Special Thanks: Puck 3/4, my beta reader, and Mr. Mitts for Elephant Man information.

Of Heroes And Monsters

Chapter Three

- Hunting Party

The night had fallen in England, covering the country with darkness. The mist slowly started rising, from the ground to the top of the construction, thick and ashen enough to obscure the sight. Although, outside the city, the night was clearer, aided by the stars' sparkle and the full moon's bright halo.

Somewhere in Wych Cross, a black carriage from the Demeter Company crossed the country paths close to Forest Row. The zone was desolate valley with the exception of the owls and ravens flying above the vehicle in that precise moment. Inside the coach, three members of the League and the vampire were in complete silent, making the best efforts of enduring each other's company. The previous five hours train trip had waned their tolerance.

Wilhelmina Murray shifted, uncomfortable in her seat, of all the transportation agencies, they had to be travelling with one of such name. She was wearing a red waist and a dark blue skirt made of satin, her hair was up and there was a simple floral arrangement in it. The scarf was ever presented around her neck and she was holding a crimson fan on her right hand.

To her side, Henry Jekyll gulped, sweating nervous under the vampire's gaze, he couldn't help but to play with his cane. It was plain to view that Alucard wanted to drive out Hyde on purpose. What for? Only the nosferatu knew. The Doctor was wearing a dark brown suit with a yellow ascot. He had the first button undone, so he could swallow better.

Allan Quatermain was in front of them, on the opposite seat, wearing a stripped brown tweed. He was busy checking if he had enough ammunition inside his inner pockets and if he had concealed his firearms well enough to not be notable.

Beside Allan, Alucard was lounging across the seat. He didn't bother to change his black suit with vest and his red cape. He looked elegant enough. His lips were pursed up, in a wolf-like grin, teeth glittering to make him more sinister. He enjoyed tormenting Jekyll. Petty of his part, he knew, but the embarrassment he suffered on the hands of Jekyll's other self was reason enough. He sough to push the doctor until Hyde came out and had another duel. It was night, his time of the day.

"Didn't your mother teach you that staring is rude, Count?"

Mina's stern voice interrupted him, forcing Alucard to look at her. Her face was neutral, though he could hear her pulse and breathing rhythm were faster than usual. She indeed was unnerved for some reason.

"And you presume yourself to be smart? I am disappointed you aren't aware of the changes in customs," Alucard replied, giving her a condescending snicker.

Mina twitched, she was about to remark that if he was so smart then he should adapt but refrained. She didn't want to start a verbal fight that would agitate Jekyll further.

Alucard was disappointed for the lack of response. Spoiling my fun now? he thought while pondering about what strategy should use next.

"Quiet, aren't we Mina?" he continued, "And nervous as well… I wonder why… Could it be that the name of 'Demeter' rings some bell? A foreboding sign."

She fanned herself furiously, trying her best to ignore his words.

Allan glanced at them, musing if he should ask Mina later about the past she shared in common with the vampire. Allan had his suspicious. But most likely she would bite his head off and walk away flustered for daring to touch that subject.

"You are taking this mission too lightly Mr. Alucard," Mina commented, deliberately changing topics.

"Why should I be worried?" the vampire made an unconcerned shrug.

"M expressed the Court's fear that this will become a Whitechapel of the upper class," Mina replied, "Five victims so far, a decade from the crimes, it is quite fortunate the murders were less… spectacular otherwise the citizens would be gossiping about the return of 'Jack the Ripper' by now."

Alucard gave Mina a blank stare and a slight shrug. "I haven't heard of this in Transylvania," he grinned, imagining unspeakable things. "But, judging for his name this 'Jack the Ripper' seems like quite an interesting individual. Ah the conversations we could have held. And the… activities we could have done together. More's the pity that I arrived ten years late."

"C-curious," Jekyll stuttered, not wishing to interrupt, "T-that's exactly what… Edward wanted. When he heard of how those… unfortunates women were assassinated, he almost returned to London. 'Anyone who treats those backtails like that, deserves praise,' in his memorable words."

