Special Thanks: To Asenath, for being such details proof reader, Lilliam Dashwood for some tips about victim's relatives, Mr. Mitts for his valuable lessons about the firearms and Urwen for remark in typos.
Author's Notes: I am not convinced of 100% of Hyde's characterization. If any of you have suggestions, tell me. I am willing to repost.
Of Heroes And Monsters
Chapter Two- Know Thy Enemy
She was dreaming in crimson.
Red liquid was being forced down her throat despite her silent plea to stop. She couldn't scream or fight back: the vampire would kill her husband if she did.
Blood was leaking down her neck. The skin there looked as if it had been chewed by a wild animal. Yet more blood was being drawn by the culprit's claws, which were slicing into shreds the upper part of her nightgown, and digging into her flesh.
She couldn't see a thing behind blurry eyes, wet with unshed tears-- nothing except his eyes, demonic scarlet orbs, glowing in triumph. She would never forget his eyes, nor his mocking laugh. Never.
Wilhelmina Murray awoke with a gasp. Her breath and pulse were agitated; her arms were trembling. Sweat covered her forehead, her hair was all rustled and a knowing fear could be glimpsed inside her green eyes. A hand flew towards her neck, finding the scarf in place. She looked down to see the state of her sleeping robe . It was untouched.
A dream. It was all a nightmare.
Blissful relief replaced fear, only to become anger soon after. She was furious with herself, furious that she had fallen into panic over a simple bad dream. She needed to stop living in the past and concentrate on the future. Wasn't that one of the reasons why she had divorced Jonathan?
But here I am again. The place that started it all. Perhaps I do like to open old wounds.?
She sat on the bed, straightened her posture. The room seemed harmless enough, but to Mina it was the symbol of all the memories that haunted her while she rested. It was morning already, she noticed. The sunlight crept over the half-closed window, brightening several spots of the chamber.
Sighing deeply, Mina stepped out of bed. She couldn't afford losing time anymore. She at least awoke alive, unlike those women murdered by the vampire. She pulled on a dressing gown and headed towards the closet. Her old dresses remained there, she picked up one, with a white waist and a blue skirt. Mina was about to change when the sound of a voices in the corridor outside her room stopped her.
"Your mouth and mind are clever, inbred leech," a dark, male voice commented. She recognized it as Hyde's. "Let's see if you can back your words with your strength."
The next thing Mina knew, her door shattered into pieces; something—or rather, someone—had been thrown against it. She shielded her eyes, protecting them from the flying shards of wood. When everything passed, she lowered her arms and folded them.
"Sweet, merciful God!" she exclaimed, "What do you two think you are doing?!"
Alucard was standing up, even after the forceful landing on the floor. He had underestimated Hyde's prowess and had been ridiculed in front of Mina, no less. Hyde was standing in the doorway, smirking smugly down at the vampire. Both had yet to answer the irritated woman.
"Well? Answer!" the leader of the League demanded, not minding that these two were some of the most perilous beings inside the Empire. After all, Hell hath no fury like an angered Miss Murray .
"The Gorilla attacked me!" Alucard snarled, pointing an accusatory finger at Mr. Hyde.
"Because you insulted and threatened me," Hyde growled in reply, "Or rather, Jekyll."
Mina started to massage her temples. Seriously, they were acting like little children. She knew perfectly well that neither of them needed an excuse to cause damage.
"Enough! I want to know what exactly happened!"
Alucard sneered, disliking her tone. It seemed so unnatural. She was, after all, one of his victims. Logic dictated that Miss Murray should be cowering every time the vampire stepped in the room. But this wasn't her case. Some part of him actually enjoyed this defiance: it was just so interesting and new. A challenge.
"Is bad enough I have to serve the old man and accept your lead in this mission?" Alucard shot back bitterly, "I refuse to be at your beck and call." He paused before adding, "But if you would care to know, I was just saying that you used to have such a lovely… neck…"
Mina's eyes narrowed and Alucard laughed like he had just said the most humorous thing in the world.
