his child, but when he had done so, the girl had forced a smile through her pain and offered a shivering hand. He was so brave in her eyes; a being that could never be taken down by anyone. 'My master...' She thought once again in a possessive sort of way, her lips tugging up a bit more so without her even knowing it. Perhaps she could take him in her arms and they could rest there. But that wasn't reality.
She didn't even get to touch his rising hand before Father Anderson rose from his place and attacked once again. She never did forgive herself for putting him in a comforting, yet vulnerable position.
"I can help you change
Tired moments into pleasure."
"Say the word and we'll be
Well upon our way."
The sounds of echoing footsteps bounced off thin walls of the hallway around Victoria as she shook off the tainted memory with her fingers touching her throat and slowly trailing them down a faint scar that was left from Alexander's blade. That time wasn't the only that Arucard had seemed helpless to her. Her 'god' could even be led astray to think otherwise, only to be caught in a trap. However, each time the only emotion that was evident on the vampire's face was slight annoyance or complete rage. Never did he show fear.
" I wonder... if he ever does get scared." Ceras's voice spoke out from the silence once more, having reached the end of the hallway and peeking down an old battered staircase. She needed to travel down this before she got to the exiting door outside. It looked ancient in its display; paint peeling from its edges and frayed with only splotches of newly pressed paint. It was like covering old wounds with more bandage cloth, but it couldn't stop what was already there.
After a moment's pause, Ceras leaned over to pick off a small piece of paint herself, eyes falling a bit half lidded in seeing the pale yellow tint of the old paint beneath. For a moment, she thought about the undertone symbolism. Considering all the time she knew Arucard and Integral, she wanted to be the one who older vampire would look to when he was bored and wanted idle conversation. She wanted to be the one that knew his past and could look into his future. She wanted to be his friend and not just simply his student. She saw all of this in the politician woman, even if she harbored her own emotions worse then Arucard did. She saw something that no one else could. She had a hold over him, and Victoria couldn't understand why.
Maybe it was, the bond of the Hellsing family line.
She looked back on the time where Integral-sama was in a predicament that seemed to have no way out. She was bitten by a vampire, a child of Incognito, and was loosing her human mortality and fast. Every human in that household was held over some spell, other then the unnatural. Ceras was apart of that small select group, but she couldn't get to the woman in time to help. And oddly enough, Even Arucard had come in on a late notice. Just emerging in time to be rid of the opposing vampire that claimed to be Integral's sister. There was no relation, other then a lie and a quicksilver bullet to her head. While Walter stood at the door with Ceras, and Arucard just a few feet in from a window, Integral had forced herself to her feet, and a bloodied letter opener was positioned to her neck.
"Don't come here!" She yelled in a passive and strained voice as Ceras had tried to move closer for assistance. It seemed the politician woman had all intentions on ending her own life. And she had plunged the blade in before anyone could give much of a reaction. Her body crumpled and fell to the floor in a seeping pool of blood. Was it her fault she didn't want to become a ghoul? Or was it that she didn't want to live after she had been fooled so easily? Arucard's reaction was only noticed finally when the elder vampire had pocketed the gun he had, and made his way towards the blonde woman's fallen body.
"Walter.Get a team of doctors, she's not lost yet." His voice was tired and monotonous, but as Ceras watched, she saw something else. A tenderness as he leaned over and brought Integral to his arms and brought her close as he rose onto his feet. His eyes were hidden behind the round golden spectacles, but the police girl could tell the look in his gaze then. Sadness.
'Would he have mourned for me if I did that to myself?' It only was a thought after all.
"Blend and balance
Pain and comfort, deep within you.
So. you will not want me any other way."
It wasn't long before our former Hellsing worker was at the foot of the stairs. Her eyes were looking a bit tired now, though she knew she hadn't traveled far. Then again, this is what she gets for not feeding. Upon reaching the door in front of her, fingers rose in a lazy manner, taking the handle and softly pulling it. Though it didn't open.
" How can. that be?" Who would lock the door out of the apartment complex? And with that, she gave a small tug, and again, no result. In a way this frightened Ceras, and crimson eyes shivered quietly enough before she stepped back. Well, if she couldn't get out that way. perhaps she could another? No, that wasn't reasonable and with a short turn of her head, her concentration was on the darkness of the hallway now. The shadows looked tense, if not being stretched. Though as a realization hit her and her mouth opened to speak, a strong yet chilling voice hit the air,
" It's about time you finally noticed me, police girl. Your intuition has grown stale thanks to you starving yourself."
And from a near by wall, the image of the elder vampire hair emerged finally in what seemed to Victoria as long as a century. He still looked at awkward as he always did. Tall and thin, broad shoulders covered by the mass of a crimson trench coat, and a lopsided wide brimmed hat. Not to mention his spectacles, which was the only 'modern' look to his entire figure. But it was pleasing to the eye, or rather, at least for Ceras's.
"M-Master!" And the girl had turned and smiled a bit brightly. He hadn't forgotten her after all. It was a relief that nearly made the younger vampire forget about her fatigue, and footsteps quietly turned into his direction. Though as she did reach within the three feet range, she found herself blinking at a translucent packet of blood, slightly frosted by the looks of the ice crystals on the bottom of it. It was labeled 'A' type blood; it was above all, her 'favorite'.
"Drink, Police girl. It's why I'm here." His words stung, yet gave comfort at the same time. Ceras's face seemed forlorn and lost as she watched the blood packet offered. hands trembling at her sides while one canine gripped to her bottom lip. She wanted to drink, but how he talked always made her seem like it was an obligation.
'If I wasn't a vampire, he never would even speak to me again.' She thought carefully before submissively taking the packet and tucking it into her pocket. Eyes now down casting to the floor, as if having found the crack in one of the many tiles rather interesting.
" What's the matter? I can tell your hungry. so why not drink?" He raised a thin ebony brow into her direction, leaning forward to loom over her like a predatory dog about ready to maul a defenseless kitten. And that even made Ceras give an odd shiver. Her head jerked upwards and she forced a smile, though only having it fade in watching his eyes. 'They're tired.' She thought, opening her mouth but only keeping silent, as if using it as an excuse to study him further, 'He's had a lot of stress, maybe he just.' She found her thoughts lingering as one hand had risen to touch his glasses. Only then she blinked, having realized what she was doing. "I'm sorry." She blurted out, and lowered her hand. Arucard only grinned.
"I just don't understand you, police girl. You're about to go out and get blood, meanwhile I offer it and you give me a sour face. Haven't you realized you're not human anymore?" With those words, he stepped back the shadows opening up their seamless arms to caress and hold him. It was as if they mocked the girl who showed sadness only now to see that he was leaving.