"Why he didn't?" Allan asked, he wasn't aware of the case either, being in Africa all the time.

"Because, he was sure they would blame him for the crimes." Henry retrieved a handkerchief to clean the sweat of his face. "And Hyde has a good self preservation instinct. Personally the whole assassinations sickened me. "

"And his identity remains unknown," Mina muttered but didn't voice her opinion about how cloudy the whole mystery was. The Royal Family and Scotland Yard lost interest in it too quickly.

Like a conspiracy.

"Tell us more, Madam Mina," Alucard requested with a predatory smirk, "That's not all you know, isn't it? A full description of the Ripper's masterpieces would lighten the atmosphere greatly." The eyes of the vampire reflected a need for blood. Any blood. But it was denied by the seals.

"I rather not," Mina answered as she looked out the window, eyeing the shady manor that appeared to the view briefly. There were two gargoyles on the pillars of the iron gates outside. She could swear the winged stone statues blinked, shooting her a piercing gaze. The mansion would have possessed a grim look, with its pointy towers and leaf-less trees--that was unusual in summer-- if it wasn't for the large amount of carriages that were around and the multicoloured lights of the party. She felt a shiver come down her spine. Never a good sign. Her attention returned to Alucard.

"Worry not, Mr. Alucard. The whole place itself should be more than enough to 'lighten' the atmosphere for your standards."

The carriage stopped, and a large major-domo opened the door for them. Mina descended first, examining the mansion with great detail. M had told her to be careful, that Roderick Burgess was to his age, a master of the occult and his decorations illistrated the description accurately. Balls of blue lights were floating--or at least it appeared to be as nothing was holding them--in the threshold; a bright pinkish smoke covered the door, pretending to be a curtain.

"Let's move, gentlemen," Mina turned around looking directly at Allan who had just followed Henry out of the carriage. "We're already late, let's not keep the so called Demon King wanting any longer."

"Yes, in a second. Mr. Alu…" Allan started saying, glancing up his shoulder, no trace of the vampire he was looking for. He blinked, rather confused, "How strange. I swear to God, he was right behind me."

Mina folded her arms, scanning the suspicious looking red mist that was pouring out the vehicle, moving far from them. "Stop right there, Alucard," she ordered, mildly annoyed. It was obvious the vampire would try to escape their sight to commit his foul deeds, this should teach her a lesson to be more observant next time. When the fog seemed to paralyse at her voice, Mina marched towards it. "Recover solid form and go first."

Much to his disappointment, Alucard couldn't rebel against her order and was forced to comply. The mist gathered in front of the curtain of smoke to shift. Soon, the tall vampire stood, his cape swirled dramatically on the wind giving him a kingly look. He could taste the dark flavour of this soil. His mind started to work. Scheming, he speculated the vast numbers of volumes the library must possess.

A small distraction and I may borrow a book to get the rid off these seals.

In the meantime, Allan and Henry had given the invitations to the guards and were waiting for them at the gates. Alucard strode towards them, followed by a sour faced Mina, he tapped the tip of his hat brim and entered inside. Darkness everywhere, an unnatural pitch black and an atmosphere devoid of senses. It was magical, for not even Alucard could see like he would normally do.

The solemn silence was broken by the sounds of a grandfather clock that marked the arrival of midnight. The object glowed, offering to the sight that the arrows were pointed at the number twelve.

It was in that precise moment, the voice of Roderick Burgess, boisterous and chilling, was heard. The hall illuminated in consequence, showing hundred of people -many not even appeared human- and animals expecting to be received by their host.

"Welcome guests of all parts of the world! Midnight is here! The Witching Hour has arrived for us to enjoy together. Delight in the extraordinary party I, myself, offer to you! Eat, drink and dance! Tonight will be magical!"

"Do you know where he is?" Allan asked to Alucard, confused for he heard Roderick Burgess' voice coming from many places.

"No, I cannot locate him…" Alucard replied, narrowing his eyes in annoyance, disliking feeling of impotence against the parlour tricks of the human. "His voice comes out from every damn corner of this house."

Mina tugged Allan's coat sleeve, "Let's continue, we're not here for the old Demon King this time."