Edward chuckled, not really impressed by Alucard's response. This overgrown, aristocrat mosquito seemed quite predictable, in his view.
And so… he seems to indeed have some torrid past with Miss Murray. Perhaps she does like the dangerous ones? Fancy that, Henry.
Mr. Hyde was pleased to hear his other, meeker self nervous and embarrassed about the comment. Henry was such a bloody... woman. To his mind, Miss Murray was more male than Jekyll.
"What happened is quite simple, Madam Mina," Hyde's deep voice cut through the laughter. "This… thing was about to sneak into your bedchambers when Jekyll spotted him. He was stupid enough to make him nervous enough for me to come out and teach the foreigner some good old English manners."
"Sneaking, you say?" Mina huffed and turned to glare at Alucard. "What did I tell you about refraining from your bloody visits? Pun intended."
Alucard shrugged, not minding the mortals' opinions. "You said nocturnal visits and, as you can see," he gestured towards the sunlight coming from the half opened window, "It's not night anymore."
Mina frowned. Even sealed he would find a way to twist the orders she had given him. She would have to mind her wording around him more. Any slip could prove fatal. "Next time I will be more specific."
"Ah, you are assuming there will be a next time."
"He's right, Madam Mina," Hyde interrupted, his tone low and full of cynicism. "All of this is assuming he will be around to have another chance."
Alucard's red eyes glowed, recognizing the unspoken menace. That excited him to no end. "Oh? And what will you do, Gorilla? Eat me?" He laughed again, sending chills down Mina's spine. "You are hardly innocent. I can sense your sins."
"Eat you?" Hyde seemed to consider this option, "My metabolism is... special; perhaps I will. But then again, I don't want indigestion, do I? God only knows where you have been." He bowed to the second comment. "As for my innocence, your point? Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire. Monster against monster."
"I want to see you try it," Alucard taunted, "You are fast to accuse but you also seek to do terrible things to Miss Murray. I have seen your mind."
Hyde cracked his knuckles. "If that is what you want…" his voice was full of sarcasm, "I'll happy to comply." As soon those words were out of his mouth, Hyde punched Alucard in the jaw. The vampire went flying towards the wall, almost destroying it.
Alucard recovered quickly and jumped on Hyde, attempting to maul him with his claws. Growling in pain at the wounds on his arms, Edward grabbed Alucard by the neck and started to strangle him. The vampire smirked at that act. He might not win by his strength now. The day weakened his kind. But he wasn't above cheating. The Gorilla started the brawl, and thus, this was self-defence. He would be beyond old man Abraham's reproach.
As cunning as the giant seemed to be, he didn't realize Alucard didn't need to breathe. Instead of fighting his grip around his neck, the nosferatu pulled out of his belt a bowie knifethe very same weapon that, not so long ago, had pierced his heart. With a mirthful expression, the vampire prepared the strike.
Mina knew she shouldn't be shocked by this violent display--she, better than no one, knew what Alucard and Edward could do-- but she was. Her eyes widened slightly as she spotted Alucard secretly taking the knife.
"Look out, Edward! He has a…"
Her warning was cut short by a bang. Before Alucard's knife could pierce Hyde's flesh, a bullet broke his weapon's sharp edge. The strength of the impact forced the vampire to release the weapon. Mina glanced at the door, quite relieved. Allan stood at the threshold holding a revolver. Smoke was coming out of the pistol.
"Mr. Quatermain?!"
Allan smiled and bowed slightly, "I was unpacking my firearms when I heard noises. I decided to investigate and brought one of them with me. It proved handy." He patted the pistol briefly before looking at Mina with a concerned expression. "You aren't injured, are you?"
Mina shook her head, half smiling to the old White Hunter. "I am unscathed. Thank you for asking, Allan." Her gaze fell on Alucard, who was trapped in Hyde's bone-breaking embrace. "That will be enough, Mr. Hyde! Release him at once!"