"M-Master-Wait-I." He was gone already by time she had spoken. There was nothing she could say to make him do what she wanted. Ceras had no hold over him like Integral did. Arucard owed her nothing but the duty of being her sire.
But it still didn't stop the fact that it hurt her.
"But it's not enough.
I need more.
Nothing seems to satisfy.
I said.I don't want it.
I just need it.
To feel, to breathe, to know I'm alive."
She stood there in silence for a short while, her chest was tight and her lips rose in a shiver. That was it, a two-minute conversation that left her feeling worse from before? He always had this affect on her. He would raise her just enough to bring her down, it was his form of entertainment to use someone's life and mock it. Victoria was no different from the rest of them
With a gradual sigh, the girl found herself slipping down against the same wall Arucard had emerged and disappeared from. And she was slowly bringing her hands to the lovely crimson bag of blood. Her matching eyes had fixated on the liquid within and gave a small smacking of her lips. The blood would sustain her. Make her stronger and less of a weakling. But it just.wasn't enough.
"If I get rid of it, Master will be angry." Well, maybe or maybe not. Everything depended on the vampire's mood and what situation he was in. Though he might be annoyed, considering she was supposed to be 'past' this rejection stage. Her hands trembled and without warning, the top tubing was ripped apart and he gorged at its open end. The sustaining taste of plasmatic iron made her shoulders shiver and teeth slowly prodded into the bag itself. She spent about five minutes drinking nearly in a content manner. That is, until the dried packet was tossed to the side.
Well, that was said and done now, and her body was slowly reacting to the new hemoglobin that was stirring up her dead organs and tense limbs. Her lips pursed a moment to allow her tongue to softly lick away the remaining contents of blood on the corner of her mouth. It took a minute or two, but the vampire's eyes had calmed not long after from its small animalistic exposure just then. And once more, they were looking sad.
"That's it Ceras, soon you'll be able to be a vampire on your own."
Arucard's voice appeared from the shadows in a slight token of praise. But that was it before his presence completely removed itself from the area. His words were meant to encourage the younger vampire, however, Ceras only felt worse. Her knee's rose up to her chest and arms shivered somewhat before curling around her legs. Her voice spoke out then, trembling as much as the rest of her body, "B-But Master. I.don't want to be on my own, just yet."
She seemingly looked a bit lost as of now. Her conflicting emotions having hit head on while the girl's own problems still remained. She was just well fed now and could think clearly without passing out between thoughts. Though she did begin asking herself rambling questions. Such as: When did this all start? When did she thirst for blood? Why her mortal death was not nearly as painful as it was to live now?
'When did everything go wrong?'
"Knuckle deep inside the borderline.
This may hurt a little but it's something you'll get used to.
Relax. Slip away."
At one time, perhaps Ceras would have considered that day a blessing. Though it didn't seem that way at the time. Her police squadron was assigned to investigate a small out of town village by the name of Cheders. There had been previously reported supernatural activity there, much let alone that everyone in the village can been seen as 'dead'. For a normal police force, vampires and ghouls simply didn't exist in their world. So when they had arrived, the place was dark and damp. And of all, abandoned. That is, until what they thought was a villager had emerged in a slouched position. His skin was an off tone gray and hair nearly looked torn from his head. His face was obscured, as if covered in a constant shadow that was permanently pressed to his face. One of the captains had taken it as his responsibility to try to communicate with the Cheders native, but this only ended in a turn for the worse. The villager had lunged and clamped rigid teeth into his arm, and before any of the officers knew it, they were taken over by an onslaught of the undead. One by one, they fell to a miserable death.
Ceras, was lucky in cases and not in others. She had arrived late, having been called last minute. But it wasn't something she minded. There was hardly any time when her police force needed her. And by the sound of the desperate call. She was there on the double. Only if she knew that her valiant act had left her in misery. When arriving, everyone had been dead or dying. Due to lack of blood, scratch and bite marks. But it wasn't long before each one that had fallen, rose up again. Though they were not the humans they once were. In short, their bodies were no longer living, but something inside of them kept them to this world, all revengeful and looking for blood. It was as if each of these beings were nothing but empty puppet shells being pulled by invisible strings. Though it wasn't long before the police girl had finally figured out who was the marionette.
It was the very priest that she had been labeled to investigate. He was tall, thin, and yet had lost his holy prestige. He was sly, conniving, and if anything 'evil'. He had turned those whom had lived in the village and those who had previously looked to this case into ghouls. But not her however. Ceras evidently enough had been preserved from the endless slaughter.. For the priest wanted her for the endless take on pleasure. It was a sad thing that she had no true ability against mental manipulation. So, it was nearly a lost hope to even fight against what this man, or vampire, had planned for her. He spoke of idealistic terms and dreams of pleasure that would never cease to end. She tried to defy him, but was only caught up in silence of the eerie drip in his eyes. If it weren't for the very vampire she had seen previously that night (And had shot in the process), her life may have ended permanently.
So there was a battle of bloodshed. Bullets flew through the air.. nasty commented salted tongues, and when all seemed lost, everything was turned around by a hand of fate. Or rather, this was how Victoria saw it. The ghouls that were once her colleagues had fallen by the quicksilver bullets of the man in red. He wasn't human, and she simply could not get this out of her head. A world beyond her logic existed without her knowing it. Nor did anyone else that was 'normal' as she soon came to think of it as. Though the scene came to climax and she had a decision to make. Die or to Die and live on.
She chose to live on.
Shot through the heart and into the offending Priest behind her, crucified on the very cross he once worshiped. Ceras might have seen this as a brutal display, if it hadn't of been for the pain that shot through her body like an iron poker, that is. When all thought to be over, it was time for the transition, Arucard was looming over like a crimson and black shadow, looking sullen for the first time. Even through blurry blue eyes, the girl continued to look upwards at him, even softly utter his name as he knelt before her and brought her up. Was it then that she began to love him? Or was it when he softly touched his lips to hers in picking up a small smudge of blood? Regardless of what it was, the scene was an everlasting trail of emotions, pain, and lust. Her body died in ecstasy while her mind and soul lingered by the new blood that was restored through her mouth. She chose what she wanted then, only if she knew what it would be like now.
" Something kinda sad about
the way that things have come to be.
Desensitized to everything.
What became of subtlety?"
A sudden clash of thunder had broken the thoughts of Ceras Victoria as she curled against the dirtied wall of her hallway. She looked back to the past too often now.. as if she was just reliving a dream that she could never wake up from. What she wouldn't have given to feel what she did when being embraced, the feeling that she was wanted, protected, and even loved. It was a feeling that was so short lived; she had no time to react to missing it.