"Yes, yes, you're right, Miss Murray," was the White Hunter's response allowing Mina to lead him by the arm towards the immense main hall.

There were tables filled with a great variety of food and drinks, the dance floor in the middle of it, and opened rooms behind for the most… intimate courting rituals afterwards.

Suddenly, mirrors popped out the floor, forming a labyrinth around them, they moved in a spellbinding swirl. Mina touched the object, her hand went through it. They weren't solid, that was clear, more possessing ofa liquid structure. When she tried to search to her sides, her partners were gone, the walls only returned her reflection. Alucard was nowhere of sight either.

"Mr Quatermain!" she shouted, moving through the fake mirrors. "Mr. Jekyll! Alucard! Where are you?!" she insisted but music started to play, shoving her calling at her background.

Miss Murray looked for them for fifteen minutes until collapsing on an armchair near the twin fireplaces. Her head was spinning, pot smoke filled her nostrils and she disliked it. Mina wrinkled her nose, remembering the smell of the place where she rescued Allan from months ago. Truly disgusting habit. Slowly, her lashes closed for less than a minute, resting her eyes. When she opened them, the leader of the League saw something akin to golden dust falling on her. She sneezed.

Oh dear, what now? Mina thought, rising her gaze to the source. She gasped of what she saw. There was a young boy no older than eleven clad in skeleton leaves and the juices that ooze out of trees, he was floating on the air. Near him, there was a bright light of the size of this child's fist. She blinked when the flashing light rest for a second, the Englishwoman could see a small lady with wings, exquisitely gowned in a skeleton leaf, cut low and square.

A fairy? Her disbelief was fleeting, Mina had seen weirder things than a flying lad and a pixie in her short lifespan.

"Look! She has awoken, Tink!" He was answered by what sounded a tinkle of golden bells.

"I beg your pardon?" Mina asked, trying to brush away the glowing dust from her clothes. "But who are you? Aren't you a little young to be awake at this hour? Where are your parents?"

"I, Madam, am Peter Pan," the lad replied, giving a courteous bow. "This is Tinker Bell." The golden light flashed in front her face before flying above Peter's shoulder. "I don't have parents, I was hoping you wanted to come with us to Neverland to become the Lost Boys' mother. You were the only one who looked like one… in this house."

Mina was riled by that. She a mother? She, who had forsaken her opportunity to have a family in order to protect them better, looked like a mother. Pursing her lips, Miss Murray responded softly. "That's very flattering but I'm afraid I have to decline your offer, my skills as a mother aren't good enough to take care my own son." A pang of guilt as she remembered Quincy. "If you have come years ago… it would have been different. When I was still young and innocent."

Peter's face fell, the cocky air vanished. "Younger girls are better mothers?" he muttered to himself as if his mind worked a new strategy.

"Where's this Neverland? It's the name of an orphanage? What's the address?"

"Second star to the right," Peter gestured out of the window, "then straight till the morning!"

"Nevermind…" Mina sighed, "Even if I fulfil the standards I cannot fly like you and your friend do."

Peter shook his head, covering Mina with more golden dust. "This is pixie dust," he smiled cockily. "Think wonderful thoughts and you'll be floating in the air like us!"

Mina rose, a hand covered her mouth as she laughed. "That's impossible… for me it would be a relief to be able to think dreadful thoughts, let alone happy ones," she remarked, right hand rubbing her covered neck.

"I don't understand…"

"Of course you don't. You'll be forever young and innocent. Only the adults can know," Mina inclined her head in farewell, suddenly recalling the tales of Peter Pan when she was a child, before her parents died. "Good luck in your quest, Mr. Pan. Now if you excuse me, I need to continue mine."

Mina renewed her search, calling out her partners with no success. Without warning a chilly hand squeezed her shoulder, making the hairs of the back of her neck rose.

"Miss…?"

Mina spun around, preparing to face the foe or one of Alucard's ideas of being funny only to find a translucent gentleman with an anguish expression. A ghost.

"Did I frighten you?"