Hyde grunted but obeyed nonetheless, after one more final 'friendly' tug. He stepped away from the fallen vampire, "Very well, Madam Murray. Hopefully the leech learnt his lesson."
"Edward…" she started, sighing deeply, "I appreciate your defending my honour, truly. But this display of violence won't be repeated again. In neither of you. Is that clear?"
"Yes," Edward lowered his eyelids, he was turning soft. Perhaps Jekyll was gaining strength? He hoped no, being of short height wasn't destructive enough.
Alucard laughed, the rest looked at him oddly.
"What's so bloody funny?" Allan inquired, hiking both brows.
"She. You. All of this," the vampire replied, "You treat her like she is pure and innocent. I assure you, that little bint isn't anymore." His piercing crimson gaze fell on Mina once more. She resisted the urge of shuddering. "The model of propriety. Such a prim lady you were. Now look at you, how low the mighty have fallen." He laughed again.
Edward looked at him darkly, "I would suggest you keep silent if I were you, bugger. Or I will silence you myself!" He was rather upset at the insult directed towards Mina. Or maybe Henry was? Hyde suspected the line between both of them wasn't so easy to identify anymore.
Allan looked at Mina to see her reaction. She was pale and looked wounded like she had been stabbed by a dagger. But her hurt expression was fleeting--her stubbornness made her overcome it. Allan grinned. This was the Mina he knew and loved... or hated, according to the circumstances.
"So low have I fallen that now I can help to protect my country?" she replied. "Sacrifices must be made in order to achieve the greater good. Mine was my innocence and my family."
There was a pause, as the bleeding nostalgia overcame her again. Even if her words were brave, the vampire's speech stung her heart with poison. Mina couldn't afford, in that moment, to lament her losses--maybe later, when she was alone. Trying to banish such thoughts, she continued, "And Mr. Hyde, there's no need to injure him further."
"Worried about me now?" Alucard taunted, "I must say, this is unexpected."
"Don't flatter yourself too much," Mina snickered. "I just don't want to return you in bad condition to the Professor. That would be rude."
"But of course. One shouldn't return something borrowed ruined," Hyde acquiesced with a laugh. He would stop his killing needs for the time being. The vampire seemed properly chastised by Madam Mina. There would be other chances--after all, she couldn't be around them all the time.
"Well, if you two are finished with your display of inhuman strength," Mina huffed, looking the state of her room. Door broken, one of the walls ruined, blood on the floor, "you shall leave so I can dress. Mr. Hyde, go to the infirmary and ask Rosalyn to cure your wounds," she ordered, eyeing the bleeding scratches that Alucard's claws had left on Edward's arms. "You will refrain from killing and ravishing the old maid. Understood?"
"Mmm. I'll try. Most of the time… I can't help myself."
"Try is not good enough." Mina turned to Allan, "Mr. Quatermain, if you would be so kind, take Alucard with you and distract him. I am too busy to nanny him for now."
Allan glanced at the vampire who bowed to him, lips pursed up, showing his fangs like a dangerous animal.
"Aren't you going to take care of me? Perhaps it would be better if you place me in an adoption house, Miss Murray. I am starting to feel like an unwanted child." There was a roll of glee in his words. No one wanted to play with the poor, old vampire anymore.
"I…I'll see what I can do about it," Allan replied, despite Alucard's mockery.
"Perfect. I'll be back before lunch. I have an appointment with M regarding this case."
"Isn't this outside the League's domain?" Allan asked. That was, after all, the reason why Nemo nor Griffin weren't around. Or at least, I believed Griffin wasn't around, it was quite hard to tell most of the times.
"It is, but he still has more information to give me. Since the Professor is gone, we need someone in touch with this matter. Now if you excuse me," Mina gestured towards the exit, "I don't wish to be late. Good day, gentlemen."
Hyde nodded to Mina. Before exiting, he shot Alucard a look of dark amusement. The vampire didn't cower, and returned his gaze with one more predatory.