That is, until now.
"There's, no point anymore.." Her tone was breaking as her human self rose to the surface once more. She clung to her humanity as if there was nothing else that was worth her time. It made her feel alive, regardless of the truth.
"I've had it."
Suddenly feet poised to the ground and legs reacted to lifting her thin nimble frame up.. she had energy from just feeding and the raging emotions fueled her power. She was going to leave. Not just disappear from this apartment or London, but from this very country itself. She had previously thought of wandering and taking up her own life as a vagabond, but only now she had determination. There was nothing else she could possibly do. Nothing but walk out that door and never come back.
Her pale skinned hand gripped the old and rusted handle and flew it open, the shadow of night beating down on her like a cloth of eternal darkness, this was what it would be like to be a vampire without will or rules. She would do what she wanted, simply because no one cared.
"Police girl, are you going to throw away everything I taught you?"
That voice didn't stop her this time, for Ceras had made another decision to be on her own and life her own life, but when she had initially thought of nothing but a taunting voice.. her nose met the buttoned collar of an ebony vest. A scent of chaotic turmoil filled her body and eyes went wide. He was back? But why? Pale lips trembled and her head canted upwards, crimson iris's shook as her body strained to stay still. "M-Master, I don't understand anything, I was just.." The words just died in her throat as her eyes met his own, even against the glare of his orange glasses she could see him as a person. Perhaps as the human who was once turned over four hundred years ago, either it was that or a hopeless dream.
"What you need to do is forget what lingering human emotions are inside you. This will only get harder if you continue this.." His words were of a norm for Ceras to her, he had to be right about anything and everything. With this, her eyes cast downwards and her lips poised to a single straight line. Though as she went to step back, he back met with a resistance. Arms? Her head then jerked to the side and cause a dull tone of red coiled around her, for it was Arucard's embrace that kept her from pulling back. This wasn't normal, for either her or perhaps him either. He was telling her not to be human, and yet he was being almost.. Affectionate.
"How can it mean anything to me
If I really don't feel anything at all?"
Word and logical thought were as silent as the air that spun around them, there were no glances, or idle words tossed back and forth to show anger or annoyance. Not even a single mockery made of her reaction! There was only nothingness between them now, that and the arms that rose up and slipped around her master's thin figure in return. Was it natural to do something like this? For humans, of course, but vampires? Her way of thinking was broken up now by now, her lips pursed and finally a fang bit down onto her bottom pink tone of skin. Her hands shook silently and she finally spoke up, though from underneath a collection of red hair, "Why are you doing this? Isn't this.. human?"
Her words of defiance nearly rose up a sense of annoyance within the elder vampire.. arms grew tense while eyes of orange and red narrowed. But he only kept his embrace there, if not tipping his head down so that he could peek at her more fully. "This is, what you wanted, correct? If not, then I'd like to know, because your more confusing then any other that I've met."
This made the girl pause in a matter of watching a certain crimson sash tied up amongst the collar of his shirt. Her lips pursed and her hands softly gripped into the suede leather of his coat. He knew? All of this time he knew of the feelings she harbored for him? It was comforting, as well as sickening. He did nothing, if not made her afterlife a misery because -he- knew? And what of Integral? Ceras's eyes jerked up to look around the darkness quietly, as if expecting the blonde haired woman to emerge from the shadows to add salt to the gaping wound.
But she didn't.
" I don't want just this." The words of a tired English girl finally spoke out as Victoria grew the courage to talk once again. Her hands had loosened on his coat and head tilted upwards. She wanted more, and it all, like a spoiled brat in a candy shop. You can't just appease a child with one piece of candy, while the whole lot stood in front of you waiting to be devoured. And this piece of candy before her was all the more tempting, to such a point where pain was numbing. It didn't hurt anymore. But why did she still feel the obligation to cry? Tears had conjured up to the corners of her eyes and slipped down rounded cheeks. She continued to stare at his coiled bow, until a force made her head tilt upwards. "No.. Please.. I'm sorry. I won't do this ever again. I'll be a better vampire. Just give me ti-" Her words were caught off abruptly, by something she would have never imagined.
"I'll keep digging till
I feel something."
A small stirring of fire burnt within at that moment, while teary eyes bore into the depths of those that were more confident. Noses were nuzzled together as hairs of dark and light intertwined. Yet the final part was the intense pressure against her mouth. A kiss, not like the small wilted peck she received before being embraced, or the one she stole from him after he has died. This was nearly caused by a fit of passion. Or was it lust? She thought as her hands slipped upwards and took his head into a caressing place.
'Please, gods.. let me wake up.'
Her thoughts went to a blur as her body melded softly against his own. She wouldn't have cared if he were a thousand years older to her birth; he was special in his own way, even if conniving or 'evil'. Though something wasn't right, and her head nudged back as the moments passed to lingering minutes. Her deadened breath echoed in a pant while he eyes finally dried up. But only one question plagued her mind.
".Why?"
"Because this isn't real."
"Elbow deep inside the borderline.
Show me that you love me and that we belong together.
Shoulder deep within the borderline.
Relax. Turn around and take my hand."
A sudden jerk of sound ignited through rounded ears of a small thin European girl. It was nighttime through the echoing lights that showed through small circular windows on curved walls. People were crammed together in three seats at a time, all bickering and complaining about seatbelts.
"Where.. Am I?" Victoria had spoken in a drowsy grumble as her hands rose to her face and gradually trailed to her lips. The Dream. Eyes of red widened and her shoulders froze. 'Because this isn't real' It was too good to be true, and finally the memories had flooded back to her on instant. She had left London as she had previously decided to do. Having packed up her things and what had sentimental value before having bought a ticket to America. People proclaimed to be vampires there all the time, so she had thought she would have a better chance at hiding. She would also have a more liable chance to push away her old life.
"Passengers who have attended America-International Airlines, we have arrived in Kennedy Airport, New York. Thank you for attending our flight, please check your bags in the collecting terminal and deposit any trash that you may have."
So, it was time to go. Ceras had given a small sigh as her dream left her mind and her hands pushed on the soft leather arms of her seat, and squeezed through the crowd to pick at her small carry on bag above head. It took her a long minute of concentration before getting a handle on it and yanking it back. But as she did, a small strike of panic grew within her vampric senses, and head had jerked to one side. Was it that something was really wrong? Or could it have been from the dream? Regardless, she watched amongst the cattle driven people making their way down the small strip of the isle, and it was only then she gasped.