Mina denied honestly, he wasn't very intimidating. That seemed to disappoint the spirit.

"I thought only the Americans were the non believers."

"Oh, I do believe in spooks, only that I am harder to scare now," Miss Murray pointed out quickly, crossing her arms around her chest. "Why did you call me? Would you have the courtesy of introducing yourself? I am Wilhelmina Murray."

"My pleasure, Lady Murray. I am Lord Simon Canterville. I was once the most scary ghost of England until an American family bought my Castle and, as you are, they weren't impressed by my attics," the ghost of Canterville then told her what happened between him and the Otis. "At the end, Virginia Otis shed tears for me, so did the rest of her family and I thought I was free from the curse… but…"

Mina, who was losing her patience, thought that listening to his story would be fruitless. Nonetheless, she nodded empathically, recalling the Otis surname. "But…?"

"Apparently, I created a debt of honour with them… I was forced back to Earth when Virginia Otis was nearly attacked nights ago, by a man without pulse," Simon grimaced. "You don't need to play innocent around me, Madam Murray. I overheard the host of this party talking about your League and their purpose here."

Mina's interest was piqued, an eye witness could be useful. Also, she made a note to tell M that he should track down to see if they had been published in newspapers, it seemed they were wildly known for a secret group. It seems the defeat Moriarty took away our obscurity.

"I take you cannot rest in peace until the vampire isn't a potential menace to Miss Otis."

"Precisely… Not only for the debt that ties me but I'm really concerned for Virginia," Simon glanced around. "I know where he is. Allow me to guide you."

Mina considered his offer for moments, this could be a trap but she gave the ghost the benefit of the doubt. And she didn't have any clues. Taking his offer, Mina followed the Ghost of Canterville, hopping she had chosen correctly.

--------------

When the mirrors appeared from nowhere, Alucard was quick to flee of Mina's sharp vigilance. He had no reflection, which had given him the edge in stealth. Gloating to himself, he shifted into mist and poured inside the library. It was almost empty except for a woman. Old, dressed like a beggar--and smelling like one—sitting on an armchair. A thief, perhaps? He could feed off them. With a smile full of sharp teeth, he reformed behind the her seat. Leaning closer, like a snake about to strike its prey.

A throbbing pain at his temple made Alucard break his predatory concentration. He snarled when he saw what the cause was. The beggar had hit on his head with her walking stick! What humiliation. He touched the surface of the wounded zone. There was a gash. How had this decrepit, old woman had managed to accomplish that?

"Tha' wasn' very poli'e," she said in a heavy cockney accent. "Mad 'Ettie 'as 'o punis' fe big bad mosqui'o."

"Mad Hettie? What kind of name is that, old witch?" Alucard's eyes narrowed, sensing power inside those weak bones.

"My name," Hettie grinned broadly, displaying her yellow teeth. "Now, 'oo boy, leave an old woman 'o finis' 'er readin'" With a wave of her cane, Hettie produced such wind inside the library that threw Alucard out. Doors flew open to let him pass, carthwheeling until he hit the wall. Then the gates shut, sealed by some energy akin to holy.

There goes my plans about freedom. Frustrated by an old cook.

Alucard stood, noticing how… incredibly soft was the floor where he landed. Felt like a man, smelled like a man. But there wasn't a man to sight.

"I know you're down there," Alucard pointed out, smirking as he made himself comfortable on the Invisible Man's chest. "Tell me, how did you achieve this prodigy, human?"

"Oooh, you know I'm down here? What do you want? A prize? I'll tell you when you stop squishing me to the ground!"

The vampire merely forced his weight further on Griffin's bones.

"I'm a scientist!" he breathed, wincing in pain. "It was a formula that I cannot repeat! It's too advanced for a brute like you to understand it!"

Unconvinced, Alucard searched in his memories, finding them… appealing. The man, for the lack of a better term, was inhuman and amoral. He could use him. "Ah, you're part of Madam Mina's creep show?"

"Bugger yourself, I won't answer that."