Allan cleared his throat, "This way… Alucard." Both hunters moved out of the room. Mina took her clothes and went to the adjoining chamber, so she could change in peace.
"So… nanny… how you propose to keep me amused?" Alucard asked while walking beside Allan in the corridors of the Asylum. "Will you take me to eat someone?"
Allan hiked both brows, "I think I may have an idea…" There was a pause. The white hunter was intrigued at the mention of the vampire's diet. He doubted the Empire would starve the monster. He knew very well lions are less dangerous if they were sated. "How…?"
"How do they feed me?" Alucard finished for him. "Let's say the gallows are… outdated." His bone-chilling laugh filled the halls of the former mental institution.
"Prisoners, sentenced to death…" Allan muttered. It made some sense.
"Indeed," the vampire sneered, his features darkened in visual distaste. "Hardly high cuisine, but they'll do for now. Very few of them are chaste. Their taste is fairly sour."
Allan wasn't sure how to reply. The topic was nauseating and fascinating at the same time. He opted to remain silent, grateful that Alucard didn't bring up the topic again. He felt watched by the nosferatu, tested for some dark design.
"Where are we going?" the vampire asked finally, wondering what this human was planning. He could read his mind, but he chose to wait and see if he didn't overestimate the old white hunter.
"Outside," Allan replied with an odd smile and came out of the building, entering the place's garden.
It was quite plain to see that the garden hadn't been tended in quite a time. The grass was long enough to reach beyond one's ankle. Several of the trees were down, almost breaking the wall that limited the green zone. A half-demolished fountain was in the middle of the yard. Several bottles stood on it, one following another in a neat line.
Alucard, however, paid no attention to such details. He was relieved the long trees gave enough shade for him to feel comfortable outside on a bright day. Sunlight didn't destroy him, but that didn't make it less dangerous for his pale skin. He turned around, hearing the sound of steps. Two of the former Asylum's caretakers appeared, carrying several firearms. Allan's eyes brightened at the sight of his weapons.
"'Ere sir," one of them said, leaving the weapons on a chair, "Anythin' else ye want from us?"
Allan took the rifle from the other hand and shook his head, "No, that will be fine, gentlemen. Thank you for your services."
Both men bowed and rushed to return to the house, wanting to away from Alucard's crimson gaze.
"The Professor doesn't trust me around darts," he commented with a low growl of amusement. "And you are going to give me one of those dangerous toys?"
Allan pulled a handkerchief out of his right pocket and started polishing the rifle, watching the vampire from the corner of his eye. "Yes."
"Should I consider you brave or foolish?"
The former explorer shrugged. "A bit of both, perhaps."
"Very well, old hunter, I am intrigued. What are you planning to do with me? Use me as a target? Or perhaps, duel rival?"
Allan frowned and stopped cleaning the large firearm. "It would be easier for you to adapt if you weren't so bloody defensive. My plans don't involved harming you." He did dislike the vampire, suspecting that he had a hand in whatever haunted Miss Murray. But if they were going to work together, Allan would rather they be on good terms.
Alucard chose to not reply to his statement. He was far too used to being treated like an unwanted burden to ever change. It was easier to plot the downfall of his captors that way. And now this withered human was treating him almost as comrade in arms. He would wait and see how everything fared. It was a refreshing change.
"I was about to practice when I heard your little brawl with Hyde," Allan informed him, "Since I destroyed your weapon, even with a good reason, I am obliged to replace it."
"Hn. Continue," the vampire eyed the rifle with interest. "Are you going to give me that one?"
"No. This relic is too precious," he patted the weapon. "A reminder of the glorious days of the past. An elephant gun, one powerful single shot per time. It's a shame I cannot… stand the recoil anymore." Indeed, he disliked to say it, but he was getting old. He waited for the vampire's remark on the topic of his age, but it never came.