There was red and a mass of black at the far end of the plane.. coiled up neatly in massive bunches while a streak of white and gold distinguished a pattern of a face. There was no form of a hat, yet there was a smile that was hidden all the more. Cold and bitter, yet light hearted and fickle at the same time.
"It's about time you noticed me, Ceras.."
She could hear his words and her face grew to panic, she needed to push through this crowd and get to the vampire she had thought she left behind. Though the humans were persistent in keeping their rank of the line in exiting, for each of them nearly moved purposely to block her way. The English woman gave a small cry at this, face looking panicked. 'Why can't I get to him!? Don't leave, please!' But even her mental thoughts could not compare with the elder vampires will. For he had turned and flashed a small teethed grin from underneath the veil of black.
"You'll understand one day, what you are. Perhaps then you'll get what you've been searching for."
And he was gone; out from the small vision of fingers that Victoria had stretched out, her mouth held open, as the burning of the dreamed kiss had erupted once more inside. She gave a yell that made most of the remaining passengers look and give scornful comments. There was nothing she could do now, everything she spoke of, and knew, was held over her head in a suspicious manner. They questioned everything she thought or said, and monitored her every action. Was it real? Or was it a figment of a final farewell?
No, this wouldn't be the last time she'd see him.
It was then her hand fell downwards and her eyes grew passive as she straightened up. The people around her meant nothing. The plane she was exiting had hardly any significance to her.. nor did the new city she was entering even -made- a difference in her life. When finally getting the opened door hatch, she paused to look out at the nightly sky. She was numb to the world now, just like he wanted it.
".The moon doesn't shine as brightly here, but I'll force it to." And she was onwards once more, the dream in her mind faded as everything else in England had done.
It was a week or maybe two, since the night of eternal damnation had occurred. The twisted Nosferatu by the title of Incognito had been finally silenced. Though the land of the British Isles had been severely damaged. Seth, god of chaos, was resurrected in that time period and the Deities wrath pummeled the well-populated city. That is, until 'He who will not die' had revived himself and took care of the demon-spawned vampire. But this wasn't a story about wasn't about the organizations, the flaws within the British Hierarchy. It was about a certain girl, who was stuck amongst these problems since they had entered their last chapter. Ceras Victoria had never thought this was going to happen to her. She had lived a somewhat normal life until age eighteen where she enrolled in her deceased fathers police force. When she was nineteen, her life came to an abrupt halt, literally. Though in body she was dead, her soul and mind was uplifted to a new existence, one that coveted in the shade of night. But that was beside the point now, the past was the past, and there was nothing to be done about it. Though this girl couldn't help but look back and what was said and done. Having heard news of the dish ambled Hellsing Organization, the girl had come to a sudden realization; " I'm on my own again." Her voice was quiet and filled with a naivety that would surpass all. An English accent she had, considering she lived in this area for so long. Though where was she going to live now? Surely, getting a job was out of the question. Day light hours weren't exactly convenient nor did she have much work experience. Besides, what would one say under their resume of hunting the troublesome undead? Ceras in the meanwhile had accomplished two things in the past week or so. She had safely escaped any form of persecution of the Queen's court and she had safely given Sir Integral Wingates Hellsing to the right care. Though only if she knew that the twenty three year old politician was sooner to be locked in a cold cell then given proper treatment for any wounds she might have had. If Ceras had known of this before hand, she would have brought Integral to her old apartment. Speaking of her old apartment, she was still there now. Brooding while she looked quietly over a small stack of pictures at the foot of her bed.
" Something has to change.
Un-deniable dilemma.
Boredom's not a burden anyone should bear."
" I've checked these over three times already. Why am I still looking at them?" It was an apparent question that spoke out from the girl's trance not long after she had completed her third repetition of rotating photographs in her hands.
The pictures were then haphazardly tossed to the side, scattering in a wild display of color and black and white. She never was a photographer, unless it required some sort of documentary work. But in the ones she just passed away were all a mixture of herself and several other people she knew. Some were from her distant past and some from more recent events. Yet there still there were a few people she knew that were missing from this collection.
Her head rolled back and touched the soft material of the hanging comforter on her bed, where large chestnut eyes of crimson fell half lidded while a mixture of wild orange-blonde tinted hair fell along her delicate features. She never had an alluring look to her, more like a child who could never grow up. Though she did have beauty, it was in her blood now.
".I haven't been able to see anyone recently." A well thought out statement was sounded as she forced her head to tilt into one direction at a faintly dusty phone on an equally faded nightstand. Maybe the connection was disconnected, though she never tried calling anyone yet. Perhaps it was the fact that there were no numbers she could dial to reach anyone. That or maybe they had better things to do.
"Constant over stimulation numbs me.
But I would not want you any other way."
After the recent disaster in London, Ceras didn't really blame anyone for not even looking out for her now. Walter was probably dealing with gargantuan lawsuits while Integral was probably trying to slip her way from the Queen's punishment. Everyone else was dead, other then.
"Master.."
The title came out in a small whisper, her tone even more innocent. It was true she had developed a small bit of an obsession for her sire. Then again, she thought to herself that who wouldn't if put into her situation. Of course he was a bit trigger-happy and had a tendency to make fun out of anyone's faults. Though she saw him as a high ranked second-generation vampire, whose powers could surpass anyone else. He was tall, thin, and had a pale clean complexion. Lengthy black and almond shaped bloody eyes.
" I wonder.. if he's okay." She spoke out a small token of concern then, her head picking up from its rag-doll position only to slowly crawl up onto the bed itself. Her hands tugged at the comforter and soon enough she was cocooned within the soft folds of wool.
The last time Ceras had seen the elder vampire was after a turn for the worse. It had happened in an upper story tower within the depths of London's more architecturally advanced buildings. Her own personal battle just passed, and thankfully, she was the one that had won as well. Though she did not know where to go next, intuition had left her gathering up what was left her ammunition and had raced onwards. Stairs among stairs, ghoul after ghoul, but she had reached the place her instinct had told her to go. Her reward for this was tragic however.
She was struck by only the gods would know, but it was something that hurt. So much that blood flowed from everywhere, eyes went blurry, and made her crumple to her knees. Ceras didn't realize what she was doing was so hasty, and yet all she wanted was to give off the clip of bullets to her master. What did she see next?
Death.
Arucard had attempted a silencing on Incognito and had failed, only getting his own body ripped and shredded apart to a point where only his head remained in a massive pool of blood. Ceras panicked, gathering up what little strength she had to the withered corpse. She caressed his head and hugged it close, even licking a small bit of a kiss at the corner of his bloodied mouth. It was only then that everything went black. There wasn't a time on how many hours she laid there, bleeding and slowly dying. Though she was started awake by a force she couldn't possibly know, and when her eyes cracked open. There stood the elder vampire looking smug with himself. His hair was down to his waist and a vicious grin was playing on his features.