Alucard laughed voraciously, rising and dragging Griffin to his feet. "Don't lie to me, little man. I know you aren't exactly loyal, or are you?" he chuckled, "They need a lesson about trust, which is the only reason of why I won't feast on your blood in hopes of acquire your ability."

Griffin swallowed loudly, "All threats and no action." He snickered in mockery.

In a flash, Alucard's jaws were right on his neck, cold tongue toying with his invisible veins.

"Shall I prove you otherwise?"

He was satisfied by the silence and released him. "Now go. And don't dream to tell anyone you saw me around the library, Mr. Griffin or I may slip about your plans involving your foreign friends of another world…" Picking up his fallen hat, the vampire returned to the party. Better to finish this mission business so the Crown would leave him alone.

Besides, Alucard wanted to spill blood tonight. Alive or undead. It didn't matter to him. But first, he mused, glancing at the noblewomen, A little waltz or two. He was a monster gentleman when he bothered.

--------------

Henry wandered aimlessly, still dazzled by the liquid mirrors stunt. Each time he saw his reflection, his image twisted, morphed into Hyde's mocking features.

"Hello Henry, did you miss me?" They asked, taunting.

All Hydes were around him, waiting for Jekyll to lose the little control he still possessed. Then he ran, far from that laugh inside his mind, far from the multitude of the party. Where he could hide from all, and most importantly, from himself.

He stopped breathlessly at the gates of the garden, it was peaceful there. This reminded him to the old times, were he and Utterson enjoyed long strolls at the moonlight. Before Edward. Before madness. He missed his life.

"Henry? Doctor Henry Jekyll?"

Jekyll gulped, recognizing the voice. He tried to ignore the gentleman but he walked closer towards him.

"It's really you! My eyes didn't fool me… We thought you committed suicide!"

Henry turned around and smiled, weakly. "G-greetings to you too, Frederick."

Doctor Treves inclined his head, appraising his former collage closely. "Henry… are you under any medication? You look so…"

"Terminal," he finished for him.

"Exactly… What happened? Why did you disappear over a decade ago? You missed so much…"

"Pressure, Frederick… Hyde harassed me so much, I had to leave the country."

"Mr. Hyde?" Trevers frowned, "That criminal? Didn't Scotland Yard find him yet and put him in the gallows where he belongs?"

Henry shook his head nervously.

"Since Sherlock Holmes' death, they have been pretty inefficient."

"I gather."

"In any case, Henry, I'm glad you're back."

Jekyll tried to offer a smile, "How are you, Frederick. I heard you had to deal with the very Elephant Man. Was the experience as horrid as I imagine?"

Treves' face contorted in sorrow, "John was the most remarkable man I knew. Beneath that monstrous guise, hid the noblest heart. He died last year…"

"I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"I don't fault you. I am to blame, I should have taken care of him better… You my excuse me, the loss is still near to my heart."

Henry nodded, patting his forearm politely. "I understand."

"By the way, Henry… Did you know Mr. Utterson disappeared mysteriously a few days after your feigned suicide?"

A cold chill ran in Henry's spine. "He did?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so. You were close friends with him, weren't you? I was hopping that you confirmed if Mr. Utterson went hiding as well."

"Well… I…"

The fluttering of heavy wings attracted Jekyll's attention. A raven had posed on the door, over the gargoyle head. His soulless, black eyes stared at Henry with interest. Good God, he didn't need this now, Edward was enough to haunt his life.

"D-don't ask me more of this, Frederick, I implore!"

Treves shot him a confused glance. His lips parted to utter a reply when the ebony bird spoke:

"Nevermore!"

"What the devilry is this?" Frederick's pupils dilated in wonder.

And the raven replied:

"Nevermore!"

The words pierced Henry's soul, a fatal blow to his control. Grief consumed him. "No longer I will see Mr. Utterson?"

"Nevermore!"

"Henry…?" Treves stepped forward, stretching an arm to grasp his collage's shoulder. Jekyll snapped it away, his face was red, facial hair started growing.

"Please, Frederick. Run away while you can…"

The peak of the grim prophet parted once more.

"Nevermore!"