"Then which one is for me?" Alucard asked, rather anxiously. As a mortal he used to follow the latest in armoury, strategy and torture, but the static nature of vampirism had made him woefully out-of-date with his hobby. Now, it was time he reassumed such habits once more.
As Allan pondered this, his blue eyes fell on his weaponry. "I think I have the perfect choice. Wait here. Don't touch anything, I don't want you to shoot your feet by accident."
"I wouldn't do that," he sneered.
Allan returned to the house and, after a few minutes, returned to the garden with a wooden box. "Open it."
Alucard examined the box before he complied. Inside there was a silver revolver with the flag of the Empire imprinted on it. He took it carefully, feeling its weight, caressing its form.
"It i a modified Webley-Wilkinson, a fairly modern British revolver .455 calibre. It has a six chamber cylinder. Normally… the barrel would have six inches, but Captain Nemo, an ally of sorts, decided to borrow it for improvements and increased the size to twelve inches. Far too heavy for a man of advancing years like me to aim properly."
"Too heavy for you," Alucard grinned, "But not for me."
"Exactly. Keep the lock on always, unless you use it," he suggested. Next, he took up the pistol he fired to break the bowie knife. Unlike Alucard's revolver, this one had nipples protruding from the back end of each chamber on the cylinder.
"What are those…?" Alucard pointed to the nipples. "Why doesn't mine have them?"
"They indicate that this is a black-powder weapon," Allan explained, "It requires each chamber to be manually loaded with powder and ball."
Alucard listened, fascinated, to the information. Now and again he would nod, half feigning understanding. He would have to take his time to do some research of his own after Mina's tea part departure. These little carriers of quick death could prove useful in the near future.
"This little jewel is American, a museum piece and part of my personal collection," Allan continued, trapped in his own speech. "A LeMat's. With the aid of this, I helped Mina not so long ago…"
"Madam Murray?" Alucard arched an arrogant eyebrow.
"Our first meeting...is not relevant…"
"Hn."
"See those over on the chair?"
Alucard looked down. On the seat there were two more firearms. One of them was very small, with a barrel no longer than three inches, and it could be carried easily inside a pocket unnoticed. The other one was quite large, but still not as large as his own weapon.
"My old Colt and a Webley Pocket Pistol No 3," Allan smiled fondly, thinking back to the adventures he used to have with his Colt, and to Africa, the land that had given him so much happiness and sorrow. "But enough of this. I believe you would prefer to learn how to aim correctly."
Alucard grinned, a smug expression contorting his features. "It won't be necessary. In the past, I was quite a sharp shooter with my crossbow."
"It's not the same. The… shape and accuracy of the revolver is different," Allan insisted, and proceeded to demonstrate how one should handle the gun properly. "You must keep a firm grip, and keep your index finger on the trigger. The wind, unless it is very strong, isn't normally an annoyance."
The LeMat's fired twice. The sound cut through the air asthe bullets made contact with the two bottles lined up on the fountain, shattering them. The pieces fell to the ground.
Alucard clapped, enjoying the display. The old man was what he had expected and even more. Worthy human, indeed.
"My turn?"
"Yes, try it."
Alucard lowered his arm and shot. Instead of breaking a bottle, the round skimmed along the ground and was lost, or so Allan believed.
"You should aim higher next time."
Alucard grinned evilly, moving towards the fountain and stopping in front of it. "My aim is perfect. My target, however, wasn't a mere bottle."
Allan got closer, trying to investigate about what he was talking about, the blasted vampire. His eyes fell on the soil behind the fountain. There, he spied a dead rat, blood pouring out of the hole in its stomach. He glanced over at the vampire. Alucard was licking his fangs at the sight of the precious scarlet liquid. He thought himself pathetic--was he so starved that mere animal blood would sate him now?
"Congratulations then, Alucard," Allan chuckled, "I have no doubt you'll become a great marksman, given time."
At this, Rosalyn interrupted, clearing her throat for attention. The old maid had her hair, normally tied in a bun, rustled, a black eye, what appeared to be a dislocated shoulder and several cuts on her cheeks and lips. "Pardon me, gentlemen, but Miss Murray has arrived and is requesting your presence."