"It's a great night, isn't it?"
With a small droning laugh, the dark warrior faded from view between the stone settings of two blood-tinted windows. Ever since then, Ceras hasn't heard a word from him, nor even caught sight of the kindred. It seems that he had better things to do as well.
"Cause Its not enough.
I need more.
Nothing seems to satisfy.
I said..I don't want it.
I just need it.
To feel, to breathe, to know I'm alive"
It was starting into the evening. She should be looking for a place to get blood. Since it was no longer easily provided as it was in the organization, she's nearly fended herself off with small bits of animals that wandered within the apartment's area. She felt horrible about it, taking the life that knew nothing of what had killed it. Though it was either that or starve.
A wince was visible on the girl's features then, hands tightening on the blanket and suddenly pushing it off from her figure. Ceras needed blood now that she thought about it. Though feeding from a stray cat or dog wasn't her idea of a well-balanced meal. What if she. tried her first human victim? No, then she'd be just like those she used to hunt. A monster.
It wasn't long before Ceras had put on a pair of ankle high combat boots and straightened out her messy light-red hair by placing it under a small skiing hat. Her outfit was simple as well, consisting of a small ebony tank top and a pair of indigo trousers. She didn't have any reason to show off, or to show anybody. After slipping in a coat of patched suede, she was finally ready to go. Maybe she would find a blood bank and if she convinced the clerks enough they'd give her a packet or two before running off to call authorities. With a stunt like that, she'd be pressured out of town. Then she could try her luck with the next blood bank, and so on. It would be a troublesome life without any real concrete structure, but it was a plan. It was one that she needed to continue with her existence.
The door to the front of her apartment was creaked open and Ceras had poked her head out to look down the murky hallway that led out from her apartment complex. It was so dreary and miserable. It was the perfect spot to ambush her. She couldn't help but think that the Vatican or the Millennium group were still out there, waiting and willing to lash out the second she made a wrong move. Her footsteps paused while fingers lingered on the door's wide edge. It made her think back on the time where she had no real perception on whether the enemy was here or not.
"Damned Vatican." And especially damn that Judas Priest, Father Anderson.
" Finger deep within the borderline.
Show me that you love me and that we belong together.
Relax, turn around and take my..."
It was a time like this she couldn't help but think on the past again. Victoria needed to reach a point where she had to prove herself to the Hellsing organization. She had gotten past the part of being just like all the other vampires. However, she wasn't coping well with her new immortality. Forever has its perks, but you need to keep it that way. And the only way Ceras could do that was by feeding off blood packets. She didn't want them at the time; perhaps thinking about it sickened her. As a result of this, Ceras had grown weak. Yet she was still required to fulfill her role as a Hellsing agent.
That unparticular night was for her to eliminate what was known as a 'FREAK' vampire. These hypo-advanced human beings gained all characteristics regarding vampires; they had eyes of the predator, teeth of the monster, and the blood lust of a demon. Yet, they were not true Nosferatu. And by this time, Ceras was taught to shoot and not think twice about it. The best she could do for any ghoul or haphazard vampire was to grant them a quick death, and then their souls could be judged without her knowing.
This time was different, she had her target locked and a finger was about to pull the trigger. But it was then that all hell broke loose. Her captain, whom she was sworn to protect, had died. Though at the moment his reasons for death was unclear, as she saw a lengthy blade hanging from his back, and while she quickly rose to her feet to inspect further, a blinding source of blood had erupted into her sight. A similar sword-like concoction was slammed into her throat and had left her vision growing blurry again. But who was it that attacked her? Crimson eyes shook as they tried to focus in front of her, but all she saw was a blurred image of an Irish man. Blonde hair, tanned skin and scruffy chin. While one eyes was a serpentine green, the other was obscured in a lighted glare. If he had not introduced himself, Ceras would have considered Palladian Alexander Anderson the devil himself.
It was a time where the young vampire had thought that her endless existence would cease sooner then she had imagined. But when all hope was lost, her dark Knight had appeared. Clad in a red outfit that was still dated to the fifteen hundreds, yet still looked rather well on him. He himself was a demon, the 'No Life King'.
And did he come to protect her?
Well, that and perhaps to eliminate the 'catholic' as he so blandly made clear to the Priest before engaging in a quick battle that ended with Father Anderson with a deadly shot to the end. It seemed nearly too easy for it to just end like that. Surely most other people that fell at Arucard's hands died within seconds, but it was nearly expected for this 'Holy Knight' to put up more of a reasonable fight.
Regardless, why would she think on the fallen priest while her sire was slowly approaching? He had just pulled the one blade that was embedded into his side and yanked it out with a small tug.
"Weird toy of his actually hurt..." His voice was cold and malicious, something that made Ceras stare in a matter of small awe. It only broke however when the blessed blade clattered to the ground, leaving the girl blinking up at the tall kindred.
" That sort of weapon can be a real problem.even for us."
It was a rare occasion that Arucard put himself on the same level as his child, but when he had done so, the girl had forced a smile through her pain and offered a shivering hand. He was so brave in her eyes; a being that could never be taken down by anyone. 'My master...' She thought once again in a possessive sort of way, her lips tugging up a bit more so without her even knowing it. Perhaps she could take him in her arms and they could rest there. But that wasn't reality.
She didn't even get to touch his rising hand before Father Anderson rose from his place and attacked once again. She never did forgive herself for putting him in a comforting, yet vulnerable position.
"I can help you change
Tired moments into pleasure."
"Say the word and we'll be
Well upon our way."
The sounds of echoing footsteps bounced off thin walls of the hallway around Victoria as she shook off the tainted memory with her fingers touching her throat and slowly trailing them down a faint scar that was left from Alexander's blade. That time wasn't the only that Arucard had seemed helpless to her. Her 'god' could even be led astray to think otherwise, only to be caught in a trap. However, each time the only emotion that was evident on the vampire's face was slight annoyance or complete rage. Never did he show fear.
" I wonder... if he ever does get scared." Ceras's voice spoke out from the silence once more, having reached the end of the hallway and peeking down an old battered staircase. She needed to travel down this before she got to the exiting door outside. It looked ancient in its display; paint peeling from its edges and frayed with only splotches of newly pressed paint. It was like covering old wounds with more bandage cloth, but it couldn't stop what was already there.