"Don't contradict me in this… I just need a glass of water… Can you bring it to me, please?" Henry wrapped his arms around his upper form, not allowing Treves to distinguish the changes. How the buttons of his shirt had flown away, how the back of his coat was being ripped by his growing body.

"O-of course. Stay here…" Frederick replied, taking his leave back to the crowd, leaving Henry with the crow.

"How many times will you repeat that phrase, uhm?"

"Nevermorack!"

A huge hand grasped the black bird, squeezing the life out of it slowly. Breaking his bones, causing internal bleeding and disabling it to breathe.

"Thought so, nevermore you'll speak." Hyde smirked, bringing the raven to his mouth. He munched the remains and swallowed it.

Sour chicken. He spat some of the feathers, using the leg of the raven to clean his teeth of any avian remain.

A bat flew in his direction, shifting to human form at a discreet distance. "Isn't what is being offered in the table enough for you?" Alucard asked amused by the brute's display.

"No, I have a special diet," Edward cracked his shoulders, tossing aside Henry's coat. It was too small for him. "So do you for what I see." He eyed the trail of blood coming from his mouth.

"I was ordered not to bite or kill. What's a little sip or two between dancing partners?" Alucard laughed, wiping away the blood with his dexterous tongue.

"Semantics are wonderful, aren't they?"

"You haven't threatened yet, Gorilla. Should I be offended?"

"Miss Murray ordered me to leave you in peace for tonight. Semantics again, I'll be free to settle our differences tomorrow."

"Speaking of Mina… We should search for the White Hunter and the Harpy…" Alucard's eyes glowed in anticipation. "I want to claim my prey as fast as I can."

"Hmm yesss," Edward agreed. "I suggest we start in the private section."

"Ah, then it is the truth. I thought my imagination was playing games with my perception."

"No truth yet… but soon. Or so Henry believes. Then again, Henry also thought of himself strong enough to contain me. Rubbish."

Alucard lifted a brow, changing subjects, it wasn't his bloody business either way. "Well, Mr Hyde… Shall we?" He offered his arm, smirking with a deviant glee.

"I'm temped to disobey Miss Murray and break your arm," Hyde remarked, striding to the gathering. Gaining a few gasps of the audience to his vile look.

"Oh, but Edward… I love violence of any kind."

--------------

Allan was searching for Mina and the rest, wondering how could a great tracker as himself could be lost in this house. His old bones were growing tired. The White Hunter paused to drink some wine. The liquid would refresh him. But didn't have a chance to pick up the goblet. A furry creature jumped to the table and snapped it out of his hand. He was of the size of a young child, thin, hairy and with pointed ears.

"Good evening, gentleman!" the being did a courteous bow. "For I am Puck, Robin Goodfellow and I have much to offer to you good sir."

He smiled, tiny, sharp teeth shone with malice. Allan merely stared still in shock at the odd creature.

"Now that I have your attention. Let me tell you this wine doesn't suit you. Nor what you seek or really wish." Puck drank it all and dropping the goblet to the floor. Then smirked, tossing Allan a pipe with "S. H." in golden inscriptions on it. "For the journey is tiresome and the sweet poison of your lungs is what you want… No one will know… Just a sip," he winked mischievously.

Allan looked down the pipe then to Puck again. He was trying to leave his opium addiction but, perhaps the creature was right, in any case the whole place smelled like the delicious poppy powder. He was breathing the remains of the drug, it wouldn't make any difference, would it?

"Well, thank you, Mr… Goodfellow."

Puck tsked, feigning innocence. "Don't mention it, good sir. Glad to be of service, and in doubt contact me. An audience with the Fae majesty, I have now." He bowed again. "Good night unto you all." Stirring his arm to hold Allan's hand, he continued to recite. "Give me your hands, if we be friends." And after he disappeared in a blink, his disbodied voice finished: "And Robin shall restore amends."

Allan was speechless, nevertheless he brought the pipe to his lips. To corroborate it was real or an illusion too. The Mansion was full of surprises.

The sweet taste filled Allan again, making him forget his age, his sorrow, himself. He squeezed his eyes shut, stumbling backwards, almost bumping in a dancing couple.