"Thank you, Miss," Allan turned at the servant's voice, her state made him frown but said nothing. There was no need to ask who was the responsible of it. "You may request that the gentlemen who helped me earlier aid me in returning these weapons to my room." He looked to Alucard, "And is better you hide the revolver in Mina's presence. She will confiscate it for sure."
"As you like, Sir." Rosalyn retired quietly, in search of the two helpers.
Alucard inclined his head. Mina would surely be against him carrying a firearm. He didn't need, or want ,to hear another lecture from her.
Allan took a step in but hesitated to continue, "May I ask you something…?"
"Go on," Alucard hiked a brow, glancing down at the old human.
"You haven't been as insulting with me as you have been with the rest. Not that I am complaining, but…"
"Hn. Perhaps it is because you gave me the pistol that I will use to kill you all?"
Allan looked alarmed at that reply.
Alucard chuckled, "You remind me of someone… someone I know very well… A hunter, loyal to your kingdom, even after it had forsaken you. Dangerous addictions... two wives. The first one's death hit you deeply somehow." He paused and chuckled, "Yes, I did read your mind."
"Never … dare to pronounce her name!" Allan choked back the words, obviously quite impressed. Few knew about Marie Marais, the brave daughter of a French Huguenot. And those who did, most weren't aware that she died saving her husband. The subject was still touchy for Allan, even after all these years.
"I won't," Alucard replied, in the tone of a confidant, "I would hate it if someone did the same to me."
Allan stared at him in disbelief. He... had been almost friendly. The idea of being similar with the vampire struck him with its truth.
I understand now why England can't distinguish between heroes and monsters. It's because we are more alike than we should be.
"Oh, look what we've got here. The leech and the opium-sot are lovers now," Hyde commented with sarcasm, after watching part of the exchange. "How grand. Made for each other."
"That's envy speaking. Your slip personality doesn't allow you to have friends, Gorilla," Alucard taunted back.
Allan coughed, trying to break the tension with the spoken word before recurring to his guns. "I believe Mina is waiting for us."
"That she is. But if you two want some moments alone, I can tell Miss Murray you are occupied in your chambers. Dealing with… friendly business."
"Oh, stop that Hyde!" Allan replied unnerved, "Your offering is disgusting." He marched past the giant man towards the living room. Alucard and Hyde exchanged looks of challenge and followed him.
The living room was, like all the furniture in the Asylum, in a deplorable state. The wood was becoming black and weak, the tapestries were quite ruined. Wilhelmina Murray was there, sitting in an armchair, reading a letter and smoking a cigarette.
"You called for us?" Allan asked.
Mina lowered the letter and exhaled a trail of smoke. She wasn't about to crush out her cigarillo in public like a proper lady should do. She didn't respect that sexist custom anymore.
"Yes, I did. Sit down, gentlemen." Hyde made himself comfortable on the sofa and Allan sat in the armchair beside Mina's. Alucard remained standing, leaning against a wall.
"All of you," she added, stressing the all, as she shot Alucard a piercing look. The vampire was impossible when he wanted to be.
Alucard chuckled and took a seat, "As you wish. Should I call you Master next?"
"Before we start…" Mina scanned the faces of the men around her, not bothering to reply to Alucard's taunt. "I've noticed Rosalyn has some nasty bruises. Mr. Hyde?"
"The alcohol she put on my wounds burned and I… overreacted."
Mina sighed, leaving the subject. At least the old lady was still living. Small mercies. "Back to our schedule, I talked with M," she informed them. "He gave me the medical reports by Doctor Wolfe Macfarlane regarding the victims."
Hyde muttered something about necrophiliac and body snatcher at the mention of the doctor's name. But Mina didn't stop in her explanation, though she did make a mental note to investigate Macfarlane later.