After a moment's pause, Ceras leaned over to pick off a small piece of paint herself, eyes falling a bit half lidded in seeing the pale yellow tint of the old paint beneath. For a moment, she thought about the undertone symbolism. Considering all the time she knew Arucard and Integral, she wanted to be the one who older vampire would look to when he was bored and wanted idle conversation. She wanted to be the one that knew his past and could look into his future. She wanted to be his friend and not just simply his student. She saw all of this in the politician woman, even if she harbored her own emotions worse then Arucard did. She saw something that no one else could. She had a hold over him, and Victoria couldn't understand why.
Maybe it was, the bond of the Hellsing family line.
She looked back on the time where Integral-sama was in a predicament that seemed to have no way out. She was bitten by a vampire, a child of Incognito, and was loosing her human mortality and fast. Every human in that household was held over some spell, other then the unnatural. Ceras was apart of that small select group, but she couldn't get to the woman in time to help. And oddly enough, Even Arucard had come in on a late notice. Just emerging in time to be rid of the opposing vampire that claimed to be Integral's sister. There was no relation, other then a lie and a quicksilver bullet to her head. While Walter stood at the door with Ceras, and Arucard just a few feet in from a window, Integral had forced herself to her feet, and a bloodied letter opener was positioned to her neck.
"Don't come here!" She yelled in a passive and strained voice as Ceras had tried to move closer for assistance. It seemed the politician woman had all intentions on ending her own life. And she had plunged the blade in before anyone could give much of a reaction. Her body crumpled and fell to the floor in a seeping pool of blood. Was it her fault she didn't want to become a ghoul? Or was it that she didn't want to live after she had been fooled so easily? Arucard's reaction was only noticed finally when the elder vampire had pocketed the gun he had, and made his way towards the blonde woman's fallen body.
"Walter.Get a team of doctors, she's not lost yet." His voice was tired and monotonous, but as Ceras watched, she saw something else. A tenderness as he leaned over and brought Integral to his arms and brought her close as he rose onto his feet. His eyes were hidden behind the round golden spectacles, but the police girl could tell the look in his gaze then. Sadness.
'Would he have mourned for me if I did that to myself?' It only was a thought after all.
"Blend and balance
Pain and comfort, deep within you.
So. you will not want me any other way."
It wasn't long before our former Hellsing worker was at the foot of the stairs. Her eyes were looking a bit tired now, though she knew she hadn't traveled far. Then again, this is what she gets for not feeding. Upon reaching the door in front of her, fingers rose in a lazy manner, taking the handle and softly pulling it. Though it didn't open.
" How can. that be?" Who would lock the door out of the apartment complex? And with that, she gave a small tug, and again, no result. In a way this frightened Ceras, and crimson eyes shivered quietly enough before she stepped back. Well, if she couldn't get out that way. perhaps she could another? No, that wasn't reasonable and with a short turn of her head, her concentration was on the darkness of the hallway now. The shadows looked tense, if not being stretched. Though as a realization hit her and her mouth opened to speak, a strong yet chilling voice hit the air,
" It's about time you finally noticed me, police girl. Your intuition has grown stale thanks to you starving yourself."
And from a near by wall, the image of the elder vampire hair emerged finally in what seemed to Victoria as long as a century. He still looked at awkward as he always did. Tall and thin, broad shoulders covered by the mass of a crimson trench coat, and a lopsided wide brimmed hat. Not to mention his spectacles, which was the only 'modern' look to his entire figure. But it was pleasing to the eye, or rather, at least for Ceras's.
"M-Master!" And the girl had turned and smiled a bit brightly. He hadn't forgotten her after all. It was a relief that nearly made the younger vampire forget about her fatigue, and footsteps quietly turned into his direction. Though as she did reach within the three feet range, she found herself blinking at a translucent packet of blood, slightly frosted by the looks of the ice crystals on the bottom of it. It was labeled 'A' type blood; it was above all, her 'favorite'.
"Drink, Police girl. It's why I'm here." His words stung, yet gave comfort at the same time. Ceras's face seemed forlorn and lost as she watched the blood packet offered. hands trembling at her sides while one canine gripped to her bottom lip. She wanted to drink, but how he talked always made her seem like it was an obligation.
'If I wasn't a vampire, he never would even speak to me again.' She thought carefully before submissively taking the packet and tucking it into her pocket. Eyes now down casting to the floor, as if having found the crack in one of the many tiles rather interesting.
" What's the matter? I can tell your hungry. so why not drink?" He raised a thin ebony brow into her direction, leaning forward to loom over her like a predatory dog about ready to maul a defenseless kitten. And that even made Ceras give an odd shiver. Her head jerked upwards and she forced a smile, though only having it fade in watching his eyes. 'They're tired.' She thought, opening her mouth but only keeping silent, as if using it as an excuse to study him further, 'He's had a lot of stress, maybe he just.' She found her thoughts lingering as one hand had risen to touch his glasses. Only then she blinked, having realized what she was doing. "I'm sorry." She blurted out, and lowered her hand. Arucard only grinned.
"I just don't understand you, police girl. You're about to go out and get blood, meanwhile I offer it and you give me a sour face. Haven't you realized you're not human anymore?" With those words, he stepped back the shadows opening up their seamless arms to caress and hold him. It was as if they mocked the girl who showed sadness only now to see that he was leaving.
"M-Master-Wait-I." He was gone already by time she had spoken. There was nothing she could say to make him do what she wanted. Ceras had no hold over him like Integral did. Arucard owed her nothing but the duty of being her sire.
But it still didn't stop the fact that it hurt her.
"But it's not enough.
I need more.
Nothing seems to satisfy.
I said.I don't want it.
I just need it.
To feel, to breathe, to know I'm alive."
She stood there in silence for a short while, her chest was tight and her lips rose in a shiver. That was it, a two-minute conversation that left her feeling worse from before? He always had this affect on her. He would raise her just enough to bring her down, it was his form of entertainment to use someone's life and mock it. Victoria was no different from the rest of them
With a gradual sigh, the girl found herself slipping down against the same wall Arucard had emerged and disappeared from. And she was slowly bringing her hands to the lovely crimson bag of blood. Her matching eyes had fixated on the liquid within and gave a small smacking of her lips. The blood would sustain her. Make her stronger and less of a weakling. But it just.wasn't enough.
"If I get rid of it, Master will be angry." Well, maybe or maybe not. Everything depended on the vampire's mood and what situation he was in. Though he might be annoyed, considering she was supposed to be 'past' this rejection stage. Her hands trembled and without warning, the top tubing was ripped apart and he gorged at its open end. The sustaining taste of plasmatic iron made her shoulders shiver and teeth slowly prodded into the bag itself. She spent about five minutes drinking nearly in a content manner. That is, until the dried packet was tossed to the side.