"Look up." A voice warned. Allan stopped and opened his eyes to see nothing. "Down here." His gaze fell down. There was a big cat laying on the floor, hi was smirking in such a way that reminded Quatermain of Alucard. "Be careful, don't step on my tail."

The cat is… talking!

"My… apologies…" He uttered in sheer disbelief. What was next? Flying pigs?

"Only the ones who aren't truly sorry, apologize. The ones who are can't talk about it," the Cat pronounced, giving a yawn.

"Oh. I don't think I'm feeling very well," Allan wiped sweat with his handkerchief. He needed Mina in this moment. She handled these situations better than he. Was he going senile?

"No one is quite well in this party. Including me," the cat curled around in lazy gestures. "I'll be careful of hospitality if I were you. The hidden is opposite to the spoken."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Just remember to not to lose your head over flattering," the Cat smirked while vanishing, until what was visible was his grin. Mocking honesty of the feline's part.

I knew this was a bad idea. Allan felt dizzy inside, he left the pipe on a table, swearing not to smoke for a time if ever. He went to wash his face, to awake his senses. In his way back to the party, he was stopped by a man.

"Oh, but this isn't the famous Allan Quatermain!" the gentleman exclaimed. He was handsome, with a thin moustache and pale features, high cheekbones and neatly brushed, black hair. "I have heard so many things about you. It's the greatest pleasure to meet the White Hunter in person."

"Why, thank you sir," Allan replied, glad to find someone human for a change. Maybe he would request help of the good chap to search his friends.

"Rumours were true, you have come back to the Motherland!"

"Afraid so, but my love for Africa still runs deep."

"You must tell me of your adventures, please Mr. Quatermain. Come to my private cabin, we'll share a couple drinks and laughs."

Allan was going to reject his proposition but there was something… about this nobleman that made him impossible to resist. His movements, his voice, his look, he was charming like an old childhood friend you wished to meet again.

"Of course."

Both, Allan and he arrived to a nicely furnished room where a bottle of cognac was waiting for them. For twenty minutes, Allan talked. His adventures, his tragedies, his loves and enemies. The other one listened patiently, like he was a confessor priest.

Allan paused after a while, bringing the glass to his lips. "I must bore you with my inane prattle."

"Quite the opposite, Allan, you don't mind me to call you Allan do you?" He didn't wait for Quatermain's answer. "I find all this… fascinating… We should go to a trip together someday."

"We should."

"But even if I adore adventures. I'm afraid I have a fragile heart. I can't stand people that might harm me. Could you give me your honour word that you will never go against me? That you won't make any action that will hurt me?"

"Of course I won't, my friend. I promise."

"Excellent." The man smiled, Allan barely noticed the cruel glint inside his eyes.

"What you said your name was again? Memory and age," Allan inquired, lounging on the armchair.

"I didn't, your memory is fine. Forgive my rudeness, I'm Lord Ruthven. At your service."

Allan rose his glass in Ruthven's direction, "Please to meet you, Lord…" That name was familiar to Quatermain, he swore he had heard it in the Court of his time, decades ago. His face was familiar now he gave it a thought… "Ruthven?"

"Is there any problem, Mr. Quatermain?" Ruthven asked in apparent concern. Allan looked at him better. The parlour of his skin, his piercing black eyes and… his elongated canines.

Bloody hell!

"So… you have noticed? Took you quite a long time. It was a fortune the opium affected your brain," Ruthven spoke, all fondness replaced with cruelty. "But you cannot do a dammed thing, old man. You promised me. You won't want to break your word, will you?"

The vampire rose, starting to head towards Allan's side with a neutral expression. "Come now, Mr. Quartermain. You accepted to come along with me in my travels."

The sound of the slamming door drifted Ruthven's attention.

"Allan!" Mina called out, stepping inside the room along with the Canterville Ghost. "Lord Canterville, go and find the rest! Bring them here!"

Canterville inclined his head and floated out, towards the dance floor.

"Mina get out of here!" Allan moved forward, Ruthven's strong arm threw him back to his armchair.