"Five victims, there were going to be sixth. But M believes that Miss Otis wasn't attacked because she was American and didn't fit the culprit's victim's profile. All of them were young, single ladies of the Empire who had great public standing. The murders happened always during parties. The bodies were found completely nude in one of the chambers of the places where the social gatherings were held. Bite marks on their necks and thighs. Not a single drop of blood left. Set of scratches and bruises covered the legs, breasts and forearms. Sexual intercourse involved." She paused and frowned, "Whoever did it, he or she managed to make it ...willing. No signs of a struggle, no traces of fight under the fingernails. If they were ravished against their consent, there should be some flesh of the attacker, sadly is not the case. Another clue to support this theory is in their faces, they were relaxed. No signs that any of them were afraid. Which is odd."
"Do you know the names?" Allan asked, leaning over the couch.
"Yes, wait…" Mina opened the envelopes that contained several black and white pictures with the women's names written on it. "The last victim was a Welsh noblewoman, Flora. She was a distant cousin of the infamous Prince Florizel of Bohemia. The fourth victim was Elisabeth Bannerworth...her family apparently had to be restrained, they wanted to hunt the culprit down by themselves. Next is Margaret, the youngest daughter of a Swiss man called Ernest Frankenstein and an Irish noblewoman. Then Alice, grand-daughter of Colonel Brandon and lady Marianne Dashwood. The first victim was…" She stopped, her face turning ashen before recovering. Eyes fell on Alucard for a second. "Anne Westenra…" She had met Anne in one of the Westenra's family gatherings. She was the youngest cousin to her dear friend Lucy, killed by a vampire as well.
Alucard grinned, recognizing the name. "I detect a family resemblance."
Mina grit her teeth. Although she had expected an answer like that one, it hurt no less. Pure, lively Lucy. How she wanted to hate Alucard for bringing up that particular memory. Instead, she chose to pity him more. It's sad… He finds his source of entertainment in another people's misery.
"Mina…" Allan said, concerned about her state, and eager to distract her from it. "What have you planned for tracking down this villain?"
Mina collected herself and looked at him, "We won't. Alucard will. This is his mission, his chance to prove himself worthy. We were only called in to keep an eye on his movements, and see that he doesn't betray the trust the Queen has bestowed upon him."
"I take it you'll hound me all the time at this party."
"You are correct," Mina nodded, "Even if it's not our mission, we must protect the civilians from any harm that could come out of your fight with this vampire. Therefore we will stay close to you, monitoring all your actions."
"And if you… fail, I will be glad to… get rid off such a nuisance," Hyde spoke, his dark eyes falling upon Alucard's figure, menacing. "Just for the sake of Her Majesty, of course."
"The party will start at quarter past eight. Be ready." Mina rose to her feet. "I believe Rosalyn awaits us with our meal."
Her words were followed by the sounds of the front door opening and shutting. As the group made their way to the kitchen, they spotted two police officers dragging someone to one of the cells upstairs, then giving a paper to one of the professor's helpers, waiting for it to be signed. A salute and the guards were gone.
"What's this all about?" Mina asked, puzzled by what she just beheld.
"That, Madam Mina," Alucard replied in an hungry voice, "is my meal." His red eyes glowed and the vampire left the group to start ascending the stairs.
"His meal?" Mina sounded horrified. Her green eyes widened.
"They feed him with criminals, Mina." Allan's voice was quiet, not showing if he approved or disapproved of such a thing.
For the next couple of minutes, they could hear the desperate pleas for help from the condemned prisoner, and the dull metallic sounds of his throwing himself at the bars of the cell. Soon sobs and prayers to God Almighty were cut short by a taunting laugh. Mocking. Relishing his misery. This was followed by a final scream so loud that it appeared that the very soul of the man was being torn apart, and then…
…there was silence.
"You were right, Miss Murray," Hyde said as he took his place at the table. "You have met one worse than me."
Mina nodded quietly, tightening the scarf around her neck. She had lost her appetite completely.