Well, that was said and done now, and her body was slowly reacting to the new hemoglobin that was stirring up her dead organs and tense limbs. Her lips pursed a moment to allow her tongue to softly lick away the remaining contents of blood on the corner of her mouth. It took a minute or two, but the vampire's eyes had calmed not long after from its small animalistic exposure just then. And once more, they were looking sad.
"That's it Ceras, soon you'll be able to be a vampire on your own."
Arucard's voice appeared from the shadows in a slight token of praise. But that was it before his presence completely removed itself from the area. His words were meant to encourage the younger vampire, however, Ceras only felt worse. Her knee's rose up to her chest and arms shivered somewhat before curling around her legs. Her voice spoke out then, trembling as much as the rest of her body, "B-But Master. I.don't want to be on my own, just yet."
She seemingly looked a bit lost as of now. Her conflicting emotions having hit head on while the girl's own problems still remained. She was just well fed now and could think clearly without passing out between thoughts. Though she did begin asking herself rambling questions. Such as: When did this all start? When did she thirst for blood? Why her mortal death was not nearly as painful as it was to live now?
'When did everything go wrong?'
"Knuckle deep inside the borderline.
This may hurt a little but it's something you'll get used to.
Relax. Slip away."
At one time, perhaps Ceras would have considered that day a blessing. Though it didn't seem that way at the time. Her police squadron was assigned to investigate a small out of town village by the name of Cheders. There had been previously reported supernatural activity there, much let alone that everyone in the village can been seen as 'dead'. For a normal police force, vampires and ghouls simply didn't exist in their world. So when they had arrived, the place was dark and damp. And of all, abandoned. That is, until what they thought was a villager had emerged in a slouched position. His skin was an off tone gray and hair nearly looked torn from his head. His face was obscured, as if covered in a constant shadow that was permanently pressed to his face. One of the captains had taken it as his responsibility to try to communicate with the Cheders native, but this only ended in a turn for the worse. The villager had lunged and clamped rigid teeth into his arm, and before any of the officers knew it, they were taken over by an onslaught of the undead. One by one, they fell to a miserable death.
Ceras, was lucky in cases and not in others. She had arrived late, having been called last minute. But it wasn't something she minded. There was hardly any time when her police force needed her. And by the sound of the desperate call. She was there on the double. Only if she knew that her valiant act had left her in misery. When arriving, everyone had been dead or dying. Due to lack of blood, scratch and bite marks. But it wasn't long before each one that had fallen, rose up again. Though they were not the humans they once were. In short, their bodies were no longer living, but something inside of them kept them to this world, all revengeful and looking for blood. It was as if each of these beings were nothing but empty puppet shells being pulled by invisible strings. Though it wasn't long before the police girl had finally figured out who was the marionette.
It was the very priest that she had been labeled to investigate. He was tall, thin, and yet had lost his holy prestige. He was sly, conniving, and if anything 'evil'. He had turned those whom had lived in the village and those who had previously looked to this case into ghouls. But not her however. Ceras evidently enough had been preserved from the endless slaughter.. For the priest wanted her for the endless take on pleasure. It was a sad thing that she had no true ability against mental manipulation. So, it was nearly a lost hope to even fight against what this man, or vampire, had planned for her. He spoke of idealistic terms and dreams of pleasure that would never cease to end. She tried to defy him, but was only caught up in silence of the eerie drip in his eyes. If it weren't for the very vampire she had seen previously that night (And had shot in the process), her life may have ended permanently.
So there was a battle of bloodshed. Bullets flew through the air.. nasty commented salted tongues, and when all seemed lost, everything was turned around by a hand of fate. Or rather, this was how Victoria saw it. The ghouls that were once her colleagues had fallen by the quicksilver bullets of the man in red. He wasn't human, and she simply could not get this out of her head. A world beyond her logic existed without her knowing it. Nor did anyone else that was 'normal' as she soon came to think of it as. Though the scene came to climax and she had a decision to make. Die or to Die and live on.
She chose to live on.
Shot through the heart and into the offending Priest behind her, crucified on the very cross he once worshiped. Ceras might have seen this as a brutal display, if it hadn't of been for the pain that shot through her body like an iron poker, that is. When all thought to be over, it was time for the transition, Arucard was looming over like a crimson and black shadow, looking sullen for the first time. Even through blurry blue eyes, the girl continued to look upwards at him, even softly utter his name as he knelt before her and brought her up. Was it then that she began to love him? Or was it when he softly touched his lips to hers in picking up a small smudge of blood? Regardless of what it was, the scene was an everlasting trail of emotions, pain, and lust. Her body died in ecstasy while her mind and soul lingered by the new blood that was restored through her mouth. She chose what she wanted then, only if she knew what it would be like now.
" Something kinda sad about
the way that things have come to be.
Desensitized to everything.
What became of subtlety?"
A sudden clash of thunder had broken the thoughts of Ceras Victoria as she curled against the dirtied wall of her hallway. She looked back to the past too often now.. as if she was just reliving a dream that she could never wake up from. What she wouldn't have given to feel what she did when being embraced, the feeling that she was wanted, protected, and even loved. It was a feeling that was so short lived; she had no time to react to missing it.
That is, until now.
"There's, no point anymore.." Her tone was breaking as her human self rose to the surface once more. She clung to her humanity as if there was nothing else that was worth her time. It made her feel alive, regardless of the truth.
"I've had it."
Suddenly feet poised to the ground and legs reacted to lifting her thin nimble frame up.. she had energy from just feeding and the raging emotions fueled her power. She was going to leave. Not just disappear from this apartment or London, but from this very country itself. She had previously thought of wandering and taking up her own life as a vagabond, but only now she had determination. There was nothing else she could possibly do. Nothing but walk out that door and never come back.
Her pale skinned hand gripped the old and rusted handle and flew it open, the shadow of night beating down on her like a cloth of eternal darkness, this was what it would be like to be a vampire without will or rules. She would do what she wanted, simply because no one cared.
"Police girl, are you going to throw away everything I taught you?"
That voice didn't stop her this time, for Ceras had made another decision to be on her own and life her own life, but when she had initially thought of nothing but a taunting voice.. her nose met the buttoned collar of an ebony vest. A scent of chaotic turmoil filled her body and eyes went wide. He was back? But why? Pale lips trembled and her head canted upwards, crimson iris's shook as her body strained to stay still. "M-Master, I don't understand anything, I was just.." The words just died in her throat as her eyes met his own, even against the glare of his orange glasses she could see him as a person. Perhaps as the human who was once turned over four hundred years ago, either it was that or a hopeless dream.