"Oh no she won't… So this is the scandalous Miss Murray? Whose reputation is so ruined already without my acting?" Ruthven chuckled, striding patiently to Mina's direction. "You're a failure, for you family, for the society… Why bother living?"

His words were like Cobra's poison, stung deeply in her resolution. But Mina had heard worse. "Coming from a murderous monster I'll consider it a compliment, Ruthven. You're pitiful, someone should put an end to your misery."

The vampire's face darkened in anger, "Let's see how much you can talk if you lose that tongue of yours." With inhuman speed, Ruthven ran behind her, backhanding Mina and brought her to himself. She was taken aback for the speed, only managed to hide her surprise with a glare.

"Leave her alone, Ruthven," Allan pulled up his Colt out of his coat.

Ruthven lifted Mina as a shield. "You cannot do anything, Quatermain," he smiled serenely. "You swore it. Besides, you'll hit the lovely Mina hereeeeee." He shrieked as a bullet pierced his back. Snarling, he turned to meet Alucard's predatory look and Hyde's angry expression. Behind them, Simon Canterville settled to be the audience of the fight.

Mina felt his grasp on her hands subsiding and took the opportunity to struggle for her freedom. The fan she was holding hid a dagger that she used to stab at his arms.

Yelling in pain, Ruthven released her violently. "You cheap harlot!" he growled, removing the knife and seeking to stab her with it. Hyde stepped between, not giving Ruthven the chance to damage Mina, receiving the blow. It didn't hurt much to him.

"Come now, that's no way to treat Miss Murray," Edward chided darkly, cracking the knuckles of his fingers. Homicidal rage awoke in the dark side of Jekyll, it galled him that anyone dared to harm Mina.

"Stop, Mr. Hyde!" Mina caught his arm, "This is not our mission. Keep in mind that."

"Madam Mina is right," Alucard materialized in front of Ruthven. He smirked, aiming the Webley-Wilkinson to the other vampire. "It's my quarry."

Ruthven scoffed, lunging to the other vampire. "Kinslayer!" he accused.

"Yes. Your point, trash? If you were a true nosferatu you would have misted your way out of here," Alucard taunted, pulling out the trigger twice. The new rounds impacted against Ruthven's temple and chest, inertia made him land on the Count's feet. Alucard put a foot on his head. "Now, Miss Murray. You may want to look away," he commented gleeful.

"What for?"

"I did warn you."

Alucard's bones cracked, fur grew from his extremities. He lowered himself in four legs position to take the shape of a dire wolf who started lapping the blood out of Ruthven's face. He grunted in return, still not dead yet.

Mina looked at this in puzzlement, her eyes went wide to the realization of what Alucard was going to do next.

With a wolfish grin, the vampire bit down the undead flesh beneath him, starting to feast in his fallen 'brother' body while Ruthven screamed of pain.

Mina was disgusted. "What an animal. Was this necessary? He could have incinerated the body. Much cleaner."

"No, you yourself said it, Mina," Allan replied, patting her shoulder. "He's an animal, he needs to eat his prey to become stronger."

Mina's gaze tore away from the gruesome meal to focus in the ghost instead. Simon had appeared to their side when Ruthven was defeated. "You are free now," she mused aloud.

"Not quite. I can rest in peace until something else menaces the Otis," Canterville corrected her. "Thank you, Madam. You're the bravest soul trapped in such fragile body," ghostly hands lifted her hand to his lips to press a chaste kiss. "Farewell, milady."

The spirit glowed in an orb of light until there were no traces of him in sight. Alucard, who had finished his dinner, shifted back to human form.

"The phantom is gone? Pity, I thought he was going to become a part of your private monster collection, Madam Mina."

"They don't belong to me, Alucard. Nor they are as monstrous as you," Mina defended her collages, looking down at the ashen remains of Ruthven. No blood at all. The red Count had sucked it. "Congratulations, Count. I bid you welcome to the British service."

"Not of my free will. But…" Alucard cleaned his bloodied teeth with his tongue. "It has his benefits to be a Monster of England."