"What you need to do is forget what lingering human emotions are inside you. This will only get harder if you continue this.." His words were of a norm for Ceras to her, he had to be right about anything and everything. With this, her eyes cast downwards and her lips poised to a single straight line. Though as she went to step back, he back met with a resistance. Arms? Her head then jerked to the side and cause a dull tone of red coiled around her, for it was Arucard's embrace that kept her from pulling back. This wasn't normal, for either her or perhaps him either. He was telling her not to be human, and yet he was being almost.. Affectionate.
"How can it mean anything to me
If I really don't feel anything at all?"
Word and logical thought were as silent as the air that spun around them, there were no glances, or idle words tossed back and forth to show anger or annoyance. Not even a single mockery made of her reaction! There was only nothingness between them now, that and the arms that rose up and slipped around her master's thin figure in return. Was it natural to do something like this? For humans, of course, but vampires? Her way of thinking was broken up now by now, her lips pursed and finally a fang bit down onto her bottom pink tone of skin. Her hands shook silently and she finally spoke up, though from underneath a collection of red hair, "Why are you doing this? Isn't this.. human?"
Her words of defiance nearly rose up a sense of annoyance within the elder vampire.. arms grew tense while eyes of orange and red narrowed. But he only kept his embrace there, if not tipping his head down so that he could peek at her more fully. "This is, what you wanted, correct? If not, then I'd like to know, because your more confusing then any other that I've met."
This made the girl pause in a matter of watching a certain crimson sash tied up amongst the collar of his shirt. Her lips pursed and her hands softly gripped into the suede leather of his coat. He knew? All of this time he knew of the feelings she harbored for him? It was comforting, as well as sickening. He did nothing, if not made her afterlife a misery because -he- knew? And what of Integral? Ceras's eyes jerked up to look around the darkness quietly, as if expecting the blonde haired woman to emerge from the shadows to add salt to the gaping wound.
But she didn't.
" I don't want just this." The words of a tired English girl finally spoke out as Victoria grew the courage to talk once again. Her hands had loosened on his coat and head tilted upwards. She wanted more, and it all, like a spoiled brat in a candy shop. You can't just appease a child with one piece of candy, while the whole lot stood in front of you waiting to be devoured. And this piece of candy before her was all the more tempting, to such a point where pain was numbing. It didn't hurt anymore. But why did she still feel the obligation to cry? Tears had conjured up to the corners of her eyes and slipped down rounded cheeks. She continued to stare at his coiled bow, until a force made her head tilt upwards. "No.. Please.. I'm sorry. I won't do this ever again. I'll be a better vampire. Just give me ti-" Her words were caught off abruptly, by something she would have never imagined.
"I'll keep digging till
I feel something."
A small stirring of fire burnt within at that moment, while teary eyes bore into the depths of those that were more confident. Noses were nuzzled together as hairs of dark and light intertwined. Yet the final part was the intense pressure against her mouth. A kiss, not like the small wilted peck she received before being embraced, or the one she stole from him after he has died. This was nearly caused by a fit of passion. Or was it lust? She thought as her hands slipped upwards and took his head into a caressing place.
'Please, gods.. let me wake up.'
Her thoughts went to a blur as her body melded softly against his own. She wouldn't have cared if he were a thousand years older to her birth; he was special in his own way, even if conniving or 'evil'. Though something wasn't right, and her head nudged back as the moments passed to lingering minutes. Her deadened breath echoed in a pant while he eyes finally dried up. But only one question plagued her mind.
".Why?"
"Because this isn't real."
"Elbow deep inside the borderline.
Show me that you love me and that we belong together.
Shoulder deep within the borderline.
Relax. Turn around and take my hand."
A sudden jerk of sound ignited through rounded ears of a small thin European girl. It was nighttime through the echoing lights that showed through small circular windows on curved walls. People were crammed together in three seats at a time, all bickering and complaining about seatbelts.
"Where.. Am I?" Victoria had spoken in a drowsy grumble as her hands rose to her face and gradually trailed to her lips. The Dream. Eyes of red widened and her shoulders froze. 'Because this isn't real' It was too good to be true, and finally the memories had flooded back to her on instant. She had left London as she had previously decided to do. Having packed up her things and what had sentimental value before having bought a ticket to America. People proclaimed to be vampires there all the time, so she had thought she would have a better chance at hiding. She would also have a more liable chance to push away her old life.
"Passengers who have attended America-International Airlines, we have arrived in Kennedy Airport, New York. Thank you for attending our flight, please check your bags in the collecting terminal and deposit any trash that you may have."
So, it was time to go. Ceras had given a small sigh as her dream left her mind and her hands pushed on the soft leather arms of her seat, and squeezed through the crowd to pick at her small carry on bag above head. It took her a long minute of concentration before getting a handle on it and yanking it back. But as she did, a small strike of panic grew within her vampric senses, and head had jerked to one side. Was it that something was really wrong? Or could it have been from the dream? Regardless, she watched amongst the cattle driven people making their way down the small strip of the isle, and it was only then she gasped.
There was red and a mass of black at the far end of the plane.. coiled up neatly in massive bunches while a streak of white and gold distinguished a pattern of a face. There was no form of a hat, yet there was a smile that was hidden all the more. Cold and bitter, yet light hearted and fickle at the same time.
"It's about time you noticed me, Ceras.."
She could hear his words and her face grew to panic, she needed to push through this crowd and get to the vampire she had thought she left behind. Though the humans were persistent in keeping their rank of the line in exiting, for each of them nearly moved purposely to block her way. The English woman gave a small cry at this, face looking panicked. 'Why can't I get to him!? Don't leave, please!' But even her mental thoughts could not compare with the elder vampires will. For he had turned and flashed a small teethed grin from underneath the veil of black.
"You'll understand one day, what you are. Perhaps then you'll get what you've been searching for."
And he was gone; out from the small vision of fingers that Victoria had stretched out, her mouth held open, as the burning of the dreamed kiss had erupted once more inside. She gave a yell that made most of the remaining passengers look and give scornful comments. There was nothing she could do now, everything she spoke of, and knew, was held over her head in a suspicious manner. They questioned everything she thought or said, and monitored her every action. Was it real? Or was it a figment of a final farewell?
No, this wouldn't be the last time she'd see him.
It was then her hand fell downwards and her eyes grew passive as she straightened up. The people around her meant nothing. The plane she was exiting had hardly any significance to her.. nor did the new city she was entering even -made- a difference in her life. When finally getting the opened door hatch, she paused to look out at the nightly sky. She was numb to the world now, just like he wanted it.
".The moon doesn't shine as brightly here, but I'll force it to." And she was onwards once more, the dream in her mind faded as everything else in England had done.